You Are Here » Miscellaneous » Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis » Testing for Diverticular Disease

Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis

Contents of this Article

Testing for Diverticular Disease

The doctor can test for diverticular disease many ways. A CT scan is the most common test used. The doctor will inject a liquid in a vein in your arm that better highlights your organs on x rays. You may be asked to drink liquid called barium instead of getting an injection. You are then placed in a large doughnut-shaped machine that takes x rays.

Other tests include:

• Medical history - The doctor will ask about your health and symptoms such as pain. You will be asked about your bowel habits, diet, and any medications you take.
• Blood test - This test can help detect infections.
• Stool sample - This test may show bleeding in the digestive tract.
• Digital rectal exam - The doctor will insert a gloved finger into your rectum to check for pain, bleeding, or a blockage.
• X ray and barium enema - The doctor will insert liquid called barium in the large intestine through your anus. The anus is the opening where stool leaves the body. The barium makes the diverticula show up on an x ray.
• Colonoscopy - The doctor will insert a small tube through your anus. A tiny video camera is in the tube and will show if there are any pouches.

The colon (large intestine) and an enlargement of it showing diverticula.

Each pouch is called a diverticulum, pronunciation - DY-vur-TIK-yoo-lum.
Pouches (plural) are called diverticula, pronunciation - DY-vur-TIK-yoo-luh.
The condition of having diverticula is called diverticulosis, pronunciation - DY-vur-TIK-yoo-LOH-siss.
When the pouches become infected or inflamed, the condition is called diverticulitis, pronunciation - DY-vur-TIK-yoo-LY-tiss. This happens in 10 to 25 percent of people with diverticulosis.
Diverticulosis and diverticulitis are also called diverticular disease, pronunciation - DY-vur-TIK-yoo-lur.

Back To Top

References:
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC)
NIH Publication No. 07-1163
October 2006
digestive.niddk.nih.gov

The information discussed above is a general overview and does not include all the facts, or include everything there is to know about any medicine and/or products mentioned. Do not use any medicine and/or products without first talking to your doctor. Possible side effects of medications, other than those listed, may occur. Other brand names or generic forms of this medicine may also be available. If you have questions or concerns, or want more information, your doctor or pharmacist has the complete prescribing information about this medicine and possible drug interactions.