Product Description

Diverticular disease is a digestive disorder caused by enflamed diverticula, or pouches, in the colon. A common cause is constipation due to lack of fibre in the diet. Diverticulitis is extremely common, and a half to two thirds of all people in Europe and North America will experience it, while around 6,500 people a year are admitted to hospital because of diverticulitis in the UK, and 440,000 in the US. Many more require outpatient treatment. Symptoms may include cramps, bloating, constipation, fever, nausea, vomiting, chills, abdominal pain, and rectal bleeding, while complications may include peritonitis. Treatment is with antibiotics, though lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise can make a great difference; a person's state of mind can also be an influence. This book looks at the treatment and self-management of diverticular disease - while the doctor can help, much can be done by the individual to minimise the effect of this condition. Subjects covered include: types of diverticular disease; diagnosis and tests; treatment, including laxatives, fluids and antibiotics; exercise and rest; diet and probiotics; and emotions and living with diverticular disease.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #86556 in Books
• Published on: 2007-05-01
• Format: Illustrated
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 122 pages

From the Publisher
Diverticular disease (DD) is a digestive disorder caused by
enflamed diverticula, or pouches, in the colon. A common cause is
constipation due to lack of fibre in the diet. Diverticulitis is very
common, with about 60,000 new cases diagnosed each year in the UK and
300,000 in the USA. Symptoms are usually persistent abdominal pain plus
disturbed bowel function (constipation or diarrhoea or alternating between
the two). Diverticulitis sometimes becomes very severe leading to
perforation of the bowel, forming an abscess or rarely peritonitis. Some
people with diverticula experience irritable bowel symptoms, such as
crampy/colicky pain plus bloating/flatulence and a feeling of incomplete
emptying of the bowels. Rectal bleeding is also a symptom in some people
although this usually remedies itself. This book looks at the treatment and
self-management of DD - while the doctor can help, particularly with
antibiotics, much can be done by the individual to minimise the effects of
this condition.

From the Author
My mother suffered from diverticulitis, and she tended to
worry about the possibility of surgery. Unfortunately, at the time there
was very little information available to reassure her. I am delighted to
have the opportunity to fill the gap with an easy-to-read book. I have
drawn upon my 18 years' experience in national self-help and patient
associations to 'translate' reliable scientific information into everyday
language relevant to the interests of people with diverticular disease
(DD). You may find of particular interest the chapter on the causes of DD,
in which evidence is presented in a way that will help you to make up your
own mind on this important question. Similarly, the chapter on dietary
fibre is comprehensive, and explains not only how to increase the amount of
fibre consumed and the types of fibre available, but also the circumstances
when a low-fibre diet may be preferable. Each chapter can be read by itself
and you can return to the book if and when your DD raises a new challenge.
I do hope you find this book informative and encouraging and that your DD
will soon cease to be a trouble to you.

From the Back Cover
'This is a very helpful book for people with diverticular
disease, and their families and close friends. It is clearly written and
easy to understand.' Lesley Woolnough, Executive Director of Incontact
(national bladder and bowel charity)

'This book, and in particular the chapter relating to diet, provides the
rare combination of scientific accuracy and readability...essential reading
for patients.' Dr Kevin Whelan, Lecturer in Nutritional Sciences, King's
College, London

Customer Reviews

At long last a book written in an understandable language
Finally a book written not only for sufferers but family too.My husband had no understanding until I made him read this book.Written in an understandable format makes it an easy read.Gives fact's without fiction & highlights the highs & lows of living with this disease.

Coping with diverticulitis
This is an excellent book written with the experiences of people who have suffered from this disease. If you suffer from this, I am absolutely certain that you will find the information contained in this book to be really useful and helpful for you. Highest possible recommendation!

greater understanding
This book clearly outlines what diverticulitis is and helps you to understand what is happening to your body. Armed with greater knowledge about the condition and possible treatments, you are able to make more effective choices. I would definitely recommend it to those who have been diagnosed with the disease, and those who simply suspect they may have it.