What is diverticulosis?
Diverticulosis is a condition that develops when pouches (diverticula) form in the wall of the large intestine (colon). These pouches are usually very small. But they can be larger.
In diverticulosis, the pouches in the colon wall don't cause symptoms. The condition may not be found unless symptoms occur, such as in painful diverticulitis or diverticular bleeding. Most people who have diverticulosis never get diverticulitis. In many cases, diverticulosis is discovered only when tests are done to find the cause of a different medical problem or during a screening exam.
What causes it?
The reason that pouches (diverticula) form in the colon wall isn't completely understood. Doctors think that diverticula form when high pressure inside the colon pushes against weak spots in the colon wall.
Normally, a diet that includes a good amount of fiber produces stool that is bulky and can move easily through the colon. A low-fiber diet can cause small, hard stools. This means that it takes more pressure in the colon to move stools out of the body. This puts more pressure on the walls of the colon. A low-fiber diet also can increase the time stool remains in the colon, adding to the high pressure.
What are the symptoms?
Most people who have diverticulosis don't know that they have it, and most don't have symptoms. You may have had diverticulosis for years by the time symptoms occur, if they do. Over time, some people get an infection in the pouches (diverticulitis). The pouches sometimes bleed (diverticular bleeding).
How is it diagnosed?
In many cases, diverticulosis is discovered only when tests, such as a barium enema X-ray, a colonoscopy, or a CT scan are done to find the cause of a different medical problem or during a screening exam.
How is diverticulosis treated?
The best way to treat diverticulosis is to avoid constipation. Here are some tips:
- Include fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains in your diet each day. These foods are high in fiber.
- Drink plenty of fluids. If you have kidney, heart, or liver disease and have to limit fluids, talk with your doctor before you increase the amount of fluids you drink.
- Get some exercise every day. Build up slowly to 30 to 60 minutes a day on 5 or more days of the week.
- Take a fiber supplement, such as Citrucel or Metamucil, every day if needed. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
- Schedule time each day for a bowel movement. Having a daily routine may help. Take your time and do not strain when you are having a bowel movement.
Avoiding constipation may help reduce the formation of new pouches (diverticula) and lower the risk for diverticulitis.
How can you prevent it?
Eating a high-fiber diet, getting plenty of fluids, and exercising regularly can help you avoid constipation. This may help prevent diverticulosis.
