Diverticulosis (patient information)
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Assistant Editor-in-Chief: Meagan E. Doherty
Overview
Diverticulosis, is one of the two conditions that make up diverticular disease, which affects the colon. Diverticulosis occurs when pouches, called diverticula, form in the colon. These pouches bulge out like weak spots in a tire. The second condition, diverticulitis occurs if the pouches become inflamed and irritated.
What are the symptoms of Diverticulosis?
Many people don’t have symptoms accompanying diverticulosis,but some people may experience any combination of the following symptoms:
- cramping
- bloating
- constipation
- bleeding
- inflammation
- fistulas
If you are bleeding, bright red blood will pass through your rectum. The rectum is the end of the colon that connects to the anus. The rectum and anus are part of the gastrointestinal tract, which is the passage that food goes through. Rectal bleeding is usually painless, but it can be dangerous. You should see a doctor right away.
What are the causes of Diverticulosis?
Doctors are not sure what causes diverticular disease. Many think a diet low in fiber is the main cause. Fiber is a part of food that your body cannot digest. It is found in many fruits and vegetables. Fiber stays in the colon and absorbs water, which makes bowel movements easier to pass. Diets low in fiber may cause constipation, which occurs when stools are hard and difficult to pass. Constipation causes your muscles to strain when you pass stool. Straining may cause diverticula to form in the colon.
Who is at risk for Diverticulosis?
- People over the age of 40. Starting at age 40, the chance of getting it increases about every 10 years. About half of people between the ages of 60 and 80 have diverticular disease. Almost everyone over 80 has it.
- People who eat low fiber diets.
Diagnosis
The doctor can test for diverticular disease many ways. A CT scan is the most common test used. The doctor will inject a liquid in a vein in your arm that better highlights your organs on x rays. You may be asked to drink liquid called barium instead of getting an injection. You are then placed in a large doughnut-shaped machine that takes x rays.
Other tests include
- Medical history (The doctor will ask about your health and symptoms such as pain. You will be asked about your bowel habits, diet, and any medications you take.)
- Blood test (This test can help detect infections)
- Stool sample. (This test may show bleeding in the digestive tract.)
- Digital rectal exam(The doctor will insert a gloved finger into your rectum to check for pain, bleeding, or a blockage.)
- X ray and barium enema (The doctor will insert liquid called barium in the large intestine through your anus. The anus is the opening where stool leaves the body. The barium makes the diverticula show up on an x ray.)
- Colonoscopy. (The doctor will insert a small tube through your anus. A tiny video camera is in the tube and will show if there are any pouches.)
When to seek urgent medical care
Contact a doctor if you notice symptoms such as fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, or change in bowel habits.
Treatment options
Eating high-fiber foods can help relieve symptoms. Sometimes mild pain medications also help. Add whole grain foods, high-fiber fruits, and vegetables to your diet.
Diseases with similar symptoms
Where to find medical care for Diverticulosis
Directions to Hospitals Treating Diverticulosis
Prevention of Diverticulosise
Eat a high-fiber diet to help prevent problems. Talk to your doctor about using fiber products like Benefiber, Citrucel, or Metamucil. Daily use can help you get the fiber you need if you do not get it through your diet.
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)
Most people with the disease do not have serious problems, but some people have severe symptoms. Diverticulitis can attack suddenly and cause
- bleeding
- serious infections
- rips in the pouches
- fistula, which is a connection or passage between tissues or organs in the body that normally do not connect
- blockage in your digestive system
- an infection in which the colon ruptures causing stool to empty from the colon into the abdomen