Diverticulosis: Overview
In diverticulosis, pouches called diverticula form in the wall of the large intestine (colon). The pouches do not cause any pain or other symptoms. Most people who have diverticulosis do not know they have it.
If diverticulosis causes problems, the pouches may:
- Bleed (diverticular bleeding).
- Become infected (diverticulitis).
Diverticula form when pressure pushes the wall of the colon outward at certain weak points. A diet that is too low in fiber can cause diverticula.
Diverticulosis
Diverticulosis is a condition in which pouches called diverticula form in the wall of the large intestine (colon). The pouches may not cause any symptoms, or they may bleed or become painful, inflamed, or infected.
The reason pouches (diverticula) form in the colon wall is not completely understood. Doctors think diverticula form when high pressure inside the colon pushes against weak spots in the colon wall. These pouches are usually very small, but they can be larger. They become more likely with age. They are found most often in the colon. But diverticula can be found in nearly all parts of the digestive tract.
Most people don't know they have diverticulosis. If diverticulosis isn't causing any problems, it may not need to be treated. If diagnosed, it is usually managed by increasing the amount of fiber in the person's diet and avoiding constipation.
What are the symptoms of diverticulosis?
Most people don't have symptoms. You may have had diverticulosis for years by the time symptoms occur (if they do). Over time, some people get an infection in the pouches (diverticulitis). The pouches sometimes bleed.
How is diverticulosis treated?
The best way to treat diverticulosis is to avoid constipation. Try eating high-fiber foods, drinking plenty of fluids, and exercising daily. High-fiber foods include fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains. Take a fiber supplement (such as Citrucel or Metamucil) every day if needed. Schedule time daily for a bowel movement.
How can you help prevent diverticulosis?
Eating a high-fiber diet, getting plenty of fluids, and exercising regularly may help prevent diverticulosis.
How is diverticulosis diagnosed?
In many cases, diverticulosis is discovered only when tests, such as a barium enema X-ray, a colonoscopy, or a CT scan are done to find the cause of a different medical problem or during a screening exam.
How can you care for yourself when you have diverticulosis?
Diet changes and exercise are the main ways to treat this condition at home. Eat high-fiber foods like fruits, leafy green vegetables, and beans. Drink plenty of fluids. You also can take a fiber supplement (such as Citrucel or Metamucil) every day if needed. Try to walk 30 minutes daily.
Diverticula
Pouches called diverticula form when increased pressure pushes the wall of the colon outward at certain weak points. These pouches are found most often in the colon. But they can be found in nearly all parts of the digestive tract.
What causes diverticulosis?
The reason pouches (diverticula) form in the colon wall is not completely understood. Doctors think diverticula form when high pressure inside the colon pushes against weak spots in the colon wall.
Normally, a diet with adequate fiber produces stool that is bulky and can move easily through the colon. A low-fiber diet can cause small, hard stools. This means it takes more pressure in the colon to move stools out of the body. This puts more pressure on the walls of the colon. A low-fiber diet also can increase the time stool remains in the bowel, adding to the high pressure.
Pouches may form when the high pressure pushes against weak spots in the colon where blood vessels pass through the muscle layer of the bowel wall to supply blood to the inner wall.
What is diverticulosis?
Diverticulosis is a condition that develops when pouches (diverticula) form in the wall of the colon (large intestine). These pouches are usually very small (5 to 10 millimeters) in diameter. But they can be larger.
In diverticulosis, the pouches in the colon wall don't cause symptoms. The condition may not be found unless symptoms occur, such as in painful diverticular disease or in diverticulitis. Most people who have diverticulosis never get diverticulitis. In many cases, diverticulosis is discovered only when tests are done to find the cause of a different medical problem or during a screening exam.
Diverticulosis: When to call
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You pass maroon or very bloody stools.
- You have new or worse belly pain.
- You have a fever.
- You have nausea or vomiting.
- You have diarrhea or constipation.
- You have unusual changes in your bowel movements.
- You have bloating.
- You cannot pass stools or gas.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you have any problems.
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