Diverticulosis is the development of outpocketings in the wall of the large intestine into the abdominal cavity. These are often found in the sigmoid (pelvic) colon. Diverticulosis in itself does not cause ailments. However, if the outpocketing becomes inflamed, known as diverticulitis, then sharp pains may occur. Diverticulitis can reoccur and lead to serious problems.
The wall of the large intestine has certain areas that are susceptible to the formation of pouches (diverticula) that bulge into the abdominal cavity. This condition is known in the medical field as diverticulosis. Diverticulosis does not cause any ailments and for this reason it usually goes unnoticed. The diverticula are usually discovered during a colonoscopy. If the diverticula become inflamed, the condition is called diverticulitis.
The disease is widespread in the Western world in contrast to other parts of the world. Because of this, it’s thought that there is a relationship between Western diet, poor in fiber and rich in fats, and the disease. This type of diet means that food remains in the intestines longer, which creates an increase in pressure in the intestines, which leads to the creation of pouches (diverticula) in weak spots. Inflammation of these diverticula causes sharp pains that are usually felt in the left side of the lower abdomen. Fever and illness can occur. In rare cases it can lead to an ileus (disruption of bowel movement), a perforation of the intestines, or bleeding. Sudden, sharp stomach aches and vomiting constitute an emergency situation.
If a recurring inflammation results in the perforation of the intestine, exposing the abdominal cavity to infection or if obstruction of bowel movements (ileus) develops, then an operation must be carried out quickly. Generally, diverticulitis can be treated with antibiotics and pain medication. However, recurrence of symptoms becomes problematic when they interfere with the patient’s quality of life and limit the patient’s abilities. In cases such as this, surgical removal of the affected part of the intestine can be considered an option. Patients are generally symptom-free after the operation.
Several years of work in academia, medical practice and finally commercialization make it possible to provide an end-to-end process to help users to “find the appropriate medical help based on their present symptoms”. Below you will find a short explanation, showing you which part of the platform will help you best in finding the appropriate medical support.
Proceed as follows to enter your current symptoms.
Click on the appropriate body part on the picture. Select one/multiple symptoms corresponding to your complaint.
You can also add symptoms by typing your medical complaint in the search box and selecting the best matching suggestion.
Note: Your information will be kept anonymously.
Once you have selected all applicable symptoms, click the “analyze disease pattern”-button.
Accordingly, you will get a list of possible diseases and matching doctor categories who can further help you.
You can inform yourself about the possible diseases by reading the related information. But you can also return to the previous step and add more symptoms or delete already added ones to further narrow down your disease pattern.
Click on the desired doctor category to find a doctor who can help you.
If you are logged in with your profile, you will be displayed the appropriate doctors in your area. Otherwise you can enter an address in the “address” field and you will be displayed a doctor’s list around that specified address.
You will receive further information about the displayed doctors when you press on “details”.
Online bookable doctors in your area will be indicated with the notation “Book appointment” or “Book externally”, additionally they will be displayed on top of the list for your convenience.
Click on “Book appointment” to start the online appointment booking process with the desired doctor.
Please select an available appointment. “Green“ appointments are booked directly. “Red“ appointments need to be confirmed by the doctor.
Enter your general personal and health information.
Enter your present medical symptoms.
Enter your mobile phone number to identify yourself and you can finalize the appointment booking.
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