What is diverticular disease?
Diverticular disease is a common condition, especially in people over 50. It happens when small pouches (called diverticula) form in the wall of the colon (large intestine).
- Diverticulosis: Presence of these pouches
- Diverticulitis: When the pouches become inflamed or infected
Most people with diverticular disease do not have symptoms.
What symptoms can occur?
Many people feel completely well. Symptoms usually happen only if complications develop.
Possible symptoms include:
- Abdominal pain (often on the left side)
- Fever
- Changes in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhoea)
More serious complications may cause:
- Severe abdominal pain
- Abscess (collection of pus)
- Perforation (hole in the bowel)
- Fistula (abnormal connection to another organ, e.g. bladder)
- Bleeding from the colon (can sometimes be heavy)
What causes diverticular disease?
Diverticular disease seems to be more common for people who take a low fibre diet. It is believed that insufficient fibre in the diet creates high pressure in the colon, which over the years results in diverticula formation.
How is it treated?
Dietary adjustments to increase the intake of fibre in the diet may reduce the pressure in the colon. This may decrease the risk of problems and complications from diverticular disease. Diverticulitis, however, requires antibiotics treatment. Mild diverticulitis can be treated with oral antibiotics, but more severe diverticulitis will require hospitalisation and IV antibiotics.
Surgery is occasionally necessary in very severe episode of diverticulitis that does not respond to IV antibiotics or if complications developed. Surgery may also be considered if a patient suffers from repeated attacks of severe diverticulitis.
Mild bleeding from diverticular disease may be treated medically. Surgery may also be necessary in a patient with severe bleeding from diverticular disease or had repeated episodes of diverticular bleeding.
Surgery for diverticular disease involves removal of the affected part of the colon followed by re-connection of the colon to restore continuity.
Key Takeaways
- Diverticular disease is common and often harmless
- Most people do not develop symptoms
- A high-fibre diet is important for prevention
- Seek medical attention if you develop pain, fever, or bleeding