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What Causes Diverticular Disease In Elderly?

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Posted on Tue, 28 Apr 2015
Question: I am a 76 year old married male.
I have a problem in my abdomen that creats discomfort (not pain) every night about 2 hours after going to sleep. The only thing that seems to help or reduce the discomfort is Ibruprofen. This has been going on for at least 12 months. I get very little sleep.
I have had recently a CT SCan & a MRI scan that shows "uncomplicated diverticulosis of the colon", A blood test for "coeliac" was negative.
Where do I go from here?
Regards
John Dent

doctor
Answered by Dr. Ajit Naniksingh Kukreja (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Manage Your Bowel Habits

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for writing in

With the CT and MRI confirming diverticular disease, the pain appears because the diverticula get inflammed

Diverticulosis is a condition that develops when pouches form in the wall of the colon . These pouches are usually very small (5 to 10 millimeters) in diameter but can be larger.

You need to manage your bowel habits, Add extra fiber in diet or supplement

A good probiotic or a serving of Yougurt daily

Avoid getting constipated and do not strain while passing stool

Avoid food that cause gas, I mean avoid fried fermented and junk food

Diverticula can get inflammed, ruptured and/or cause adhesions locally, which will endup in surgical intervention

A tablet of ibuprofen when pain is not bearable is Ok but do not take lot of pain killers, instead prevent pain by measures I have advised

Hope this helps
Do write back in case of concern
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ajit Naniksingh Kukreja (1 hour later)
Hi Dr Kukreja

What I about my symptoms? These do NOT relate to pain but discomfort. Somrething like a bubleing sensation that ccurs always 2 hours after going to sleep. Whatever time I go to sleep. Are these symptoms consistant with Diverticulosis?

I already take a probiotic on a daily basis.

We do not eat "junk food". I am already on a high fibre diet.

What about Helicobacter Pylori? I have had problems in the past (at least 15 years ago) with this condition when my wife had surgery for Hiatus Hernia.

I believe that this can occurr because of severe stress. In July 2013 I had TURP surgery that had unwanted and unexpected side effects . This led to 3 episodes of internal bladder bleeding leading on each occasion to bladder retention and emergency visits to our local Accident & Emergency Hospital. The pain was so severe on each occasion that I passed out. The condition only settled down in September 2013.

Could this have caused the above infection to start up again?

Regards

John Dent
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ajit Naniksingh Kukreja (12 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Could be gastritis with collitis

Detailed Answer:
Hi Thanks for writing in again

It is good to know you are aware of your health status

Yes gastritis due to stress can cause discomfort 2 hours after going to bed

I would suggest you rule out colitis also by getting your stool report done

Helicobactor pylori is a bacteria documented to cause gastritis for that you need to go for a lab test or Endoscopy

It is sad to know you has complications after turp surgery

I would give a trial of rabeprazole along with domperidone twice a day for seven to ten days before going for further evaluation

Hope this helps
Do write back in case you have any questions
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Ajit Naniksingh Kukreja

Gastrointestinal Surgeon

Practicing since :1984

Answered : 925 Questions

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What Causes Diverticular Disease In Elderly?

Brief Answer: Manage Your Bowel Habits Detailed Answer: Hi Thanks for writing in With the CT and MRI confirming diverticular disease, the pain appears because the diverticula get inflammed Diverticulosis is a condition that develops when pouches form in the wall of the colon . These pouches are usually very small (5 to 10 millimeters) in diameter but can be larger. You need to manage your bowel habits, Add extra fiber in diet or supplement A good probiotic or a serving of Yougurt daily Avoid getting constipated and do not strain while passing stool Avoid food that cause gas, I mean avoid fried fermented and junk food Diverticula can get inflammed, ruptured and/or cause adhesions locally, which will endup in surgical intervention A tablet of ibuprofen when pain is not bearable is Ok but do not take lot of pain killers, instead prevent pain by measures I have advised Hope this helps Do write back in case of concern