Diverticulosis/Diverticulitis
Frequently Asked Questions
None Available At This Time
Description
Diverticulosis is a condition in which small pouches (called diverticula) bulge outward through weak spots in the lining of the colon.
When these pouches become inflamed, the condition is called diverticulitis. Together, diverticulosis and diverticulitis are called diverticular disease.
A high-fiber diet may reduce the symptoms of diverticulosis by keeping the stool soft, thereby lowering pressure on the inside of the colon so that bowel contents can move through easily.
If diverticulitis develops, treatment focuses on clearing up the inflammation and infection by resting the colon, and preventing complications.
(Image used by permission of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health.)
Sources of Additional Information
- The American College of Gastroenterology
- Diverticular Disease of the Colon
- (An overview of the causes, symptoms, and complications of diverticulosis, and the treatment of diverticulitis.)
- American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
- Understanding Diverticulosis
- (An overview of the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and complications of diverticulosis.)
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse
- Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis
- (An overview of diverticulosis and diverticulitis, the symptoms, complications, diagnosis, and treatment.)
Free Pamphlet From NDDIC: Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis
