DIVERTICULOSIS AND DIVERICULITIS
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Understanding and Managing Two Common Colon Conditions
Trouble in Your Colon
You may be having trouble in your colon (the large intestine). Small
pouches may have formed in your colon wall. Many people have this
condition, called diverticulosis. If these pouches become infected
or inflamed, a painful and more serious condition called diverticulitis
has developed. Aging may contribute to colon conditions. But
eating plenty of unprocessed, high-fiber foods may make a difference in
the health of your colon.
Making Your Colon Healthier
You and your doctor can discuss how to control your diverticular condition. Diet
changes or medications may be enough to bring relief. In severe cases,
surgery may be needed. Either way, the better you understand your
body and your condition, the more you’ll benefit from treatment and
be able to avoid colon problems in the future.
Pressure Causes Pouches
A healthy colon is flexible tube lined with muscles. These muscles
help move stool (waste) through your colon into your rectum (the
lower part of the colon) and out of your body. With enough fiber
and water, stool stays soft and passes smoothly through your colon. But
if pressure builds up inside your colon, diverticulosis may occur.
Diverticulosis: Pouches Form
Without enough fiber and water in your digestive system, stool becomes
harder. Your colon’s muscles have to squeeze more to move
the harder stools through your colon. That extra pressure can
cause the lining of the colon wall to bulge out into pouches called diverticula. This
usually occurs in the colon’s muscular, lower left section (sigmoid),
though it can also occur in the other parts of the colon. Diverticula
may take years to develop and there are often no noticeable symptoms. If
you do have symptoms, they might include mild cramping, bloating, constipation,
diarrhea, or urgency. In rare cases, heavy rectal bleeding can
occur with diverticulosis. Any bleeding, even small amounts, should
be reported to your doctor.
Diverticulitis: Pouches Are Infected
Diverticulitis occurs when the diverticula become infected or inflamed. The
cause of these infections is unknown, but it’s possible that they
begin when stool lodges in the opening of the diverticula. Infection
can lead to complications such as swelling or rupturing of the diverticula. Symptoms
often include pain, fever, and chills. In severe cases, infection
of the abdominal cavity (peritonitis) may result.