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Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis
Summary
Diverticula are small pouches that bulge outward through the colon, or large intestine. If you have these pouches, you have a condition called diverticulosis. It becomes more common as people age. About half of all people over age 60 have it. Doctors believe the main cause is a low-fiber diet.
Most people with diverticulosis don’t have symptoms. Sometimes it causes mild cramps, bloating or constipation. Diverticulosis is often found through tests ordered for something else. For example, it is often found during a colonoscopy to screen for cancer. A high-fiber diet and mild pain reliever will often relieve symptoms.
If the pouches become inflamed or infected, you have a condition called diverticulitis. The most common symptom is abdominal pain, usually on the left side. You may also have fever, nausea, vomiting, chills, cramping, and constipation. In serious cases, diverticulitis can lead to bleeding, tears, or blockages. Your doctor will do a physical exam and imaging tests to diagnose it. Treatment may include antibiotics, pain relievers, and a liquid diet. A serious case may require a hospital stay or surgery.
NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Diagnosis and Tests
- Abdominal and Pelvic CT (Computed Tomography) Radiological Society of North America
- Abdominal exploration – series — Normal anatomy Medical Encyclopedia
- Colonoscopy: MedlinePlus Health Topic National Library of Medicine
- Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) National Library of Medicine
- Lower GI Series (Barium Enema) National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Encyclopedia
- Abdominal CT scan Medical Encyclopedia
- Abdominal exploration Medical Encyclopedia
- Barium enema Medical Encyclopedia
- Black or tarry stools Medical Encyclopedia
- Diverticulitis – what to ask your doctor Medical Encyclopedia
- Pelvic CT scan Medical Encyclopedia
- Total colectomy or proctocolectomy – discharge Medical Encyclopedia
Find an Expert
- American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons
- Find a Gastroenterologist American College of Gastroenterology
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Patient Handouts
- Bland diet Medical Encyclopedia
- Colonoscopy Medical Encyclopedia
- Diverticulitis Medical Encyclopedia
- Diverticulitis and diverticulosis – discharge Medical Encyclopedia
- Diverticulosis Medical Encyclopedia
- Large bowel resection – discharge Medical Encyclopedia
- Low-fiber diet Medical Encyclopedia
- Lower GI Series National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
- Virtual colonoscopy Medical Encyclopedia
Clinical Trials
- ClinicalTrials.gov: Diverticular Diseases National Institutes of Health
- ClinicalTrials.gov: Diverticulitis National Institutes of Health
- ClinicalTrials.gov: Diverticulum, Colon National Institutes of Health
Treatments and Therapies
- Colon diverticula – series — Normal anatomy Medical Encyclopedia
- Colostomy – Series — Normal anatomy Medical Encyclopedia
- Treatment for Diverticular Disease National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Living With
- Dietary Fiber: Essential for a Healthy Diet Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
- Diverticulitis Diet Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
- Diverticulitis: Can Certain Foods Trigger an Attack? Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
- Fiber: How to Increase the Amount in Your Diet American Academy of Family Physicians
Specifics
- Diverticula, Diverticulosis, Diverticulitis: What’s the Difference? International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders
Start Here
- Diverticular Disease National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
- Diverticular Disease American Academy of Family Physicians
- Diverticulitis Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
- Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis American College of Gastroenterology