Written question asked by Keith Vaz (Labour) on Thursday, 19 January 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 23 January 2006. It was answered by Liam Byrne (Labour) on Tuesday, 31 January 2006 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Diverticulitis

Question: (3) what research her Department has (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated into the (i) life expectancy and (ii) quality of life of those suffering from non-life threatening diverticulitis.

Answer: The symptoms, and the risk of complications, associated with diverticulitis can usually be controlled by good self-care aimed at reducing the incidence of constipation through a high-fibre diet with adequate fluid intake and exercise. For those where this is not possible stool bulking agents can be prescribed.Information on the numbers treated for diverticulitis, and the associated cost to the national health service, is not collected.We are not aware of any research on life expectancy, or the quality of life, for those living with diverticulitis undertaken by the Department.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 44983; 442 c455W;442 c455W
Session: 2005-06
Subjects: Diseases Medical treatments Older people Life expectancy Digestive system
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk