Diverticulosis and diverticulitis

Overview

Diverticula are small pouches that form in the walls of the digestive tract. People with many diverticula have diverticulosis. Diverticulitis occurs when one or more of these diverticula become infected. Typical symptoms include stomach pain, diarrhoea or constipation. A high-fibre diet helps to prevent this condition.

Symptoms

People are usually unaware that they have individual diverticula or diverticulosis. Complaints only begin when inflammation occurs (diverticulitis).

Mild diverticulitis

• Diarrhoea alternating with constipation
• Bloating, lower abdominal pressure
• Fatigue, reduction in ability to function

Severe diverticulitis

• Fever and a strong feeling of being unwell
• Severe pain (mostly localised on the lower left side of the abdomen)
• Constipation, feeling of fullness and nausea
• Possibly rectal bleeding

Complications of diverticulitis

• Intestinal obstruction
• Rupture of the colon (perforation)
• Blood poisoning (sepsis)
• Peritonitis (infection of the stomach lining)

Causes and treatment

Causes

Risk factors for the occurrence of diverticula include:

• Chronic constipation
• Low-fibre diet
• Advancing age (weakened colon wall)
• Obesity

The colon is naturally inhabited by bacteria, and these bacteria make an infection worse.

Further treatment by your doctor / in hospital

Possible tests

• Blood test (search for inflammatory markers)
• Ultrasound (sonography)
• CT scan (computed tomography)
• Endoscopic examination of bowel (colonoscopy)

Possible therapies

• Painkillers
• Antibiotics (for bacterial infections)
• Operation (for complications, see “Symptoms”)

What can I do myself?

• This condition can be prevented with a balanced diet rich in fruit, salad and vegetables
• Obese people should lose weight

When to see a doctor?

• Prolonged constipation and/or diarrhoea, accompanied by stomach pain or blood in stools
• Prolonged lack of appetite or involuntary weight loss

Synonyms

Sepsis, Diverticulosis and diverticulitis, diverticulitis