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Questions and Answers
- Q
- Hi, I'm writing because my mother just had a foot of her colon removed
due to diverticulitis. She said that her aunt had diverticulitis too.
So now I'm worried that I might get it. Is this heriditary? If it is,
what can I do to either prevent it or keep it down?
- A
- No, not hereditary, however, since the incidence in
N. America is about 1/1,000 people, your relatives' afflication would be
coincidental. Risk factors are older age and history of diverticula - and
possibly a low fibre diet.
Once formed, diverticula are permanent. No treatment
has been found to prevent complications. Diet high in fibre increases stool
bulk and prevents constipation, and theoretically may help prevent further
diverticular formation or worsening of the condition. Bulk additives such as
Metamucil are also used.
Most attacks of diverticulitis, usually mild, are
treated conservatively with bed rest, antibiotics, etc. Recurrent attacks or
presence of perforation, fistula, or abscess will likely require surgical
resection.
Best wishes.
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