Constipation diverticulitis

Disorders of the GI tract (e.g., irritable bowel syndrome or diverticulitis), metabolic disorders (e.g., diabetes), or endocrine disorders (e.g., hypothyroidism) may cause constipation. 

Besides causing loss of appetite and quality of life, longstanding and severe constipation can lead to diverticulosis, diverticulitis and in worst cases perforation of the large intestine with life threatening peritonitis (McConnell et al. 2003). Diverticulosis, irritable bowel syndrome and haemorrhoids are caused by chronic constipation and can lead to bleeding and anaemia. 

Diverticulitis refers to the extension of mucosal pouches outv/ards from the external muscle v/all into the gastrointestinal tract. Diverticulitis is accompanied by colicky pain lasting for a fev/ days. The condition may be accompanied by constipation or diarrhoea and blood in stools. 

Magnesium Oxide (Mag-Ox 400, Others) [OTC] [Antacid, Magnesium Supplement/Magnesium Salt] Uses R lace low Mg levels Action Mg supl Dose 400-800 mg/d daily-qid w/ full glass of HjO Caution [B, +] Contra UlcCTative colitis, diverticulitis, ileostomy/colostomy, heart block, renal insuff Disp Caps 140 mg tabs 400 mg (OTC) SE D, N Inter actions X Effects OF chlordiaz oxide, dicumarol, digoxin, indomethacin, INH, quinolones, tetracyclines EMS Monitor ECG for hypokalemia (flattened T waves) OD Unlikely to cause life-threatening Sxs, but may cause D, constipation, cramps, and abd pain symptomatic and supportive... 

A high-fiber diet is effective in the prevention of constipation and diverticulitis. Claims also have been made that such diets prevent cancer of the colon. Such allegations require further study. 

Since clear advantages accrue from a high-bran diet (a reduction in both constipation and diverticulitis) and since there is no associated toxicity, a bulk-forming laxative is the laxative of choice for constipated patients. 

Common complaints are constipation and bloating, usually relieved by increasing dietary fiber or mixing psyllium seed with the resin. Resins should be avoided in patients with diverticulitis. Heartburn and diarrhea are occasionally reported. 

Constipation is a frequently reported problem in the elderly, probably the result of improper diets (low in fiber and liquids), diminished abdominal waU mnscular strength, and possibly diminished physical activity. However, as previously stated, the frequency of bowel movements is not decreased with normal aging. In addition, diseases that may cause constipation, such as colon cancer and diverticulitis, are more common with increasing age. Table 36-5 lists common causes of constipation in specific disease states. 

The clinical diagnosis and assessment of acute colonic diverticulitis can be difficult (Chappuis and Cohn 1988). The classic pattern of left lower quadrant pain, tenderness, fever, and leukocytosis is suggestive of acute colonic diverticulitis but can be mimicked by numerous acute abdominal conditions. Symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhoea lead to a high rate of wrong diagnosis up to 34% of cases. 

It is risky to administer a laxative or an enema to a person who complains of abdominal pain suggestive of appendicitis because these treatments may cause an inflamed appendix to rupture. However, such pain may also be due to constipation, ileitis or ileocolitis, infection of the kidneys, inflamed pouches on the wall of the colon (the condition called diverticulitis), or certain pelvic disorders in women. 

It is believed that chronic constipation is a major cause of this disorder, which may become very painful if the pouches become inflamed. The inflammation is called diverticulitis. Although it was once thought that a low-fiber diet was an appropriate treatment, it has recently been found that a high-fiber diet is the best means of both prevention and treatment. 

Improves gastrointestinal functionality increases bile acid binding, fecal bulk, and reduces constipation, hemorrhoids, diverticulitis, and cancer of the large bowel... 

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