Tag: DD

Diverticular Disease/ Diverticulosis Vs Diverticulitis

Posted in Diet, digestive health, Diverticular Disease/Diverticulosis/Diverticulitis, General health, IBD, IBS, UncategorizedTagged , , , , , , , , , , 6 Comments

Is there a difference between diverticular disease/ diverticulosis and diverticulitis?

Yes, quite an important one, too and here’s what it is…

DIVERTICULAR DISEASE/DIVERTICULOSIS

The condition of having diverticula or ‘pouches’ along the wall of the large intestine.

This disease is thought by most medical professionals to be symptom-free. However, lots of Diverticular disease (DD)/Diverticulosis sufferers will tell you differently. The truth, really is that it’s not a condition that is very well known and the symptoms of it appear difficult to record and monitor since they vary so much from person to person and can be confused with other digestive tract problems such as IBS.

Generally, it is thought that those who have a diet lacking in fibre or who live an unhealthy lifestyle are more likely to develop diverticula in their bowel over time. However, there are suggestions involving a genetic predisposition to develop them, too.

DIVERTICULITIS

When one or more diverticula becomes infected and/or inflamed.

A lot of medical terms or parts of them come from either Greek or latin origins and diverticulitis is an example of this. The –itis suffix comes from greek and means inflammation or infection. We see this with lots of other words too, for example, tonsillitis, arthritis, etc.

Diverticulitis is an infection or inflammation of one or more diverticula in the bowel. The reason for diverticulitis is not well understood, but it is thought that living a healthy lifestyle and keeping stress to a minimum can reduce the likelihood of it taking place. However, there is no guaranteed magical fix-it that will work to keep you free of infection. It is often detected by the use of blood tests and CT scans. However, some doctors use X-rays as a fast way to check for perforations of the bowel, too.

Diverticulitis can vary from being mild to severe with complications. For the very mildest episodes a clear liquid and low residue diet will help you get through. However, for other cases antibiotics may be required or even in some cases hospitalisation and even surgery.

It’s worth mentioning that the overwhelming majority of those with diverticular disease/diverticulosis never get diverticulitis! And, out of those who do get it, only a few get repeated episodes and/or surgery.

So, remember, the diverticular disease/diverticulosis is the presence of diverticula or pouches in the intestine whereas diverticulitis is an infection or inflammation of one or more diverticula. It’s important to know whether a diagnosis of diverticular disease/diverticulosis or diverticulitis is given to know how best to deal with it is.  

Do you have Diverticular Disease/Diverticulosis? Have you ever had diverticulitis?

What is a clear liquid diet?

Posted in Diet, Diverticular Disease/Diverticulosis/Diverticulitis, IBS, Medical examinations, UncategorizedTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 6 Comments

Sometimes when we have problems with our stomach or digestive system, we may be asked by our doctors to stick to a clear liquid diet for a couple of days.

So, what can we have while on a clear liquid diet? Well, that depends a little bit on why you’re following it. For example, if you are preparing for surgery or a colonoscopy, you may have extra restrictions in place.

Generally, though, clear liquid diets involve anything that is a clear liquid at room temperature. Examples of acceptable foods and drinks on a clear liquid diet are:

  • Water
  • chicken, beef or vegetable broth (strained to remove any pieces)
  • Black coffee/tea (no milks or creamers)
  • Herbal/green teas
  • clear soda drinks (e.g. Sprite/7up)
  • Jelly/Jello (US)
  • Clear fruit juices without pulp (e.g. clear apple juice)
  • Clear ice lollies/popsicles
  • drinks made from powdered sachets (e.g. Kool Aid, Bolero, etc.)

It’s a good idea to avoid any clear foods or drinks that have red or purple dyes. These can stain the inside of the bowel, making it look inflamed or can cause alarm if vomiting.

Are there any side effects of a clear liquid diet?

Well, this diet is not intended to be followed long term since it cannot provide all of the nutrients you need. You may notice while on a clear liquid diet that you feel hungry, maybe a little nausea at times and you may feel weak or tired. This is quite normal.

DISCLAIMER: If you are diabetic, please seek advice from your doctor before undertaking a clear liquid diet.

Have you been on a clear liquid diet before? How did it go? Let me know in the comments.