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Wednesday, November 6, 2024

The Common Gut Condition You’ve Never Heard of

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Diverticular disease is an often overlooked yet surprisingly common gut condition that, in the UK, affects 1 in 3 people in their lifetime.

Despite its prevalence, many remain unaware of its existence and associated symptoms, leading to a lack of diagnosis and reduced quality of life.

The charity Guts UK is raising awareness of this often painful disease and encouraging people with symptoms to seek medical advice. 

Diverticular disease is characterised by the formation of small pouches in the walls of the colon, known as diverticula.

Although the exact cause is still unknown, the condition primarily affects individuals over the age of 40, with symptoms ranging from lower abdominal pain and bloating to changes in bowel habits, and sometimes the presence of mucus or blood in stools. 

Most people with diverticular disease will never have any complications and can carry on with their lives as normal, but symptoms may develop and become difficult to live with.

In some cases complications can occur including inflammation, high temperature, nausea, vomiting or serious bowel conditions, such as colitis or bowel perforation.

Diverticulitis can occur when one or more diverticula become inflamed or infected.

There were over 140,000 hospital admissions for diverticular disease in the last 12 months and this number is on the rise.

It is still uncertain what causes diverticular disease but it has been associated with lifestyle factors and is more common amongst people with an unhealthy high body weight.

Although it’s more likely to develop after the age of 40, cases are now on the rise in younger people.

While there is no specific medical treatment for diverticular disease, there are things that patients can do to manage symptoms and reduce the risk of them worsening.

This might include diet and lifestyle changes such as eating more fibre and losing weight if appropriate.

Doctors may also prescribe simple painkillers, medicines to reduce stomach cramps, constipation or diarrhoea, and antibiotics if necessary. 

Sophie Miller, age 23 from the north of Scotland, was diagnosed with diverticular disease in 2023, she said:

“I’d been having stomach pains, an intense stitch-like, uncomfortable pain around my bowels and I noticed blood when I went to the toilet.

“I was really embarrassed, so I didn’t say anything to anyone for months.

“Eventually the pain became too intense and I had to go to hospital and, after further tests, I was diagnosed with diverticular disease.

“I’ve since had help to manage my physical symptoms as well as the anxiety I used to suffer from as a result of my flare-ups. I’d encourage anyone experiencing symptoms to see their doctor.

“If it is diverticular disease then they can help you manage it.”

Suzanne Hudson, CEO at Guts UK, said:

“It’s alarming to think that, during their lifetime, 1 in 3 people may be living with diverticular disease without knowing it.

“We want to empower individuals to understand their gut health better and to seek help if they experience any symptoms.

“Awareness is the first step towards improved quality of life for millions of people.”

For expert, evidence-based information on diverticular disease, or to use the Guts UK “Poo-Torial” – a handy tool designed to help people better understand their bowel movements – visit the Guts UK website. 

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