Diverticular disease and diverticulitis
Also called: Diverticulosis, Diverticulitis
Small pouches (diverticula) bulge out through weak spots in the colon wall, usually the sigmoid colon. Most cause no trouble; when one becomes inflamed or infected it is called diverticulitis.
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Causes
- Raised pressure within the colon over many years pushing lining out through weak points
Risk factors
- Age over 50
- Low-fibre diet
- Obesity
- Smoking
- NSAIDs
- Lack of exercise
Symptoms
- Often none
- Diverticulitis: left lower abdominal pain, fever, change in bowel habit
- Painless rectal bleeding
Diagnosis — tests and examinations
- CT abdomen during acute attacks
- Colonoscopy after recovery to exclude cancer
Treatment
Medicines and medical treatment
- Uncomplicated diverticulitis: pain relief, clear fluids; antibiotics are not always needed
- Antibiotics for complicated or severe cases
Operations and procedures
- Drainage of abscess
- Sigmoid colectomy for recurrent or complicated disease
Self-care, home remedies and lifestyle
- High-fibre diet and plenty of fluids
- Regular exercise
- Nuts and seeds do not need to be avoided
Possible complications
- Abscess
- Perforation and peritonitis
- Fistula
- Stricture
- Bleeding
Prevention
- High-fibre diet, healthy weight, exercise, not smoking
Outlook
Most attacks settle with conservative treatment.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor for persistent left lower abdominal pain with fever; seek urgent care for severe pain or heavy bleeding.
Sources and further reading
These sources cover this condition. They have not been checked against every statement on this page.
Related conditions
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