Diverticulosis, Diverticulitis

In people over the age of 50, the presence of small pockets which stick out from the wall of the colon called “diverticula” is very common. These diverticula are usually of no concern. However, should they become infected, the term diverticulitis is used. Diverticula by themselves cause no symptoms, however, diverticulitis can cause abdominal pain, cramps, diarrhea, fever, and sometimes constipation. Treatment with antibiotic will usually solve the problem, but, sometimes surgical removal of the involved segment of the colon is necessary.

Occasionally, one of the thin walled diverticula will perforate and allow leakage of colon contents into the abdominal cavity. This is a serious condition requiring immediate surgery. Bleeding is another problem sometimes encountered with diverticulosis. It is currently believed that the prevention of diverticulosis may be possible if young people would add sufficient amounts of dietary fiber to their daily diets.