Diverticulitis is no longer a disease of older people

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

Acute diverticulitis is now being seen in much younger patients, according to a new study.
Acute diverticulitis is one of the most frequently acute diseases of the colon. One cause is a low-fiber diet. Increased pressure within the colon leads to the formation of numerous thin-walled pouches called diverticula within the bowel wall. This condition is called diverticulosis. The diverticula are always at risk of infection - acute diverticulitis - which can lead to perforation of the bowel wall and other complications.

Researchers at the University of Maryland have noticed a trend towards acute diverticulitis in younger age groups. For acute diverticulitis is traditionally a disease of the over-50s. In this study, 104 patients presenting with acute diverticulitis were divided into two age groups - 50 and under, and over-50. Abdominal obesity was present and more severe in the 50 and under age group - affecting 85.7 per cent. The study showed that 77 per cent of the older group had abdominal obesity. The researchers say that acute diverticulitis should be added to the list of conditions that can cause acute abdominal pain among the younger patients, especially if they are obese.

Source
American Journal of Roentgenology September 2006

Please take a moment to give us your comments. For questions about Health matters you may check our "Questions & Answers" Portal and Service.