Diverticulosis

What is Diverticulosis?

Diverticulosis is a condition where the large intestine contains bulging pockets of tissue that push out from the intestinal walls. A small bulging pocket that pushes outward from the colon wall is called a diverticulum. When a person has one or more bulging pockets, the condition is called diverticulosis.

Some have only a few bulging pockets, while others have 20 or more. Most people have no symptoms and only find out that they have diverticulosis when they have a colonoscopy.

The risks of developing diverticulosis increases with age. It is seen in more than fifty percent of people over the age of sixty in the United States. Diverticulosis is rare in Asia and Africa.

What is the function of the Large Intestine?

The large intestine is a long tube-like structure that is responsible for absorption of water and excretion of solid waste material.

What are the symptoms of Diverticulosis?

Most people with diverticulosis do not have any symptoms. When symptoms occur, the most common symptoms are: mild cramps, and bloating.

How is Diverticulosis diagnosed?

Some people have no symptoms of diverticulosis and find out they have it after they have a colonoscopy.

What Causes Diverticulitis?

Diverticulitis occurs when there is an infection or inflammation of the bulging sacs. Sometimes inflammation occurs when stool gets caught in the sac. When infection occurs, the person usually experiences fever, pain and tenderness in the abdomen.

If treated properly, diverticulitis will go away. If you have diverticulitis, you doctor will prescribe antibiotics and design a diet that will help prevent it from reoccuring.

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