Diverticular Disease; acute and chronic. Presented by Peta Cullis, APD
Diverticulosis of the colon (existence of false diverticula – outpouchings of mucosa and serosa through openings in the muscular layer of the bowel) develops in the majority of individuals in western countries with increasing age and usually remains asymptomatic. As dietitians, we tend to see clients with symptomatic presentations.
The terminology around diverticular disease is inconsistent and confusing, as is the suggested dietary management. Peta uses the 2020 European Society of Coloproctology: guidelines for the management of diverticular disease of the colon and a range of peer reviewed articles to inform her presentation regarding:
1. Description of terminology:
- Diverticulosis (asymptomatic)
- Diverticular Disease (Symptomatic Uncomplicated Diverticular Disease (SUDD))
- Acute Diverticulitis (complicated and uncomplicated)
- Chronic Diverticulitis (complicated and uncomplicated)
2. Occurrence and persistence
3. Medical assessment and management
- Differential diagnosis
- Biochem
- Treatment of inflammation
- Bacterial overgrowth
Looking at a variety of carbohydrates and their sub-types, Peta summarises their digestion, absorption and effect on the GI tract. Utilising the beneficial effects of fibre contained in particular foods, Peta explains the dietary management in acute and chronic diverticulitis. She illustrates developing the nutrition prescription with regard to:
- Symptom management diet
- Remission and prevention diet
- Example meal plan
Peta Cullis has been practising dietetics for the past 11 years running her own private practice and now jointly managing a national dietetics company, Fuel Your Life where she is responsible for the clinical development of over 40 dietitians. Peta has worked predominantly in private practice in the areas of child and family health and complex gastrointestinal nutrition. She consults to complex clients, managing challenging gut conditions such as functional gut and defecatory disorders and inflammatory bowel diseases.
To register for the presentation and associated documents including the assessment quiz click here