Topic Overview
What is diverticulosis?
Diverticulosis is a condition that
develops when pouches (diverticula 
) form in the wall of the colon (large intestine ). These pouches may be up to
0.25 in. (6.4 mm) or larger in
diameter.
In diverticulosis, the pouches in the colon wall do not
cause symptoms. Diverticulosis may not be discovered unless symptoms develop,
such as in painful diverticular disease or in
diverticulitis. As many as 80% of the people who have
diverticulosis never get diverticulitis.1 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.
Painful diverticular disease causes abdominal pain and
cramping, especially on the left side. But there is no fever or other sign of
inflammation. The symptoms of and treatment for painful diverticular disease
are the same as for
irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In fact, many doctors
think that a person with painful diverticular disease actually has both
diverticulosis and IBS, and the symptoms are from IBS. For more information,
see the topic Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
What causes diverticulosis?
The reason pouches
(diverticula) form in the colon wall is not completely understood. Doctors
think diverticula form when high pressure inside the colon pushes against weak
spots in the colon wall.
Normally, a diet with adequate fiber
(also called roughage) produces stool that is bulky and can move easily through
the colon. If a diet is low in fiber, the colon must exert more pressure than
usual to move small, hard stool. A low-fiber diet also can increase the time
stool remains in the bowel, adding to the high pressure.
Pouches
may form when the high pressure pushes against weak spots in the colon where
blood vessels pass through the muscle layer of the bowel wall to supply blood
to the inner wall.
What are the symptoms?
Most people don't have
symptoms.1 You may have had diverticulosis for years
by the time symptoms develop (if they do). Over time, some people develop an
infection in the pouches (diverticulitis). For more information, see the topic
Diverticulitis.
The symptoms of painful diverticular disease are the same as those of irritable bowel syndrome
(IBS), including diarrhea and cramping abdominal pain, with no fever or other
sign of an infection. For information on the symptoms of IBS, see the topic
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
How is diverticulosis diagnosed?
In many cases,
diverticulosis is discovered only when tests, such as a
barium enema X-ray or a
colonoscopy, are done to find the cause of a different
medical problem or during a screening exam.
How is it treated?
If you have diverticulosis,
you will be encouraged to eat a high-fiber diet and drink plenty of water to
prevent constipation. Try eating more whole grains, leafy green vegetables, and
fruits. You also may add fiber supplements such as Citrucel, Fibercon, and
Metamucil. This treatment may help reduce the formation of new pouches
(diverticula) and lower the risk of developing diverticulitis.
Treatment for painful diverticular disease involves adding fiber to the diet and eliminating any foods that
cause gas, pain, or other symptoms. Treatment is the same as that for irritable
bowel syndrome (IBS), because many people who have this condition also have
IBS. For information on the treatment of IBS, see the topic Irritable Bowel
Syndrome (IBS).
Can diverticulosis be prevented?
Eating a
high-fiber diet, getting plenty of fluid, and exercising regularly may help
prevent diverticulosis.
