Diverticulosis? Huh? Trivia Quiz

Answer: Large intestine

Diverticulosis is caused by leftover undigested material in the large intestine. Most people are not even aware that they have this condition as it causes no discomfort in the majority of those with it.

Answer: Spherical pouches

The leftover residue in the large intestine presses against the wall of the large intestine making small pouches or pockets where the residue sits. These pouches are called diverticulae.

Answer: CAT scan

Though the other three tests can give additional information about the person's condition, diverticulosis can only be diagnosed by a CAT scan, combined with any of a colonoscopy, surgery and barium xrays.

Answer: Colonoscopy

The colonoscopy is a procedure where a camera is inserted into the intestine through the rectum which allow the doctors to see up close what is going on inside. It is not used in the initial diagnosis because the doctors don't want to irritate the infection.

The colonoscopy can also pick up other issues which may be present in the large intestine.

A stool test can help determine if there is blood in the stool but not the cause.

Phasers are a Star Trek weapon that shoot energy beams at different strengths. Let me know if you ever see one.

Answer: Diverticulitis

-Itis is often the suffix of an infection. So, when the diverticulae become infected, diverticulosis changes to diverticulitis. This is when the symptoms start to appear - pain, fever, etc.

Answer: Overweight and people with low-fiber diets

There are other factors which come into play to create this condition.
There used to be a large statistical difference between genders when males were the predominant sufferers of this ailment. In the years 2000-2007 the gap between genders closed slightly. Other research has also shown that in older people, the disease tends to affect more women than men.

Answer: False

Its symptoms are similar to other lower abdominal ailments, making diagnosis difficult. Hence a CAT scan is often required to ascertain the presence of this infection.

In addition, in Western countries area of the abdomen which is MOST likely to show tenderness in diverticulitis sufferers is the lower left quadrant while third-worlders have more of a tendency to experience lower right quadrant tenderness. I could find no explanation as to why this is so.

Answer: It is individual

In a forum for sufferers, the discussion on diet highlights that people's reactions to food is so varied that they need to be aware of how food affects them individually. Doctors have written conflicting opinions and produced conflicting research as to what is the best diet to follow.

"Cura te ipsum" - patient heal thyself. Get the information from your doctor and, as one gastroenterologist said, "Learn what the best diet for YOU is."

A liquid or low-residue diet is suggested when the pockets become infected and the condition changes to diverticulitis.

Answer: True

The condition can become dangerous if the wall of the intestine becomes perforated due to recurring infections. In certain cases, the doctor will recommend removal of an infected area of the intestine.

Answer: 18-19th century CE

It is a relatively recent discovery that this condition exists. It may have existed earlier but was not diagnosed. The existence of these pouches was described in the late 18th century and knowledge of this situation was expanded upon through the 19-20th centuries. There is continuing research on the diagnosis and treatment of this condition.