Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis
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- 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
- Synonyms and Keywords
- Authors and Editors
- Viewer Comments: Diverticulitis (Diverticulosis) - Symptoms at Onset of Disease
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)
portion of the colon just
before the rectum.
- These marble-sized pouches usually occur where blood vessels run through the intestinal wall.
- Individuals who have these pouches are said to have diverticulosis.
- Because this condition typically does not cause symptoms, most people are unaware that they have diverticulitis.
Diverticulitis is inflammation of diverticula. Diverticulitis occurs when one or more of these pouches becomes inflamed or infected. 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.
- Approximately 10% of Americans over the age of 40 have diverticulitis. As we
age, the condition becomes more prevalent. Over half of people older than 60 years
of age develop the condition, and about two-thirds of individuals older than 80
years of age are believed to have diverticulosis.
- Only about 10% to 25% of people with diverticulosis will 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.
The current theory is that a low-fiber diet may cause increased incidence of
diverticular disease.
- Diverticulosis first appeared in the United States in the early 1900s. This was the same time that processed foods were first introduced into the U.S.
daily 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 complications 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.
Next: Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis Causes »
Viewer Comments & Reviews
Diverticulitis (Diverticulosis) - Symptoms at Onset of Disease
The symptoms of diverticulitis (diverticulosis) can vary greatly from patient to patient. What were your symptoms at the onset of your disease?
Important Safety Information
- KAPIDEX may not be right for everyone. You should not take KAPIDEX if you are allergic to KAPIDEX or any of its ingredients. Severe allergic reactions have been reported.
- Symptom relief does not rule out other serious stomach conditions.
- The most common side effects of KAPIDEX were diarrhea (4.8%), stomach pain (4.0%), nausea (2.9%), common cold (1.9%), vomiting (1.6%), and gas (1.6%). KAPIDEX and certain other medicines can affect each other. Before taking KAPIDEX, tell your doctor if you are taking ampicillin, atazanavir, digoxin, iron, ketoconazole, or tacrolimus. If you are taking KAPIDEX with warfarin, you may need to be monitored because serious risks could occur.
Uses of KAPIDEX
- Persistent heartburn two or more days a week, despite treatment and diet changes, could be acid reflux disease (ARD). Prescription KAPIDEX capsules are used in adults to treat heartburn related to ARD, to heal acid-related damage to the lining of the esophagus (called erosive esophagitis or EE), and to stop EE from coming back. Individual results may vary. Most damage (erosions) heals in 4–8 weeks.
Talk to your doctor or healthcare professional. Please see full Prescribing Information for KAPIDEX.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
KAPIDEX™ is a trademark of Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America, Inc., and is used under license by Takeda Pharmaceuticals America, Inc.
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Diverticulitis (Diverticulosis)
Colonoscopy Introduction
A colonoscopy is a test to look at the inside of your colon. The colon is the large intestine and the last part of your digestive system. Its job is to dry, process, and eliminate the waste left after the small intestine has absorbed the nutrients in food. The colon is about 3-5 feet long. It travels from the lower right corner of your abdomen (where the small intestine ends) up to your liver, across your body to the spleen in the upper left corner and then down to form your rectum and anus.
The doctor will use an instrument called the colonoscope to perform a colonoscopy. It is a long (about 3 ft), thin (about 1 in), flexible fiberoptic camera that allows the doctor to visualize your entire colon.
- Your doctor may order a colonoscopy to investigate many different diseases of the colon.
- Colonoscopy is best known for its use as a screening tool for the early detection of colorectal cancer.
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- Colonoscopy is best known for its use as a screening tool for the early detection of colorectal cancer.
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Diverticulitis »
Diverticula are small mucosal herniations protruding through the intestinal layers and the smooth muscle along the natural openings created by the vasa recta or nutrient vessels in the wall of the colon.
