What causes Diverticulosis?
The incidence of diverticulosis increases with age, with 5-10% of people affected by the age of 50. It is, unfortunately, related to the high fat, low fiber diets commonly consumed in developed countries. Anywhere between 10-25% of people will exhibit symptoms related to diverticular disease in their lifetimes. It is unclear why some people develop symptoms, while others do not. How is Diverticulosis treated? Treatment of diverticular disease is multi-faceted. Fiber supplementation has been advocated to reduce the complications and symptoms of diverticular disease. Use of a common prescription laxative, lactulose, has been advocated to reduce symptoms in patients experiencing symptoms related to diverticular disease. Bulk fiber laxatives, such as Citrucel may help the digestive system work more efficiently, thereby reducing strain on the colon. After an acute episode, physicians will often recommend examinations of the colon via colonoscopy or barium enema. Carefully monitoring diet in
