Most of the time you won’t even notice they are there. However, if circumstances change, home remedies are often helpful.
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After my last colonoscopy, I received the good news that there was no cancer or precancerous polyps. But with the good news came another discovery. Although he has no symptoms, he has diverticulosis and hemorrhoids. This news may be puzzling, but don’t worry. Both conditions are common and usually do not cause problems.
diverticulosis
Diverticulosis is the term used to describe the presence of diverticula. Diverticula are bag-like structures that form in the muscular wall of the colon and bulge outward. Between 40% and 60% of people have them, and they become more common as you get older. It tends to focus on her sigmoid colon, which is just above her rectum.
Diverticulosis only causes symptoms if one of the diverticula bleeds or becomes infected. If bleeding occurs, it tends to be heavy for a short period of time but usually stops on its own. We don’t know what causes diverticular bleeding, only that something has damaged the blood vessels in the sac. Even if the bleeding stops on its own, you may still lose a lot of blood, so seek medical attention.
In some people, diverticula can become infected. This is called diverticulitis. It is not clear why or how diverticulitis develops. Age, obesity, lack of exercise, and a low-fiber diet are risk factors for this condition.
The typical symptom of diverticulitis is lower abdominal pain, often on the left side. Fever; changes in bowel habits, such as loose stools or constipation. In mild cases, antibiotics may not even be necessary. However, in most cases, doctors initially give oral antibiotics to prevent symptoms from worsening. People with more severe illness, such as those with an abscess (pocket of infection) or pus that needs to be drained, often require hospitalization with intravenous antibiotics.
Prevention of trouble
It is not yet clear whether diverticulosis or diverticulitis can be prevented. Exercise, controlling your weight, eating less red meat and more fiber may help. Some data suggest that increasing dietary fiber may reduce the risk of developing diverticula and the risk of developing symptoms if you already have diverticula.
Adults should get 25 to 30 grams of fiber each day from foods such as beans, whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. Fiber supplements may also be helpful. However, add fiber to your diet slowly, as increasing your fiber intake too quickly can cause gas and bloating.
What about the warning that eating foods with small seeds can increase your risk of diverticulitis? Previously, seeds, nuts, and popcorn could get stuck in the bag and cause irritation and infection. There was a theory that this could increase the risk of diverticulosis and diverticulitis. But that has never been proven. Seeds and nuts are important sources of fiber.
hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids have a negative connotation, but we all have pillow-like clusters of veins in the lower lining of our rectum and anus that help prevent stool leakage. However, if the swelling increases, it will not help you and can even cause leakage, in addition to pain, itching, and bleeding.
What causes hemorrhoids to swell? Veins are held in place by connective tissue. When the tissue weakens, the hemorrhoid swells. Weakening of the tissue can be caused by a combination of genetics and pressure from sitting on the toilet for too long or straining too much during bowel movements. Pregnancy is also a common trigger.
When hemorrhoids in the lower rectum (internal hemorrhoids) swell, they may bleed, resulting in bright red blood in the toilet. However, you won’t feel hemorrhoids unless they itch beyond your anus.
The hemorrhoids that most people complain about (called external hemorrhoids) are located on the outside of the anus. When it swells, the overlying skin becomes inflamed and eroded, which can be itchy and painful. Blood clots can form inside the hemorrhoid and can be very painful.
Treatment and prevention
Hemorrhoids are usually diagnosed by medical history and physical examination. Home remedies are usually effective in treating external hemorrhoids. Sitting in a warm bath can help soothe inflamed hemorrhoids. And lifestyle changes can also make a difference. Avoid sitting on the toilet for long periods of time or straining to allow the stool to pass. He suggests increasing your fiber intake. Use a stool softener such as Docusate (Colace). For constipation, use a mild laxative such as polyethylene glycol 3350 (Miralax).
Troublesome internal hemorrhoids are usually resolved with a minimally invasive procedure performed in the doctor’s office.