Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis

• Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis Overview
• Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis Causes
• Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis Symptoms
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Exams and Tests
• Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis Treatment
• Self-Care at Home
• Medical Treatment
• Surgery
• Next Steps
• Follow-up
• Prevention
• Outlook
• For More Information
• Web Links
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editors
• Related diverticulosis articles:
  Diverticulosis - on WebMD
  Diverticulitis - on WebMD
  Diverticulitis - on MedicineNet

Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis Overview

Diverticula are small pouches in the wall of the digestive tract. They occur when the inner layer of the digestive tract bulges through weak spots in the outer layer. (This is similar to what happens when an inner tube bulges through a tire.)

• Although these pouches can occur anyplace from the mouth to the anus, most occur in the large intestine (colon), especially the left (lower) part of the colon just above the rectum.
  
  
• These marble-sized pouches usually occur where blood vessels run through the intestinal wall.
  
  
• People who have these pouches are said to have diverticulosis.
  
  
• Because this condition typically does not cause symptoms, most people are unaware that they have it.

Sometimes one or more of these pouches becomes inflamed or infected, a condition called diverticulitis. Some people with diverticulosis become aware of the condition only when diverticulitis occurs.

Diverticulosis is a very common condition in the United States.

• Diverticulosis is mainly a condition of older people.
  
  
• Over half of people older than 60 years and almost everyone older than 80 years are believed to have diverticulosis, while only about 10% of people younger than 40 years have the condition.
  
  
• Only about 10-25% of people with diverticulosis go on to develop diverticulitis.

Diverticulosis is more common in developed or industrialized countries.

• In places such as the United States, England, and Australia, where the typical diet is low in fiber and high in highly processed carbohydrates, diverticulosis is common.
  
  
• Diverticulosis first appeared in the United States in about 1900. This was the same time that processed foods were first introduced into the US diet.
  
  
• Diverticulosis is much less common in countries of Asia and Africa, where the typical diet is high in fiber.

Most people recover from diverticulitis without problems if they receive appropriate treatment. Diverticulitis can lead to some very serious conditions if it is not detected and treated promptly. To a great extent, diverticulosis and diverticulitis can be prevented by changes in lifestyle and habits.