Diverticulosis

Diverticulosis is the digestive disorder of having small pockets of tissue that bulge out from the colon walls—called diverticula.

As you get older more diverticula form, typically, in the end of the left colon. Diverticulosis can cause rectal bleeding and diverticulitis. When the pouches become inflamed and infected, diverticulosis can cause rectal bleeding, colon obstructions, and abdominal infections.

Diverticulosis will not typically show symptoms but the possible symptoms that may arise, include:

• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Fever and chills
• Nausea and vomiting

If your diverticula become infected or inflamed, the condition is called diverticulitis. Your doctor will diagnose you with a colonoscopy, CT scan, sigmoidoscopy, or barium X-ray. After you are diagnosed, your doctor will give you treatment options which usually include high fiber diets or antispasmodic drugs.

Contact your doctor if you have any questions and concerns.