Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis

Contents of this Article

How is Diverticular Disease Diagnosed?

To diagnose diverticular (pronunciation - DY-vur-TIK-yoo-lur) disease, the doctor asks about medical history, does a physical exam, and may perform one or more diagnostic tests. Because most people do not have symptoms, diverticulosis (pronunciation - DY-vur-TIK-yoo-LOH-siss) is often found through tests ordered for another ailment.

When taking a medical history, the doctor may ask about bowel habits, symptoms, pain, diet, and medications. The physical exam usually involves a digital rectal exam. To perform this test, the doctor inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to detect tenderness, blockage, or blood. The doctor may check stool for signs of bleeding and test blood for signs of infection. The doctor may also order x rays or other tests.

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.

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

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