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Diverticulosis: Understanding and Managing This Common Digestive Condition

Experiencing abdominal pain or changes in your bowel habits? It could be related to a common digestive condition called diverticulosis. As your Blood Buddy, we’re here to help you understand what diverticulosis is, what causes it, and how to effectively manage it for better digestive health.

What is Diverticulosis?

Diverticulosis is a condition that affects about half of people over age 60. It involves the formation of small pouches (diverticula) that bulge out through weak spots in the digestive tract – most often in the colon (large intestine). These pouches can also form in the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine.

Diverticulosis vs. Diverticulitis: What’s the Difference?

It’s important to distinguish diverticulosis from diverticulitis. Diverticulosis is simply the presence of these pouches. However, when the diverticula become inflamed or infected, the condition is called diverticulitis. Diverticulitis can be more serious and may require medical treatment.

What Causes Diverticulosis?

The diverticula (bulging pouches) form when there is increased pressure inside the colon. Your risk of diverticulosis is higher if you:

  • Are obese

  • Are frequently constipated

  • Strain during bowel movements (poops)

  • Delay bowel movements

  • Sit a lot or do not exercise

Constipation and pressure are often caused by:

  • Not Enough Fiber in Your Diet: Too little fiber promotes small, hard stools (poops) that are difficult to pass and increase pressure on your colon.

  • Age: As you age, the outer muscular wall of your colon thickens, causing the passageway to narrow. This narrowing makes it more difficult to pass stool.

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What are the Symptoms?

Most people with diverticulosis have no noticeable symptoms until it develops into diverticulitis. The most common symptom of diverticulitis is abdominal pain, usually around the left side of the lower abdomen (belly).

If the area is infected (diverticulitis), you may also experience:

  • Fever

  • Nausea

  • Vomiting

  • Chills

  • Cramping

  • Constipation

  • Bleeding

What If These Conditions Go Untreated?

In rare cases, an infected diverticula can tear open, spilling intestinal waste into your abdomen. This is a medical emergency and requires immediate care.

Other complications may include:

  • A blockage in your intestine

  • An abscess (infection)

  • A fistula (an abnormal connection between two organs)

Although there is no evidence that diverticulosis increases your chance of colon or rectal cancer, it can make cancer more difficult to diagnose. Please make regular check ups

How are These Conditions Treated?

Once you have diverticulosis, your goal is to keep it from getting worse and prevent more diverticula from forming.

If you have diverticulitis, it requires medical attention. Treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms. Your doctor may recommend one of the following:

  • Diet: During acute attacks of diverticulitis, eat a low-fiber diet. Avoid foods that may contribute to nausea or pain, such as caffeine, spicy foods, chocolate, and milk products. When symptoms of diverticulitis stop, gradually transition to a high-fiber diet.

  • Medicine: Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics and recommend an over-the-counter pain medicine.

  • Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy is often recommended after a diverticulitis event, especially if you have had more than one in the last year.

  • Hospitalization: If you have vomiting, a fever, a high white blood cell count, or are at risk of complications, you may be admitted to the hospital.

  • Surgery: Your doctor may recommend a surgery to either remove the affected part of your colon or repair a fistula or intestinal obstruction.

    • Primary bowel resection

    • Bowel resection with colostomy

Key Takeaways:

  • Diverticulosis is a common condition involving the formation of pouches in the digestive tract.

  • Most people with diverticulosis have no symptoms.

  • Diverticulitis occurs when these pouches become inflamed or infected, causing abdominal pain and other symptoms.

  • Treatment for diverticulitis may include diet changes, antibiotics, or surgery.

  • Lifestyle changes, such as a high-fiber diet and regular exercise, can help prevent diverticulosis.

How Can I Prevent Diverticulosis?

You can prevent or slow these conditions by:

  • Eating 25 to 35 grams of fiber daily

  • Taking fiber supplements

  • Drinking plenty of fluids: Fiber absorbs water and increases soft waste in your colon.

  • Going right away when you need to use the bathroom

  • Exercising every day:

When Should I Call My Doctor?

Contact your doctor if you have abdominal pain along with:

  • Fever

  • Chills

  • Constipation

  • Nausea

  • Vomiting

  • Cramping

By understanding diverticulosis and taking proactive steps to maintain digestive health, you can minimize your risk and improve your overall well-being.