Diverticulosis

What is diverticulosis?

Diverticulosis is a condition in which small pockets called diverticula form in the large intestine (also known as the colon or bowel). These pockets make it difficult for bowel movements to pass through your digestive system.

What causes diverticulosis?

Diverticula pockets form when muscles have to work hard to move bowel movements through the colon. The force causes bulges to form at weak areas in the colon. This can happen if you eat foods that are low in fiber. Fiber helps give your bowel movements more bulk so they are larger and easier to move through your colon. The following may also put you at a higher risk of diverticulosis:

• You have a history of constipation.
  
  
• You are 40 years of age or older.
  
  
• You are obese.
  
  
• You do not get much exercise.

What are the signs and symptoms of diverticulosis?

You may have no signs or symptoms. If you do have symptoms, you may have any of the following:

• A bloated abdomen
  
  
• Constipation or diarrhea
  
  
• Stomach cramps

How is diverticulosis diagnosed?

You may have any of the following tests:

• Blood tests: You may need blood taken to give caregivers information about how your body is working. The blood may be taken from your hand, arm, or IV.
  
  
• Barium enema: A barium enema is an x-ray of the colon. A tube is put into your anus, and a liquid called barium is put through the tube. Barium is used so that caregivers can see your colon better on the x-ray film.
  
  
• Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy is a test that is done to look at your colon. A tube with a light on the end will be put into your anus, and then moved forward into your colon.
  
  
• Sigmoidoscopy: A sigmoidoscopy test looks for changes in your intestinal (bowel) wall that may be caused by a disease or condition. This test may also help find the cause of bleeding or pain. A long, thin tube with a tiny camera on the end is put through your anus into your rectum (rear-end). It also goes to the part of your intestine called the sigmoid. Caregivers will look for problems in your rectum and lower colon. A small amount of tissue may be taken from the intestine wall and sent for tests. Follow your caregiver's instructions for what to do before, during and after the test.
  
  
• Stool test: A sample of your bowel movement may be sent to a lab for tests.

How is diverticulosis treated?

Follow your treatment plan to help decrease your symptoms, such as bleeding, pain, and trouble having a bowel movement.

• High-fiber diet: In most cases, a high-fiber diet is the only treatment needed. High-fiber foods help you have regular bowel movements. They may also help decrease your risk of forming more diverticula. High-fiber foods include cooked beans, fruits, vegetables, and some cereals. Ask your caregiver about a high-fiber diet and how much fiber you should have each day. You may need to take a fiber supplement if you are not getting enough fiber from food.
  
  
• Medicines: Caregivers may tell you to take medicine to soften your bowel movements. You may also be given medicines to stop abdominal cramps or to treat the pain caused by the cramps.

What are the risks of diverticulosis?

• You may have bloating and gas if you increase your intake of fiber too quickly. Medicines used to treat diverticulosis may cause flushing, headaches, dry mouth, or blurred vision. You may get drowsy or have problems sleeping.
  
  
• Without treatment, the blood vessels in the diverticula may bleed or burst. This may cause blood in your bowel movements. You may develop a condition called diverticulitis. Diverticulitis is when your diverticula become swollen or infected. An infection can cause bleeding and severe abdominal pain. If infected diverticula burst, bowel contents could leak into your abdomen. This can cause peritonitis, an inflammation of the abdomen lining.

Where can I find more information?

• National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC)
  2 Information Way
  Bethesda , MD 20892-3570
  Phone: 1- 800 - 8915389
  Web Address: www.digestive.niddk.nih.gov
  

When should I contact my caregiver?

Contact your caregiver if:

• You have a change in your bowel movements.
  
  
• You have a fever.
  
  
• You have new or worse pain in your lower abdomen on the left side.
  
  
• You have questions about your condition or treatment.
  
  
• You have questions about the foods you should eat.

When should I seek immediate help?

Seek care immediately if:

• You have black or bright red bowel movements.
  
  

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

Copyright © 2012. Thomson Reuters. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Diverticulosis