What is Diverticular Disease?
Diverticular disease is a condition involving small pouches, called diverticula, that form in weak spots in the wall of the colon. Diverticulosis means the pouches are present. Diverticulitis happens when one or more of these pouches become inflamed. The term diverticular disease is often used when diverticula cause symptoms, bleeding, or diverticulitis.
Symptoms/Complications
- Diverticulosis
Most people with diverticulosis have no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include mild abdominal pain, bloating, or changes in bowel habits. Some people may also develop diverticular bleeding. - Diverticulitis
Diverticulitis usually causes more noticeable symptoms, such as abdominal pain (often on the lower left side), fever, nausea, and a change in bowel habits such as constipation or diarrhoea. More serious complications can include an abscess, perforation, fistula, blockage, or severe infection.
Diagnosis
Doctors diagnose diverticular disease using your medical history, a physical examination, and tests. These may include blood tests, stool tests, imaging tests such as a CT scan, and sometimes a colonoscopy to confirm the diagnosis or rule out other conditions.
Management of Diverticulosis
Diverticulosis without symptoms often does not need specific treatment. If symptoms are present, doctors may recommend a higher-fibre diet, more physical activity, not smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight. Some people are also advised to eat less red meat.
Management of Diverticulitis
Treatment depends on how severe it is. Mild diverticulitis may be managed with rest, fluids, pain relief, and sometimes antibiotics, depending on the situation. More severe cases may need hospital treatment, and complications may require drainage procedures or surgery. After recovery, patients are often advised to return to a higher-fibre diet if appropriate.
Outlook
The outlook is generally good, especially when the condition is recognised and managed early. Many people with diverticulosis never develop complications, and many cases of diverticulitis improve with treatment, although some people can have repeat attacks or complications over time.