Diverticulosis is a health problem where small pouches bulge through weak parts of the colon.
Diverticulitis occurs when these pouches become inflamed. It can cause bleeding, cramping, and pain.
Doctors treat diverticulitis with medicine, changes to your diet, and sometimes surgery.
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Diverticulitis happens when small sacs (diverticula) push through weak spots in the colon and become inflamed. These pouches tend to form in the lower part of your colon (the sigmoid colon).
Diverticulitis often comes on fast. It can cause pain, bleeding, and other serious issues if not treated.
Diverticulosis, the illness that precedes diverticulitis, is common as people get older.
In the U.S., diverticulosis affects more than:
Still, fewer than 5% of people with diverticulosis get diverticulitis.
About 200,000 people are in the hospital for diverticulitis each year.
Diverticulitis can be mild or severe.
If not treated, it can lead to severe issues that could threaten your life.
Increased pressure from constipation may cause pouches in the colon to form. But for the most part, diverticulitis causes are unknown.
Your family history and lifestyle may make you more prone to getting diverticulitis.
Doctors don't always know what triggers diverticulitis.
A diet low in fiber and high in red meat may be one trigger.
It's crucial to be aware of diverticulitis risk factors and complications, especially as you get older.
Certain risk factors may play a role in getting diverticulitis, such as:
Research looks at other factors that may lead to diverticular disease.
They include:
If not treated, diverticulitis can lead to severe health issues like:
You may not be able to stop diverticulitis from occurring, but you can reduce your risk by:
Doctors used to suggest avoiding certain foods, such as popcorn, nuts, and seeds. But recent research shows that these foods are safe for people with diverticulosis.
We're experts at treating diverticular disease. Our colon and rectal care specialists offer custom treatments.
Our goal isn't just to treat your diverticulitis. We aim to prevent complications and improve your quality of life.
Your health care team may include:
You may not notice signs of diverticulitis right away. Many people don't notice symptoms until they have issues like pain and bleeding.
The symptoms of diverticulitis include:
Diverticulitis pain tends to be severe and come on fast. But it can also start out mild and get worse as the days go on.
Diverticulitis symptoms can be like those of other health issues, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It's vital to see a doctor if you have any of the above symptoms.
A diverticulitis attack often feels like a sharp pain or cramp on the left side of your belly. This pain may last for days.
You may also have fever, chills, vomiting, constipation, or diarrhea.
To find out if you have diverticulitis, your doctor will start by asking about your health history.
They'll ask about your:
Then your doctor will do a physical exam.
They'll check your vital signs and press on your belly to feel for lumps or see if it's tender. They'll use a stethoscope to listen for belly sounds and may also do a digital rectal exam.
Your doctor may also order tests, including:
Diverticulitis treatment will depend on how severe your disease is.
Your doctor may prescribe medicine and changes to your diet. But if your symptoms are severe, you may need treatment in the hospital.
Treatment may include one or more of the following:
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