Diverticulitis: A Disease Seniors Need to be Aware Of

Most people have never heard of Diverticulitis, which is a problem that can develop when someone eats food that gets trapped in your diverticula. The diverticula are located within the large intestine's wall. Many times, when you have Diverticulitis, bacteria grow in the area and tear the intestinal wall, which leads to infection.

Symptoms

The symptoms of Diverticulitis can include fever, changes in bowel movements and nausea, along with rectal bleeding, pain while urinating, frequent urination and a tender abdomen. Mild cases of the disease can usually be treated quickly with antibiotics and a proper diet though severe cases may require hospitalization. Immediate treatment is necessary, or fistula or abscess could occur.

Who is At Risk

While the disease can plague anyone, older people are more prone to this condition, especially if they eat low-fiber diets or have a history of the condition. Smoking and being obese can also increase the risk of the disease.

If you have a family history of the disease, you should avoid eating certain foods, such as popcorn, seeds, berries and nuts because these can easily be trapped in your diverticula, resulting in an infection.

How to Treat

Sometimes, it is possible to change your diet and reduce the symptoms of the disease though you will likely need to see a doctor. Home remedies typically include using a heating pad, relaxing as much as possible and using mild painkillers.

Ask For Help

Many older adults will require home help services to help them recover from Diverticulitis more quickly. Whether an older adult just got home from the hospital or has ongoing health problems, in home care service from a non-medical home care franchise may be necessary so that they feel more comfortable at home.

In most cases, Medicare covers this care when a doctor has recommended it. It can reduce hospital readmission. Studies have shown that senior citizens that go home from the hospital without any help at home do have a higher risk of readmission within 30 days.

Unplanned hospitalization can cost you a lot of time and money and can be a big ordeal for your loved one and the rest of the family.