Information on Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis and diverticulosis

The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy’s Publications Committee created this information (ASGE). To learn more about ASGE, go to www.asge.org.

Diverticulosis Diverticulosis is a common condition that affects half of all people over the age of 60 and nearly everyone by the age of 80 in the United States. Most people with diverticulosis are unaware of their condition because it rarely causes symptoms.

What exactly is diverticulosis?

Diverticulosis is a condition that causes small pouches or pockets to form in the wall or lining of any part of the digestive tract. These pockets form when the digestive tract’s inner layer pushes through weak spots in the outer layer. A diverticulum is a single pouch. Diverticulosis pouches are most commonly found in the lower part of the large intestine (the colon). Some people may only have a few small pouches on the left side of the colon, whereas others may be involved in the majority of the colon.

Who is prone to diverticulosis?

Diverticulosis is a common condition that affects half of all people over the age of 60 and nearly everyone by the age of 80 in the United States. The pouches in the digestive tract become more visible as a person ages. Diverticulosis is uncommon in people under the age of 40. Furthermore, it is uncommon in some parts of the world, such as Asia and Africa.

Diverticulosis is caused by what?

Diverticulosis is uncommon in regions of the world where diets are high in fiber and rich in grains, fruits, and vegetables, so most doctors believe it is caused in part by a low fiber diet. Constipation is caused by a low-fiber diet, which increases pressure within the digestive tract due to straining during bowel movements. Diverticulosis is most likely caused by a long period of pressure and straining.

Diverticulitis Diets

Fruit Eating more fruits, vegetables, and grains is the simplest way to increase fiber intake. Diverticulosis is uncommon in parts of the world where diets are high in fiber and contain plenty of grains, fruits, and vegetables. Most doctors believe this condition is caused in part by a low-fiber diet. Comprehensive guidelines on Diverticulitis Diet, including foods to avoid for diverticulitis can be a helpful first step into managing this condition. Please remember to seek a Houston gastrointestinal specialist if your symptoms get worse.

What are the signs and symptoms of diverticulitis?

Most people with diverticulosis are unaware of their condition because it rarely causes symptoms. Some people with diverticulosis may experience bloating, abdominal cramps, or constipation as a result of difficulty passing stool through the affected region of the colon.

How does diverticulosis get diagnosed?

Diverticulosis is frequently discovered incidentally during an evaluation for another condition or during a polyp screening exam because most people do not have symptoms. During a procedure that uses a small camera attached to a lighted, flexible tube inserted through the rectum, gastroenterologists can directly visualize the diverticula (more than one pouch, or diverticulum) in the colon. A sigmoidoscopy, which uses a short tube to examine only the rectum and lower part of the colon, is one of these procedures. A colonoscopy examines the entire colon with a longer tube. Diverticulosis can also be detected using other imaging techniques, such as a computed tomography (CT) scan or a barium x-ray.

What is the procedure for treating diverticulosis?

Diverticula do not disappear on their own after they form. Fortunately, most patients with diverticulosis have no symptoms and thus do not require treatment.

When diverticulosis is accompanied by abdominal pain, bloating, or constipation, your doctor may recommend a high-fiber diet to soften and ease the passage of stools. While it is recommended that we consume 20 to 35 grams of fiber per day, the majority of people only consume about half of that amount. Eating more fruits, vegetables, and grains is the simplest way to increase fiber intake. High-fiber foods include apples, pears, broccoli, carrots, squash, baked beans, kidney beans, and lima beans. As an alternative, your doctor may advise you to take a fiber supplement such as psyllium, methylcellulose, or poly-carbophil. These products are available in a variety of forms, including pills, powders, and wafers. Fiber supplements help to bulk up and soften the stool, making bowel movements easier to pass. In addition, your doctor may prescribe medications to help relax colon spasms that cause abdominal cramping or discomfort.

A diverticulum can cause bleeding in the colon. Consequent diverticulitis attacks can cause intestinal blockage in the colon. Diverticulitis, if left untreated, can result in an abscess outside the colon wall or an infection in the lining of the abdominal cavity.

Is diverticulosis associated with any complications?

Diverticulosis can cause inflammation, infection, bleeding, or intestinal blockage, among other complications. Diverticulosis, thankfully, does not result in cancer.

When the pouches become infected or inflamed, diverticulitis occurs. Localized abdominal pain, tenderness to touch, and fever are typical symptoms of this condition. Diverticulitis can also cause nausea, vomiting, shaking, chills, and constipation. A CT scan may be ordered by your doctor to confirm a diverticulitis diagnosis. Minor infections are typically treated with oral antibiotics and do not necessitate hospitalization. Diverticulitis, if left untreated, can result in a collection of pus (called an abscess) outside the colon wall or a generalized infection in the lining of the abdominal cavity, known as peritonitis. A CT scan is usually required to diagnose an abscess, and treatment usually entails a hospital stay, antibiotics administered through a vein, and possibly abscess drainage. Diverticulitis attacks that reoccur may necessitate surgery to remove the affected portion of the colon. Diverticular bleeding occurs when there is bleeding in the colon caused by a diverticulum. This is the most common cause of major colonic bleeding in patients over the age of 40, and it is typically manifested as the passage of red or maroon blood through the rectum. The majority of diverticular bleeding resolves on its own, but if it does not, a colonoscopy may be required for evaluation. If the bleeding is severe or continues, a hospital stay is usually required to administer intravenous fluids or blood transfusions. A colonoscopy may also be required to determine the cause of the bleeding and to treat it. Surgery or other procedures may be required on occasion to stop bleeding that cannot be stopped by other means. Consequent diverticulitis attacks can cause intestinal blockage in the colon. In this case, surgery to remove the affected section of the colon may be required.