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Diverticular Disease 

Diverticular disease occurs when small pouches form in the colon. There are several types of diverticular disease:

  • Diverticulitis: The pouches become red and swollen (inflamed) or infected
  • Diverticulosis: There are one or more pouches in your colon
  • Diverticular bleeding: A blood vessel in a pouch opens and starts to bleed

Diverticulosis is common, especially in people over 60 years old.

Symptoms

Symptoms of diverticular disease include:

  • Cramps
  • Stomach pain, especially on the left side of your lower belly
  • Bloating
  • Constipation
  • Fever, nausea, chills, and vomiting, if you have an infection
  • Bleeding from the rectum

Treatments

Treatment for diverticular disease depends on how severe your condition is, your symptoms, age, and overall health. They may include:

  • Adding fiber to your diet
  • Pain medications
  • Antibiotics
  • A short-term clear liquid diet
  • A tube to drain pus if you have a severe infection

Risk Factors

Doctors aren't sure exactly what causes diverticular disease. However, things that may raise your risk include:

  • Eating a low-fiber diet
  • Being over the age of 60
  • Eating a lot of red meat
  • Not exercising
  • Obesity
  • Immune issues
  • Certain medications

Departments and Programs Who Treat This Condition

department

Colon and Rectal Surgery

BMC’s colorectal surgeons offer cutting-edge surgical treatments for conditions that affect the colon, rectum, and anus, in coordinating with other specialists.