Diverticulosis is the formation of small out-pouchings inside the lining of your colon. For some this causes no issue, but for others it can lead to inflammation and infection, which is then referred to as diverticulitis. The specialists at the Digestive Health Institute can help you manage this condition.
Diverticulosis is a common condition, affecting at least 30% of the population over age 50 and up to 75% of people over 80. “Diverticulosis” is the formation of little pouches inside the lining of your colon. We believe these pouches develop during digestion when food pushes against weak spots and, over time, cause them to push out further. This compromises the integrity of the bowel wall.
These pouches cause no symptoms in most people. But, for others, diverticulosis can cause bleeding or inflammation and infection called “diverticulitis”. It is bleeding or diverticulitis that can necessitate treatment.
Symptoms & Diagnosis
Diverticulitis - Patients who develop diverticulitis, may present with:
- Abdominal pain and tenderness (often in the left lower abdomen)
- Fever
To diagnose diverticulitis, you will need to be evaluated by a provider who may obtain one the following tests:
- Blood tests. This test can look for infection.
- CT Scan. This imaging test helps us look for signs of inflammation or infection of the colon.
- Barium Enema. This imaging test illuminates the colon to look for signs of chronic infection.
To treat diverticulitis, several different options are available depending on the severity of the episode. Diverticulitis is often able to be manages as an outpatient, but at times requires admission to the hospital:
- Dietary modification. We may have you follow a clear liquid diet or temporarily reduce the amount of fiber in your diet.
- Antibiotics. Many patients with diverticulitis will respond to a short course of antibiotic treatment.
- Drainage of infection. Some patients require intervention to remove or drain infection that is not cured with antibiotics.
- Surgery. A small percentage of patients with diverticulitis will need surgery to remove the involved section of the colon. Rarely, this needs to happen emergently. More commonly, this is a scheduled surgery done to treat multiple episodes of diverticulitis.
- Colonoscopy. Using a scope inserted in the rectum, we examine the lining of the colon looking for these outpouchings, specifically where the bleeding may be coming from, sometimes we can control the bleeding at same time.
- CT Scan. This imaging test can sometimes identify the active bleeding vessel so that intervention can be done at the time to control the bleeding.
- Surgery. If there is still active bleeding that is unable to be controlled by the other means, surgery is sometimes indicated.
Bleeding: Some patients may present with bleeding from the outpouching which will require evaluation and treatment.
Living with the Condition
- Including fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains into your meals. Our registered dieticians can help!
- Adding a fiber supplement like Citrucel or Metamucil can be beneficial. Follow the instructions on the label of the supplement of your choosing.
- Drinking plenty of fluids.
- Getting exercise daily.