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Diverticular disease Q&As

Published by Bupa's health information team, March 2009.

Answers to questions about diverticular disease

This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.

 

How can I increase the amount of fibre in my diet?

You can do this by including more foods in your diet which contain fibre.

Explanation

Adults should aim to eat at least 18 grams (g) of fibre a day. If you suddenly increase the amount of fibre you eat, this can cause bloating or wind so it is generally recommended to do this gradually.

Plant-based foods all contain fibre. These include:

  • fruit
  • vegetables
  • wholegrain pasta
  • wholegrain and brown rice
  • wholegrain and brown bread
  • cereal such as bran, wheat, oats and wholegrain
  • nuts
  • seeds
  • pulses such as beans and lentils

Food labels generally tell you how much fibre is contained in food. Labelling regulations allow foods containing at least 3g of fibre per 100g to be labelled as a source of fibre, and foods containing 6g per 100g or more to be labelled as high in fibre.

Some examples of fibre content in foods include:

  • half a jacket potato contains about 2.5g of fibre
  • slice of brown bread contains 2g of dietary fibre
  • three tablespoons of peas contains about 5g of fibre
  • an orange contains about 2.5g of fibre

Ask a doctor or nurse for more advice if you are unsure or are having treatment for diverticular disease.

Further information

Sources

  • Dietary fibre British Nutrition Foundation (BNF). www.nutrition.org.uk, accessed 29 May 2008
  • Eat well be well - Starchy foods. Food Standards Agency. www.eatwell.gov.uk, accessed 29 May 2008
  • Nutrient Cards. British Nutrition Foundation (BNF). www.nutrition.org.uk, accessed 26 August 2008
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What is a colostomy?

A colostomy is a surgical procedure which involves bringing part of your bowel onto the surface of your skin to create an opening called a stoma.

Explanation

A part of your large bowel (colon) is brought to the surface of your skin. An opening (stoma) is formed to allow faeces to pass out of the body. Through this opening your bowel movements pass into a bag or pouch.

You will usually only have a stoma temporarily for about three months. The bowel is then rejoined during an operation called a stoma reversal when the bowel has healed.

Most people who have diverticular disease don't need surgery and won't have a colostomy. You may not necessarily have a colostomy if you have surgery - your bowel may be rejoined immediately after the section of your colon with diverticular disease is removed. Ask your surgeon to explain the procedure you are having to you.

Further information

Sources

  • Breckman B. Stoma care and rehabilitation. London: Elsevier, 2005
  • Information on diverticular disease. CORE Charity. www.corecharity.org.uk, accessed 26 August 2008
  • Practice Guidelines: Diverticular disease. World Gastroenterology Organisation, 2007. www.worldgastroenterology.org
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Will I need any more treatment after a rejoining operation?

Most people no longer have symptoms so no longer need treatment.

Explanation

Only between one and 10 in every 100 people who have surgical treatment find their symptoms come back. You can though have a further operation if you do have severe symptoms again. If you have symptoms they may be linked to other conditions such as irritable bowel disease (IBS) or Crohn's disease. Up to three in every 10 people who have diverticular disease have IBS too. Ask your doctor for advice if you continue to have symptoms so you can receive further treatment.

Further information

Sources

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Related topics

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This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.

Publication date: March 2009

 

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