Diverticulitis is swelling and infection of diverticula. These are small pouches that can form in the wall of the large intestine.
Infected pouches along the colon.
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This problem happens when the small pouches tear or become blocked by stool.
This problem is more common in older adults.
Things that may raise the risk of pouches forming are:
Symptoms can come on suddenly. They vary from person to person and may include:
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. Blood, urine, and stool tests may also be done.
Images may be taken. This can be done with:
The goal is to treat the infection and ease symptoms. Options are:
Increasing dietary fiber may prevent symptoms from returning in some people.
The risk of this problem may be lowered by:
American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons
https://www.fascrs.org
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
https//www.niddk.nih.gov
Diverticular disease. American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons website. Available at: https://www.fascrs.org/patients/disease-condition/diverticular-disease. Accessed February 9, 2021.
Diverticular disease. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/diverticulosis-diverticulitis. Accessed February 9, 2021.
Diverticulitis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/diverticulitis. Accessed February 9, 2021.
Stollman N, Smalley W, et al, AGA Institute Clinical Guidelines Committee. American Gastroenterological Association Institute Guideline on the Management of Acute Diverticulitis. Gastroenterology. 2015 Dec;149(7):1944-9, technical review can be found in Gastroenterology 2015 Dec;149(7):1950.
7/31/2018 DynaMed Systematic Literature Surveillance https://www.dynamed.com/condition/diverticulitis: Ma W, Jovani M, et al. Association between obesity and weight change and risk of diverticulitis in women. Gastroenterology. 2018 Jul;155(1):58-66.e4.
Last reviewed December 2020 by EBSCO Medical Review Board James P. Cornell, MD Last Updated: 2/9/2021