What is diverticulitis?

Diverticular disease, also called diverticulosis, is an infection in the tiny pouches that some people get in their colon.

The pouches are called diverticula and can sometimes bulge out through weak spots in your colon. The pouches can become inflamed (red, swollen) or infected.

Diverticulitis is when these tiny pouches in the colon get infected. About half of all Americans over age 60 will have diverticulosis; some people with diverticulosis can also get diverticulitis.

Diverticular disease is often seen in developed countries and is very common in the U.S., England and Australia; people in these countries eat less fiber.

Diverticular disease is rare in countries such as Asia and Africa, because people in these countries eat more fiber and vegetables.

What causes diverticular disease?

The cause of diverticular disease is unknown, but physicians think it might happen when not enough fiber is eaten.

Fiber is the part of fruits, vegetables and grains that the body cannot digest and helps make your stools soft and easy to pass. Eating more fiber helps stop constipation, which is the main cause of greater pressure in your colon.

When you are constipated, your muscles strain to move stool that’s too hard. The extra pressure from this straining makes the weak spots in your colon bulge out; these pouches that bulge out are the diverticula.

It is unknown what causes the infection that leads to diverticulitis, but it’s thought that it may start when stool or bacteria are caught in the diverticula.

Risk factors for diverticular disease

It’s unclear if diet affects your risk of getting the diverticular disease, but you are more at risk for the disease if you:

  • Are over 50 years old
  • Are male
  • Have diverticulosis
  • Are obese
  • Do not get enough exercise
  • Use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
  • Smoke

Diverticular disease symptoms

Each person’s diverticular disease symptoms may vary and may include:

Diverticulosis
You can have diverticulosis and not have any pain or symptoms, however, diverticulosis symptoms may include mild cramps, swelling, or bloating and constipation.

These symptoms of diverticulosis can also be caused by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), stomach ulcers or other health problems.

However, it does not always mean that you have diverticulosis.

Diverticulitis
The most common diverticulitis symptom is abdominal pain. The most common sign that you have it is feeling sore or sensitive on the left side of your lower belly.

If an infection is the cause of diverticulitis, then you may have fever, nausea, vomiting, chills, cramping and constipation.

Diverticular colitis
This is when the colon gets inflamed as a result of the diverticular disease.

Diverticular colitis is less common than diverticulitis.

The symptoms of diverticular disease may look like other health problems; always see your physician to be sure.

Complications of diverticular disease

Diverticular disease can cause other health problems such as:

  • Infection
  • Holes or tears
  • Blockages
  • Bleeding
  • Colitis

How is diverticular disease diagnosed?

Your physician will look at your past health and do a physical exam. He or she may also use some of the following tests to diagnose diverticular disease:

Barium enema or lower GI (gastrointestinal) series

An X-ray exam of your rectum, the large intestine and the lower part of your small intestine.

You will be given a metallic fluid called barium that coats the organs so that they can be seen on an X-ray.

The barium is put into a tube and inserted into your rectum as an enema.

An X-ray of your belly will show if you have any narrowed areas, blockages or other problems

How is diverticular disease treated?

In many cases, diverticulitis symptoms can be relieved through diet and lifestyle changes, such as eating whole grains, fruit, vegetables and beans. Experts suggest eating 20 to 35 grams of fiber each day.

Diverticulitis treatment also includes medication.

Diverticulitis treatment plans will be determined by a patient's care team based on age, medical history, type of diverticulitis symptoms and personal preferences.

Your diverticulitis treatment care plan for you based on:

  • Your age, overall health and medical history
  • How serious your case is
  • How well you handle certain medicines, treatments or therapies
  • If your condition is expected to get worse
  • Your opinion and what you would like to do

Your physician may tell you to eat more foods that have fiber, such as:

  • Whole-grain breads and cereals
  • Fruit, such as berries, apples and peaches
  • Vegetables, like broccoli, cabbage, spinach, carrots, asparagus and squash
  • Beans

Treatment for diverticulitis may also include:

  • Pain medicines
  • Antibiotics to fight infections
  • Medicines to control muscle spasms
  • Letting your colon rest by have a liquid diet and staying in bed
  • Bowel rest or eating only clear liquids for some time