Diverticulosis is an intestinal condition whereby diverticula (small pouches) form in weak spots lining the wall of the large intestine. Diverticulitis is a potentially serious complication of diverticulosis that occurs when these pouches become inflamed or infected.

• Diverticulosis pouches are usually only a few millimetres big.
• Most diverticulitis infections occur when partially digested food particles become trapped in a diverticulum.
• The pouches commonly form in the sigmoid colon (in the lower section).
• Most cases of diverticulosis do not cause symptoms, but when symptoms such as infection or inflammation do occur, the condition is called diverticulitis or diverticular disease.
• Symptoms of diverticulitis include: stomach pain, perforation of the colon, infection or changes in bowel movements.
• Bleeding can occur if a blood vessel located in the diverticular pouches burst.
• Another complication of diverticulitis is the formation of an abscess, a painful infected sore that forms outside the intestinal wall that can cause severe pain and stomach sickness.
• In rare cases, abnormal passages between the colon and bladder may develop. These are called fistulas.
• Diverticulosis is common in older adults. Approximately 58% of adults older than 60 have the condition (the majority of these cases are asymptomatic).
• According to the National Institute of Health, only around 5% of people with diverticulosis will go on to develop the problematic sub-condition diverticulitis.
• About 200,000 Americans are hospitalized annually for complications of diverticular disease (such as intestinal bleeding).
• Too much fiber may be problematic for some diverticulosis sufferers. If you have the condition, it is important to discuss fiber intake with your doctor.
• Some contributing factors to diverticulosis include: advanced aged, smoking, obesity, sedentary lifestyle and genetics.
• Treatment for diverticulitis usually includes antibiotics, pain relievers and a liquid diet. Sometimes a low fiber diet is suggested long-term.
• Only about 6% of diverticulitis sufferers require surgery.

That concludes our look at diverticulosis and diverticulitis! Thanks for visiting DocChat. Remember, if you have any health concerns, our board-certified physicians are standing by 24/7/365.