What is Diverticulosis?
Diverticulosis is the gastrointestinal condition of having small pouches in the large intestine that are not infected or inflamed and typically do not cause any symptoms. They are most likely due to areas of muscle weakness and have a prevalence that increases with age.
 
Who Is most likely to develop Diverticulosis?
Diverticulosis is a common disorder, especially in older people. Approximately 50% of people over the age of 60 and 70% of people over the age of 80 have diverticulosis.
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What are causes of Diverticulosis?
Diverticulosis develops when small pouches form in weak areas of the colon wall. Aging, constipation, and increased pressure within the colon may contribute to the development of diverticulosis.
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What are symptoms of Diverticulosis?
Most people with diverticulosis do not experience symptoms and are often diagnosed during a routine colonoscopy or imaging study. Some patients may have chronic lower abdominal pain associated with bloating and cramping that may be related to diverticulosis or a history of diverticulitis. 
 

When should I see a gastroenterologist for Diverticulosis?

You should see a gastroenterologist if you experience persistent abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, fever, or symptoms that interfere with your daily life. Evaluation can help determine whether symptoms are related to diverticulosis, diverticulitis, or another digestive condition.
 
What are some complications of Diverticulosis?
Diverticula commonly become complicated by bleeding and infection. Diverticular bleeding is painless and the most common cause of acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding and most commonly a self-resolving process. An infection in the diverticula is called diverticulitis. This commonly presents with left lower abdominal pain, fever, tenderness, nausea, fever, chills, vomiting and loose watery stool. 
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How is Diverticulosis treated?
Treatment for patient without symptoms or a history of infection and bleeding are not recommended. People who are on a high fiber diet have shown to be at lower risks of developing complications from diverticulosis such as bleeding and infection. Many times people are recommended to avoid seeds, nuts and popcorn but there has been no scientific data  prove this hypothesis therefore it is no longer recommended. 

If you have diverticulosis, abdominal pain, or rectal bleeding, schedule an appointment with Dr. David Tenembaum or Dr. Aviles for evaluation and treatment recommendations.