An aging society, intestinal health warning diverticulum disease...Half of the 65-year-olds found
Feb 02, 2025
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The number of patients with diverticulum disease in Korea has been steadily increasing due to the recent aging population. According to the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, 67,557 people visited the hospital in 2023 due to 'Jang's diverticulum disease'. The number increased by 26.8% and 14,260 from 53,297 in 2018, five years ago.
Professor Na Soo-young of the Department of Gastroenterology at the Catholic University of Korea's Incheon St. Mary's Hospital said, `Although diverticulitis is not contagious and does not develop into cancer, it can cause bleeding and complications such as obstruction, pus, perforation, etc. can be accompanied by diverticulitis, and in severe cases of peritonitis, it can even threaten life"It is sometimes mistaken for acute appendicitis or irritable bowel syndrome called appendicitis, but unlike temporary abdominal pain, if you feel heavy in your stomach and suddenly feel severe pain in your lower abdomen, it is highly likely to be diverticulitis."
◇Half of the registered seal over 60 years old, up to 65% of those over 85 years old
The diverticulum is divided into pseudo (假) diverticulum and genuine (眞) diverticulum. Pseudo diverticulum protrudes from the mucous membrane and submucosal layer, and there are many cases in the left large intestine. On the other hand, the true diverticulum has a single diverticulum shape because the entire layer of the barrier, including the muscle layer, protrudes. It appears frequently in relatively young people and frequently occurs in the right large intestine. However, when there are several diverticulums in the right large intestine, most of them are pseudo diverticulums.
The cause is not yet clear. However, age and eating habits are cited as major factors.
With age, the colon wall weakens and the elasticity decreases, widening the gap between the blood vessels and the intestinal muscles, resulting in excessive contraction of the large intestine or increased pressure, resulting in the formation of pockets in the weak areas of the colon wall. Although rare in those under 40, diverticulum is identified in about half of the population over 65, and increases to 65% in those over 85. In addition, it is believed that △drinking △ anti-inflammatory analgesics △ Western-style diet including a lot of lean meat △ obesity △ lack of physical activity △ smoking is associated with an increase in diverticulitis.
Professor Na Soo-young said, `In many studies, lean meat and high fat diets, obesity, lack of exercise, drinking, smoking, and anti-inflammatory drugs have been reported to increase the risk of diverticulum disease"However, contrary to conventional common sense, the association between a low-fiber diet and diverticulum disease is not yet clear" he said.
◇ Zhang Health's 'Eight High School'…Reduce the risk of complications with early treatment when symptoms occur
Diverticulitis can be divided into simple diverticulosis, diverticulitis, and diverticulohemorrhage depending on the degree of symptoms and complications. Simple diverticulopathy without symptoms does not require treatment and does not require changing diet. However, it is estimated that about 4% of diverticulitis patients experience diverticulitis at least once in their lifetime.
If diverticulitis occurs, the inflammation is controlled by antibiotic treatment and fasting, and in severe cases, surgical treatment is considered. In particular, left diverticulitis has a higher risk of inflammation and complications than right diverticulitis, so there is a higher risk of early surgery. Diverticulum bleeding is estimated to occur in 5-15% of diverticulopathy patients, and most bleeding stops without treatment, but if it does not, hemostasis through colonoscopy is necessary. When diverticulitis or diverticulohemorrhage symptoms are present, it is necessary to reduce the risk of complications with early treatment.
There have also been misinformation. The diverticulopathy patient believed that he should not consume seeds or nuts because diverticulitis occurs due to clogged diverticulitis, but this turned out to be unfounded. Recent studies have shown that consumption of fruits with nuts, corn, or seeds did not increase the risk of complications of diverticulitis, but rather decreased the risk of diverticulitis.
Although there is no specific prevention method, maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle can reduce the risk of diverticulum disease and prevent complications. For intestinal health, it is important to increase fiber intake such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and to drink enough water. In addition, regular exercise helps to activate intestinal exercise and prevent constipation. It is also necessary to reduce consumption of lean and high-fat foods and maintain a balanced diet.
Professor Na Soo-young advised that "'Geosil disease' is like a warning light for intestinal health' and "'Management of diosil disease through healthy eating and lifestyle can contribute to improving not only intestinal health but also overall quality of life.'"
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This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
