Intestinal diverticulosis

Schiffer LM, Faloon WW, Chodos RB Malabsorption syndrome associated with intestinal diverticulosis. Gastroenterology 1962 42 63-68. 

Elsborg L Malabsorption in small intestinal diverticulosis treated with a low dosage sul-phonamide-trimethoprim. Dan Med Bull 1977 24 33-35. 

Small intestine diverticulosis, 528 a-Smegmamycolic acid, 158 Smect, 135 Soap... 

Antiflatulents are used for die relief of painful symptoms of excess gas in the digestive tract. These drugs are useful as adjunctive treatment of any condition in which gas retention may be a problem (ie, postoperative gaseous distention, air swallowing, dyspepsia, peptic ulcer, irritable colon, or diverticulosis). In addition to its use for tiie relief of intestinal gas, charcoal may be used in the prevention of nonspecific pruritus associated with kidney dialysis treatment and as an antidote in poisoning. Simethicone is in some antacid products, such as Mylanta liquid and Di-Gel liquid. 

Rifaximin, a nonabsorbable derivative of rifamycin, has shown promising bactericidal action against both aerobes and anaerobes, such as bacterioides, lactobacilli and clostridia [33, 34], The development of resistance to this antibiotic can occur, but resistant strains rapidly disappear from the intestine thus allowing cyclic administration of rifaximin. Controlled clinical trials showed efficacy of rifaximin in adult and pediatric patients with infectious diarrhea [36,37], hepatic encephalopathy [38], post-surgical complications [39] and colonic diverticulosis [40], Only recently was the efficacy of rifaximin in the treatment of SIBO demonstrated [41-43]. 

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. 

Q13 Unless the diverticula are removed by a surgical procedure, which is usually not necessary, Daria has some risk of recurrence. However, if her diet is adjusted to contain more dietary fibre, transit of intestinal contents will be enhanced without the development of a high intraluminal pressure, and the chance of recurrence is greatly diminished. Fortunately, the majority of patients with known diverticulosis remain asymptomatic throughout their lifetime. 

A barium X ray shows a patient with diverticulosis (an intestinal disorder). PHOTOGRAPH BY MICHAEL ENGLISH. CUSTOM MEDICAL STOCK PHOTO. 

Powdered bulk-forming laxatives come in flavored and sugar-free preparations and should be mixed in a glass of water or juice, stirred. The patient should drink it immediately, followed by a half to a full glass of water. Insufficient fluid intake can cause the drug to solidify in the GI tract, resulting in intestinal obstruction. Bulk-forming laxatives do not cause dependence and may be used by patients with diverticulosis, irritable bowel syndrome, ileostomy and colostomy. 

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