Alarming Surge in Early-Onset Diverticulitis Among Young Americans
Recent research shows a significant rise in serious cases of diverticulitis among Americans under 50, with increasing complications requiring invasive procedures. The prevalence of diverticulitis has surged, mirroring trends in colorectal cancer diagnoses. Further research is needed to understand causes, as treatments have improved over the studied period.
A concerning trend in public health is emerging among younger Americans, as serious cases of diverticulitis, a disorder of the large intestine, are on the rise. Researchers analyzing over 5.2 million hospitalizations from 2005 to 2020 report a notable increase in patients under 50 experiencing severe complications.
They indicate that younger patients now have a higher likelihood of requiring invasive procedures. Specifically, there's a 29% increase in the odds of needing colon surgery and a 58% increase in needing a catheter to drain infected fluid, compared to older patients, as stated in Diseases of the Colon and Rectum.
This marks a departure from past trends, where diverticulitis was predominantly seen in older adults. The researchers emphasize the need for additional studies to understand the causes of this shift, while noting improvements in treatment outcomes.
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