What is Diverticular Disease?

Diverticular disease is the general name for a condition that involves small bulges or out-pouching called diverticula that form from the wall of the large intestine (colon). An increase in pressure inside the colon may cause diverticula to form in weakened areas of the colon wall. Although diverticula can form throughout the colon, they are most commonly found in the sigmoid colon, the segment of colon nearest to the rectum.

What’s the difference between diverticulosis and diverticulitis?

Diverticulosis simply refers to the presence of these pockets (diverticula) in the colon. They usually don’t cause any symptoms or need to be treated. However, diverticulosis can lead to diverticulitis.

Diverticulitis refers to the inflammation (swelling) and infection in one or more diverticula. Patients may feel pain, nausea, fever and have other symptoms. This is a much more serious and potentially dangerous condition.

How common is diverticulosis?

Diverticulosis is very common in the Western populations and the rate of diverticulosis increases with age.

What are the symptoms of diverticulosis?

Usually, diverticulosis does not cause any troublesome symptoms. However, some people may report:

• Tenderness over the affected area
• Mild abdominal cramps
• Swelling or bloating
• Constipation or change in bowel habit

When there is inflammation (swelling) and infection in one or more diverticula, otherwise known as diverticulitis, symptoms may then include: 

• Pain over the affected segment of colon.
• Fever and/or chills
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Rectal bleeding

How can diverticulosis be prevented?

Having regular bowel movements and avoiding excessive straining is important to prevent diverticular disease and reduce its complications.

Some ways to accomplish this:

• Have more fiber in your diet
• Drink plenty of water
• Regular exercise for 30mins on most days if you can

What should I expect if I have been diagnosed with diverticular disease?

If you have been told that you have diverticulosis, this is usually not a cause for concern. This condition is very common and increases with age. You likely won’t even have symptoms if you have diverticulosis. Between 5-15% will develop rectal bleeding.

Up to 30% of people with diverticulosis do develop diverticulitis. Most people who have diverticulitis will recover with a course of antibiotics and rest. If your diverticulitis is severe, you have rectal bleeding or are having a repeat bout of diverticulitis, you may be admitted to hospital to receive intravenous (IV) antibiotics, IV fluids or possibly be considered for surgery.

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