Diverticulosis

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is diverticulosis?

• Diverticulosis (deye-ver-tik-u-LOH-sis) is a condition where small sac-like pouches bulge outward through weak spots in the large bowel (colon). These sacs are called diverticula. The pouches form when muscles of the colon have to work hard to squeeze against increased pressure in the colon. The increased pressure causes the bulges to form at weak spots, such as where there are small blood vessels. Feces (stools) or food that is not broken down may get trapped in the diverticula. This can cause pain in your abdomen (stomach), bleeding, and infection (diverticulitis) The likelihood of developing diverticulosis increases with age.
  
  
• The colon is the long tube that connects the small bowel with the anus (rear end). The colon absorbs water from digested foods and turns the digested food into stool. It stores the stool until it can be passed out through your anus.

What causes diverticulosis? It is not known what exactly causes diverticulosis. Increased pressure inside the colon may cause small pouches to form. This often happens due to constipation (dry, hard stool that is difficult to pass). The following may put you at a higher risk of having diverticulosis:

• Diet: Not having enough fiber in your diet may lead to constipation and increased pressure in your colon.
  
  
• Increased age: Being over 40 years old increases your risk. The walls of the colon become weak with age and make you more prone to diverticulosis.
  
  
• Obesity: Weighing more than what is suggested by your caregiver increases your risk of getting diverticulosis.
  
  
• Other diseases: Having a connective tissue disease, such as scleroderma or Marfan's syndrome, may affect your digestive system.

What are the signs and symptoms of diverticulosis? There usually are no signs and symptoms with diverticulosis. If you have symptoms, you may have one or more of the following:

• Constipation.
  
  
• Feeling bloated.
  
  
• Mild cramps.

How is diverticulosis diagnosed? Most people are not aware that they have diverticulosis. It is usually found during screening for cancer. You may have one or more of the following tests:

• Blood tests: Many different tests will be done with your blood, such as a test to see if you have an infection.
  
  
• Imaging tests:
  
  
  • 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.
  
  
• Stool test: A sample of your stool may be taken and sent to the laboratory for tests.

How is diverticulosis treated? In most cases of diverticulosis, eating a high fiber diet is the only treatment needed. Caregivers may suggest stool softeners to help with constipation. Painful abdominal spasms or cramps may be treated with a short course of pain medicines. Fiber and vitamin supplements may also be needed to make sure you are getting the proper nutrition. Bleeding from your diverticula may be treated by medicines or surgery. In some cases, surgery may be needed for frequent or painful attacks of diverticulosis. With treatment, such as a high fiber diet, your symptoms may be relieved and serious problems, such as diverticulitis, may be prevented.

What problems can diverticulosis cause? Small blood vessels in diverticula may weaken and burst, which may cause blood in your stool. With time, stool or food that is not broken down can get trapped in the diverticula. This may cause diverticulitis, where infection, swelling, and rupture of the diverticula may occur. Ask your caregiver for more information about diverticulitis.

Where can I find more information? You may feel scared, confused, and anxious because you have diverticulosis. These feelings are common. Talk about these feelings with your caregiver or with someone close to you. You may contact the following for 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
  

• International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
  P.O. Box 170864
  Milwaukee, WI 53217
  Phone: 1-414-964-1799
  Phone: 1-888-964-2001
  Web Address: http://www.iffgd.org
  

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

Link to this page

Printable Version

Email Page