What Is Diverticulosis?
Diverticulosis occurs when small pockets called diverticula develop on the wall of the colon or large intestine. When one or more of these pockets become inflamed, it is called diverticulitis. Diverticulitis typically involves a bacterial infection inside the diverticula.
Diverticulosis is fairly common as a person ages. Having a diet low in fiber and not getting enough physical activity increase your risk of developing this disease.
Signs and Symptoms
Most people with diverticulosis have no symptoms. Because symptoms are rarely present, diverticulosis is often diagnosed when another test is done.
Signs of diverticulosis include diverticulitis and diverticular bleeding. Bleeding is usually painless and temporary. However, in rare cases, it can result in serious blood loss.
When infections go untreated for too long, complications such as sepsis can occur.
Diagnosis
Diverticulosis is often diagnosed when another test is done, since symptoms are rarely present, whereas diverticulitis is often diagnosed when acute symptoms are present. The first step in finding the diagnosis and the best treatment involves a detailed history and physical exam. Based on this information, your doctor may order a number of tests.
These may include the following.
Imaging Tests
Barium enema: The barium used in a barium enema will help show the large intestine on the X-ray.
Colonoscopy: Your gastronenterologist provider may do a colonoscopy to visualize the inside of your entire colon, not just the lower portion.
CT scan (most common): During a CT scan, pictures are taken of cross sections or slices of the abdominal structures in your body. This includes the colon or large intestine.
Sigmoidoscopy: Your gastroenterologist provider may do a sigmoidoscopy to visualize the inside of your colon. A small flexible tube is used to see inside the rectum and lower portion of the colon. If the test is positive, your health care provider may recommend a colonoscopy.
Lab Tests
Stool test: Sometimes signs of infection or gastrointestinal bleeding are present in fecal matter. Providers can test a sample from you to see if this is the case.
Treatment
The main treatment for diverticulosis is a healthy diet, high in dietary fiber. A diet high in dietary fiber includes plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Avoidance of whole seeds is unproven and not recommended at this point.
A minority of patients (3%) may require more significant intervention if there’s persistent bleeding involved. Your gastroenterologist may recommend sealing broken blood vessels or using medications to treat bleeding.
Diverticulosis Clinical Trials
Clinical trials help determine new treatment options for diseases and conditions. Patients with diverticulosis have access to clinical trials and should speak with their physician to determine what trials might work best for them.
Programs and Services
Clinical Trials