What is diverticulosis?
Diverticulosis is a common condition in which small areas of the lining of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract weaken, causing a small pouch or sack (diverticula) to form on the intestine. Diverticula are most common in the colon (large intestine) but can appear anywhere along the GI tract. Most individuals do not have any symptoms unless the pouch becomes inflamed or infected, which is called diverticulitis.
What are the most common symptoms of diverticulosis?
Most people with diverticulosis don’t know they have the condition because few people experience symptoms. Others may experience bloating or constipation. Occasionally, some people report small amounts of blood with a bowel movement.
If a complication arises, an inflamed or infected diverticula could lead to abdominal pain, fever, or constipation. If you have severe pain on the lower left side of your belly, you should see a doctor to rule out diverticulitis or another potential health concern.
Risk factors and causes of diverticulosis
Diverticulosis is very common, especially as you age. Researchers believe that forceful contractions in the colon can cause the muscle fibers to separate over time, allowing bulging pouches or diverticula to slip out.. There are no known preventable strategies that can help you avoid diverticulosis, although it’s generally a good idea to eat a high-fiber diet.
Diagnosing diverticulosis
Because most people with diverticulosis don’t notice any symptoms, the condition is typically undiagnosed until it’s found incidentally during an exam for another health concern. For example, your gastroenterologist may spot diverticulosis during a routine colonoscopy screening for colon cancer.
If you have abdominal pain or a fever, your doctor may recommend a CT scan or bloodwork to evaluate for a potential infection (diverticulitis).
How is diverticulosis treated?
Diverticulosis is generally harmless and usually doesn’t require treatment. Your GI doctor may recommend eating more fiber and other lifestyle changes to minimize constipation, such as:
- Eating a high-fiber diet of whole grains, beans, fruits, and vegetables
- Getting regular exercise
- Drinking more fluids
- Limiting your use of certain over-the-counter medications called NSAIDs, such as aspirin or ibuprofen
A small percentage of patients with diverticulosis may benefit from treatment to stop any diverticular bleeding. Your gastroenterologist may treat bleeding from diverticulosis during a colonoscopy or inject medications into the bleeding vessel using an angiogram.
If you develop diverticulitis, your treatment will vary based on the severity of your condition.
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