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You Are Here » Miscellaneous » Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis » Points to Remember
Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis
Contents of this Article
Points to Remember
- Diverticulosis (pronunciation - DY-vur-TIK-yoo-LOH-siss) occurs when small pouches, called diverticula (pronunciation - DY-vur-TIK-yoo-luh), bulge outward through weak spots in the colon (large intestine).
- The pouches form when pressure inside the colon builds, usually because of constipation.
- Most people with diverticulosis never have any discomfort or symptoms.
- Diverticular disease is more common in people as they grow older.
- The most likely cause of diverticulosis is a low fiber diet because it increases constipation and pressure inside the colon.
- For most people with diverticulosis, eating a high fiber diet is the only treatment needed.
- You can increase your fiber intake by eating these foods:
- Whole grain breads and cereals
- Fruit like apples and peaches
- Vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, spinach, carrots, asparagus, and squash
- Starchy vegetables like kidney beans and lima beans
- Diverticulitis (pronunciation - DY-vur-TIK-yoo-LY-tiss) occurs when the pouches become infected or inflamed and cause pain and tenderness around the left side of the lower abdomen.
- Contact a doctor if you notice symptoms such as:
- Fever
- Chills
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Rectal bleeding
- Change in bowel habits
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.
For More Information About Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis
International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
P.O. Box 170864
Milwaukee, WI 53217-8076
Phone: 1-888-964-2001 or 414-964-1799
Fax: 414-964-7176
Email: iffgd@iffgd.org
Internet: www.iffgd.org
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse
2 Information Way
Bethesda, MD 20892-3570
Phone: 1-800-891-5389
Fax: 703-738-4929
Email: nddic@info.niddk.nih.gov
Internet: www.digestive.niddk.nih.gov
American College of Gastroenterology
P.O. Box 342260
Bethesda, MD 20827-2260
Phone: 301-263-9000
Fax: 301-263-9025
Internet: www.acg.gi.org
American Gastroenterological Association
4930 Del Ray Avenue
Bethesda, MD 20814
Phone: 301-654-2055
Fax: 301-654-5920
Email: member@gastro.org
Internet: www.gastro.org
American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons
85 West Algonquin Road, Suite 550
Arlington Heights, IL 60005
Phone: 847-290-9184
Fax: 847-290-9203
Email: ascrs@fascrs.org
Internet: www.fascrs.org
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References:
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC)
NIH Publication No. 07-1163
October 2006
digestive.niddk.nih.gov
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