PART 1: IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is an extremely common condition and is estimated to affect up to one-third of the population to some extent. It is more common in women than men and affects women more in their 20s than other age groups. The syndrome is not the same as ulcerative colitis, which has inflammation of the colon; there is no inflammation associated with IBS.
SYMPTOMS
IBS symptoms include repeated abdominal pain with occasional diarrhoea, alternating with constipation, abdominal bloating, tenderness and swelling and sometimes headache and anxiety. In irritable bowel syndrome, peristalsis is stronger and more frequent than normal. Peristalsis is when the bowel contents are moved along by a succession of rhythmical tightening and relaxation of segments of the intestine.
The effect of this may be to make bowel activity much more noisy than normal. The pain can occur in any part of the intestinal tract. IBS can be exacerbated by eating and relieved by going to the toilet. There can be an urgency to empty the bowels soon after meals. Other symptoms include:
- Burping.
- Bad breath.
- Excessive gas production.
- Headache.
- Tiredness.
- Nausea.
- A sense of incomplete emptying after going to the toilet.
CAUSES
The cause of irritable bowel syndrome remains largely unknown and it is often associated with stress. Up to 60 per cent of people with the syndrome have psychological symptoms such as anxiety and depression. Hormonal changes, more so in women (ie, during menstruation), may exacerbate symptoms. It sometimes develops after a gastrointestinal infection. Increased sensitivity or intolerance to certain foods can be a contributory factor.
DIAGNOSIS
A doctor will generally make a diagnosis of IBS from the typical symptoms, along with a physical examination. There is no blood or any other test to diagnose IBS. In some cases, further investigation may be needed to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms. Further investigation may be needed if:
- The person is over 45 years old.
- There is bleeding from the rectum.
- There is blood with the stools.
- There is weight loss or anaemia.
- There are signs of infection.
- There is a family history of cancer or inflammatory bowel disease.
SELF HELP DO:
- Eat more home cooked and fresh food.
- Avoid stress.
- Exercise more.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Try probiotics (can help some people).
- Keep a note of what you eat over a couple of weeks to help you to identify the foods that trigger your symptoms.
DO NOT:
- Eat a lot of processed food.
- Regularly eat fatty and spicy foods.
- Skip meals.
- Eat quickly.
- Drink more than three cups of tea or coffee daily.
- Regularly drink alcohol or fizzy drinks.
- Eat more than three portions of fresh fruit daily.
- Smoke (smoking worsens symptoms).
TIPS TO EASE BLOATING, CRAMPS, AND TRAPPED WIND
- Regularly eat porridge (contains oats) for breakfast.
- Add linseeds to your diet (can be added to porridge or yogurt).
- Avoid hard-to-digest foods such as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, beans, onions, and dried fruit.
- Avoid the sweetener sorbitol.
DRUG TREATMENT
Several drugs are effective in quieting-down the excessive bowel activity and relieving the pain. Antispasmodic drugs such as peppermint oil, mebeverine, alverine citrate and hyoscine can slow contractions in the bowel, which helps reduce diarrhoea and pain. Effective anti-diarrhoeal drugs such as loperamide can be used when necessary. For constipation, an osmotic laxative is preferred over stimulant laxatives. Simethicone is available over the counter in pharmacies in several products to relieve excess gas. It works by dispersing gas in the stomach.
RESISTANT IBS
If IBS is not clearing up with traditional lifestyle changes and drugs recommended for IBS, and if other conditions are ruled out, then antidepressants may be prescribed on an unlicensed basis to see if they will help. Low-dose amitriptyline (tricyclic antidepressant) can be trialled for abdominal pain or discomfort as a secondline option in those who have not responded to antispasmodics, anti-motility drugs, or laxatives. A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor may be tried in those who fail to respond to a tricyclic antidepressant.
PART 2: DIVERTICULAR DISEASE AND DIVERTICULITIS
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN IRRITABLE BOWEL DISEASE (IBS) AND DIVERTICULAR DISEASE
As a lot of the symptoms of both conditions are similar, they can be difficult to distinguish. One distinguishing factor is that the pain associated with IBS tends to be a crampingtype pain and tends to be relieved by eliminating foods that contribute to it, whereas the pain from diverticular disease is more constant, not associated to meals/ foods and is more associated with the lowerleft side of the abdomen. Diverticular disease is more common in older people and gets worse with age, while IBS is more common in younger people, especially younger women.
Diverticular disease tends to affect both sexes equally, while IBS is more common in women. Diverticular disease is due to increased pressure on the intestinal wall from inside the intestine and is attributed to a low-fibre diet. The exact cause of IBS is not known and has exacerbating factors such as stress, hormone changes (especially in women) and intolerance to some foods. A high-fibre diet is the mainstay prevention of diverticulosis and diverticulitis. Diverticulitis is considered a more serious condition than IBS and in more severe cases, requires antibiotics and even surgery in very severe cases.
CAUSES OF DIVERTICULAR DISEASE AND DIVERTICULITIS
Diverticular disease and diverticulitis are two closely-related digestive conditions that affect the large intestine (colon). Small bulges occur on the lining of the intestines; these pouches or bulges can become inflamed or infected, which leads to symptoms. Symptoms of diverticular disease include lower abdominal pain and bloating. Diverticulitis is more serious than diverticular disease and symptoms include more severe abdominal pain and a high temperature of 38ºC or above.
DIVERTICULA
Diverticula (plural) is the medical term used to describe the small pouches that stick out of the side of the large intestine (colon). Diverticula are quite common and are associated with ageing. The pressure of hard stools passing through a large intestine that has become weakened with age causes the pouches to form. Approximately 50 per cent of the population suffers from diverticula by the time they are 50 years old, and 70 per cent have diverticula by the time they are 80 years old. Most people with diverticula do not have any symptoms; this is known as diverticulosis.
DIVERTICULAR DISEASE
One-in-four people who develop diverticula will experience symptoms such as abdominal pain. Having symptoms associated with diverticula is known as diverticular disease.
DIVERTICULITIS
Diverticulitis describes infection that occurs when bacteria become trapped inside one of the pouches, leading to inflammation triggering more severe symptoms. Diverticulitis can lead to serious complications, such as an abscess inside the intestine.
SYMPTOMS OF DIVERTICULAR DISEASE AND DIVERTICULITIS
Diverticular disease
The most common symptom of diverticular disease is intermittent (stop-start) pain in the lower abdomen, mainly in the lower left-hand side. The pain is often worse when eating, or shortly afterwards. Passing stools and passing wind flatulence) may relieve the pain. Other symptoms of diverticular disease include a change in normal bowel habits, such as constipation or diarrhoea (or episodes of constipation followed shortly by diarrhoea), bloating and rectal bleeding.
Diverticulitis
The main symptom of diverticulitis is a constant and severe pain. The pain usually starts below the navel before moving to the lower left-hand side of the abdomen. For genetic reasons, Asian people tend to develop diverticula in a different part of their colon, meaning the pain may occur in the lower right-hand side of the abdomen in Asian people. Apart from severe stomach pain, other symptoms of diverticulitis include a high temperature of 38ºC or above; nausea; vomiting; a frequent need to urinate; pain when urinating; constipation; and bleeding from the rectum.
WHEN TO SEEK TREATMENT
It is important to get diverticulitis treated quickly. The sooner diverticulitis is treated with antibiotics, the lower the risk of complications developing. If a person has the symptoms of diverticular disease and the condition has previously been diagnosed, they do not usually need to contact their GP because the symptoms can be treated at home. If a person has not been diagnosed with the condition, they should contact their GP to rule out other conditions that have similar symptoms, such as IBS or ulcerative colitis.
WHO DOES IT AFFECT?
Diverticular disease is one of the most common digestive conditions. Men and women are equally affected by diverticular disease and diverticulitis, although the condition is more likely to appear at a younger age (under 50) in men. Diverticular disease rates are high in Western countries, including Europe and North America, and low in African and Asian countries. Diet is thought to be the reason for this, explained by the fact that people in Western countries tend to eat less fibre in their diet compared to the diet of people in less-developed countries.
CAUSES
Diverticular disease
It is not known why only one-in-four people with diverticula develop symptoms of diverticular disease. Several factors have been identified that appear to increase the risk of developing diverticular disease, including:
- Smoking.
- Being overweight or obese.
- Having a history of constipation.
- Physical inactivity.
- Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) type of painkillers, such as ibuprofen or diclofenac.
Diverticulitis
Diverticulitis is caused by an infection of one or more of the diverticula. It is thought that an infection develops when a hard piece of stool gets trapped in one of the pouches. This gives bacteria in the stool the chance to multiply and spread, triggering an infection.
DIAGNOSIS
Diverticular disease can be difficult to diagnose from the symptoms alone because there are many other conditions that cause similar symptoms, such as IBS. As a first step, blood tests can rule out other conditions such as coeliac disease (abnormal immune response to gluten found mainly in wheat).
COLONOSCOPY
To confirm diverticula, the inside of the large intestine needs to be examined. This can be done with a colonoscopy. During a colonoscopy, a thin tube with a camera at the end (a colonoscope) is inserted into the rectum and guided into the colon. Before the procedure begins, a laxative is given to clear out the bowels. A colonoscopy is carried out under local anaesthetic, so it is not painful. A sedative can be given for relaxation if the person is uncomfortable.
BARIUM ENEMA X-RAY
Another technique for confirming the presence of diverticula is a barium enema x-ray. Barium is a liquid that shows up on x-rays. It is used to coat the inside surface of organs that do not show up on x-ray, such as the colon. As with a colonoscopy, the person is given a laxative to clear out the bowels before having a barium enema x-ray. During the procedure, a tube is inserted into the rectum. The barium liquid is squirted into the tube and up into the rectum. A series of x-rays are then taken.
DIAGNOSING DIVERTICULITIS
When a person has a previous history of diverticular disease, the GP will usually be able to diagnose diverticulitis from symptoms and a physical examination. A blood test may be taken because a high number of white blood cells indicate infection. Further tests will be needed if there is no previous history of diverticular disease. This is to rule out other possible conditions, such as gallstones or a hernia. A barium enema x-ray may be used, as well as a computerised tomography (CT) scan. A CT scan may also be used if symptoms are particularly severe. This is to check whether the infection has spread to other parts of the body or a complication, such as an abscess, has occurred.
TREATMENT
Eating a high-fibre diet can help control symptoms. Some people will notice an improvement after a few days, although it can take around a month to fully feel the benefits. Most cases of diverticular disease can be treated at home. The over the counter painkiller, paracetamol, is recommended to help relieve symptoms. Painkillers known as non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin and ibuprofen, are not recommended because they irritate the lining of the stomach and can upset the stomach and increase the risk of internal bleeding.
Heavy or constant rectal bleeding occurs in about one-in-three cases of diverticular disease. This can happen if the blood vessels in the large intestine are weakened by the diverticula, making them vulnerable to damage. The bleeding is usually painless, but losing too much blood can be potentially serious and need a blood transfusion. Signs of heavy bleeding (apart from the amount of blood) include:
- Feeling very dizzy.
- Mental confusion.
- Pale clammy skin.
- Shortness of breath.
In this situation, immediate medical attention is needed.
Fibre
Not eating enough fibre is thought to be a main reason why diverticula develop. Fibre makes stools softer and larger, so that less pressure is needed by the large intestine to push stools out of the body. Eating low-fibre food produces small, hard stools. These are more difficult for the muscles of the large intestine to move and will cause the person to strain. The pressure of moving the hard, small pieces of stools through the large intestine creates weak spots in the outside layer of muscle. This allows the inner layer to squeeze through these weak spots, creating the diverticula.
People with diverticular disease are recommended to eat between 18g to 30g of fibre daily. However, a more specific target may be required, depending on individual height and weight. Sources of fibre include:
- Fresh fruit such as peaches, oranges, pears, bananas, and apples.
- Vegetables such as baked beans, kidney beans, peas, broccoli, and cabbage.
- Dried fruit such as apricots and prunes.
- Nuts such as almonds, peanuts, and sunflower seeds.
- Breakfast cereals such as bran flakes.
- Brown versions of bread, rice, and pasta.
Portions of food highest in fibre and the amount of fibre found in typical portions are as follows:
Fresh fruit
- Pear (with skin): A medium-sized pear contains 4g of fibre.
- Orange: A medium-sized orange contains 3g of fibre.
- Apple (with skin): A medium-sized apple contains 2g of fibre.
- Raspberries: Two handfuls of raspberries (80g) contain 2g of fibre.
- Banana: A medium-sized banana contains 2g of fibre.
- Tomato juice: One small glass of tomato juice (200ml) contains 1.5g of fibre.
Dried fruit
- Apricots: Three whole apricots contain 5g of fibre.
- Prunes: Three whole prunes contain 5g of fibre.
Vegetables
- Baked beans (in tomato sauce): A half can of baked beans (200g) contains 7g of fibre.
- Red kidney beans (boiled): Three tablespoons of red kidney beans contain 5g of fibre.
- Peas (boiled): Three heaped tablespoons of peas contain 4g of fibre.
- Brussels sprouts (boiled): Eight Brussels sprouts contain 3g of fibre.
- Potatoes (boiled): One medium-sized potato contains 2.5g of fibre.
- Spring greens (boiled): Four heaped tablespoons of spring greens contain 2g of fibre.
- Carrots (boiled, sliced): Three heaped tablespoons of carrots contain 2g of fibre.
Breakfast cereals
- Weetabix: Two pieces of Weetabix contain 4g of fibre.
- Porridge (milk or water): One mediumsized bowel of porridge contains 2.3g of fibre.
- All-Bran: A medium-sized bowel of AllBran contains 10g of fibre.
- Bran Flakes: One medium-sized bowel of Bran Flakes contains 4g of fibre.
- Muesli (no added sugar): One mediumsized bowel of muesli contains 3g of fibre.
Bread, rice, and pasta
- Pitta bread (wholemeal): One piece of pitta bread (75g) contains 4g of fibre.
- Pasta (plain, fresh cooked): One medium portion of pasta (200g) contains 4g of fibre.
- Wholemeal bread: Two slices of wholemeal bread contain 3.5g of fibre.
- Brown bread: Two slices of brown bread contain 2.5g of fibre.
- Brown rice (boiled): One medium portion of brown rice (200g) contains 2g of fibre.
Nuts
- Almonds: Twenty almonds contain 2.5g of fibre.
- Peanuts (plain): A tablespoon of peanuts contains 1.5g of fibre.
- Brazil nuts: Ten Brazil nuts contain 1.5g of fibre.
If fibre intake is low, it is recommended to gradually increase fibre intake over the course of a few weeks. This will help to prevent the side-effects associated with a high-fibre diet, such as bloating and flatulence. If these symptoms occur initially after increasing fibre intake, they will reduce after a few weeks as the intestines get used to increased fibre. Drinking plenty of fluids will help to prevent side-effects. Fibre supplements usually in the form of sachets of powder are mixed with water and are available from pharmacies, ie, Fybogel.
DIVERTICULITIS TREATMENT
Mild diverticulitis can be treated by a GP and hospital treatment will not be needed. A GP will prescribe antibiotics for the infection and paracetamol will ease the pain. Sticking to a fluid-only diet for a few days may be recommended until symptoms improve. This is because trying to digest solid foods may make symptoms worse. Solid foods can then be gradually re-introduced over a two- or three-day period.
TREATMENT AT HOSPITAL
For severe diverticulitis, hospital treatment may be needed. Hospital treatment is recommended if:
- Unable to drink enough fluids to stay hydrated.
- Unable to take antibiotics by mouth.
- The pain cannot be controlled using paracetamol.
- General state of health is poor.
- Weakened immune system.
- GP suspects complications.
- Symptoms fail to improve after two days of treatment at home.
IV antibiotics are generally used as well as an intravenous drip for hydration and nutrition for those admitted to hospital with diverticulitis. Most people start to improve within two-to-three days.
SURGERY
In the past, surgery was recommended as a preventative measure for people who had two episodes of diverticulitis as a precaution to prevent complications. This is no longer the case, as studies have found that in most cases, the risks of serious complications of surgery (estimated to be around one-in-100) usually outweigh the benefits.
However, there are exceptions to this, such as:
- A history of serious complications arising from diverticulitis.
- Symptoms of diverticular disease from a young age (it is thought that the longer a person lives with diverticular disease, the greater the chances of having a serious complication).
- A weakened immune system.
COLECTOMY
Surgery for diverticulitis involves removing the affected section of the large intestine. This is known as a colectomy. There are two ways that a colectomy can be performed:
- An open colectomy, where the surgeon makes a large incision in the abdomen and removes a section of the large intestine.
- Laparoscopic colectomy — a type of keyhole surgery where the surgeon makes a few small incisions in the abdomen and is guided by a camera to remove a section of large intestine.
Open colectomies and laparoscopic colectomies are thought to be equally effective in treating diverticulitis and have a similar risk of complications. Laparoscopic colectomies have the advantage of having a faster recovery time, and they cause less post-operative pain.
STOMA SURGERY
In some cases, the surgeon may decide that the large intestine needs to heal before it can be reattached, or that too much of the large intestine has been removed to make reattachment possible. In such cases, stoma surgery provides a way of removing waste materials from the body without using all the large intestine. Stoma surgery involves the surgeon making a small hole in the abdomen that is known as a stoma.
There are two ways that stoma surgery can be carried out:
An ileostomy, where a stoma is made in the right-hand side of the abdomen. The small intestine is separated from the large intestine and connected to the stoma, and the rest of the large intestine is sealed. The person wears a pouch connected to the stoma to collect waste material.
A colostomy, where a stoma is made in the lower abdomen and a section of the large intestine is removed and connected to the stoma. As with an ileostomy, the person wears a pouch to collect waste material. In most cases the stoma will be temporary and can be removed once the large intestine has recovered from the effects of the surgery. This will usually take at least nine weeks. If a large section of the large intestine is affected by diverticulitis and needs to be removed, the person may need to have a permanent ileostomy or colostomy.
RESULTS OF SURGERY
In general terms, surgery is usually successful, although it does not achieve a complete cure in all cases. Following surgery, an estimated one-in-12 people will have a recurrence of the symptoms of diverticular disease and diverticulitis.
COMPLICATIONS
Complications of diverticulitis affect onein-five people with the condition. Those most at risk of developing complications are younger people (under 50 years of age).
ABSCESS
An abscess inside the large intestine is the most common complication of diverticulitis. An abscess is a pus-filled cavity or lump in the tissue. Abscesses are usually treated with a technique known as percutaneous abscess drainage (PAD). A radiologist uses an ultrasound or CT scanner to locate the site of the abscess.
FISTULA
A fistula is another common complication of diverticulitis. Fistulas are abnormal tunnels that connect two parts of the body together, such as the intestine and the abdominal wall or bladder. If infected tissues meet each other, they can stick together. After the tissues have healed, a fistula may form. Fistulas can be potentially serious, as they can allow bacteria in the large intestine to travel to other parts of the body, triggering infections, such as an infection of the bladder (cystitis). Fistulas are usually treated with surgery to remove a small section of the colon that contains the fistula.
PERITONITIS
In rare cases, an infected diverticula splits, spreading the infection into the lining of the abdomen. An infection of the lining of the abdomen is known as peritonitis. Peritonitis can be life-threatening and requires immediate treatment with antibiotics. Surgery may also be required to repair any damage and to drain any pus that has built up.
INTESTINAL OBSTRUCTION
If the infection has badly scarred the large intestine, the large intestine may become partially or totally blocked. A totally blocked large intestine is a medical emergency because the tissue of the large intestine will start to decay and eventually split, leading to peritonitis. A partially blocked large intestine is not as urgent, but treatment is still needed. If left untreated, it will affect the ability to digest food. It will also cause considerable pain. In some cases, the blocked part of the large intestine can be removed during surgery. However, if the scarring and blockage is more extensive, a temporary or permanent colostomy may be needed.
References upon request
