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.

Viewer Comments & Reviews

Diverticulitis (Diverticulosis) - Symptoms at Onset of Disease

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

The symptoms of diverticulitis (diverticulosis) can vary greatly from patient to patient. What were your symptoms at the onset of your disease?

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