Diverticulosis causes: Difference between revisions
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Revision as of 19:17, 19 March 2013
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Diverticulosis Microchapters |
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Diverticulosis causes On the Web |
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American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Diverticulosis causes |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Causes
Diverticula are thought to be caused by increased pressure within the lumen of the colon. Increased intra-colonic pressure secondary to constipation may lead to weaknesses in the colon walls giving way to diverticula. Other causes may include a colonic spasm which increases pressure, which may be due to dehydration or low-fiber diets;[1] although this may also be due to constipation. Fiber causes stools to retain more water and become easier to pass (either soluble or insoluble fiber will do this). A diet without sufficient fiber makes the stools small, requiring the bowel to squeeze harder to remove the smaller stool.
Risk factors:
- a diet which is low in fiber content or high in fat
- increasing age,
- constipating conditions, and
- connective tissue disorders which may cause weakness in the colon wall (such as Marfan syndrome).