Many people over 60 develop small pouches in their colon walls called diverticula. While this sounds scary, understanding these conditions can help you take better care of your digestive health.
Diverticula are small bulges that form in weak spots along your colon wall. Think of them like tiny balloons pushing out from the inside. They usually develop on the left side of your colon, called the sigmoid colon. Over time, increased pressure in your intestines can cause these weak spots to form.
Diverticulosis is simply having these pouches. About half of all people over 60 have diverticulosis, and most don’t even know it because it rarely causes symptoms.
Diverticulitis happens when one or more of these pouches becomes infected or inflamed. This is when you’ll feel sick and need medical treatment.
While anyone can develop diverticulosis, certain factors increase your risk:
Diverticulosis usually causes no symptoms. Some people may feel mild tenderness on their left side, along with occasional cramping, bloating, or constipation.
Diverticulitis causes more serious symptoms:
If you have these symptoms, see a doctor right away.
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and examine you. For diverticulitis, they’ll likely order a CT scan of your abdomen. They may also do blood tests to check for infection.
For diverticulosis: No medication is needed. The best treatment is changing your diet to include more fiber. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, and seeds. You can still eat meat but try to eat less red meat.
For diverticulitis: Mild cases are treated with antibiotics and a liquid diet at home. Severe cases may require hospitalization with IV antibiotics and no food for several days. Most people recover well with proper treatment.
Sometimes diverticulitis can cause serious problems like abscesses, tears in the colon wall, or blockages. These complications may require surgery.
Another possible problem is bleeding. Blood vessels near the diverticula can burst and cause bleeding in your colon. While most bleeding stops on its own, severe cases may need transfusions or surgery.
The best way to prevent both conditions is to eat more fiber. Aim for 28 grams of fiber daily. Fiber acts like a sponge, holding water in your stool to make it softer and easier to pass.
Other helpful steps include:
A high-fiber diet also helps lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, control blood sugar, and decrease colon cancer risk.
Doctors used to tell people with diverticulosis to avoid nuts, seeds, and popcorn. New research shows these foods don’t cause flare-ups, so you can enjoy them safely.
Dr. Robert Ripley General Surgeon Wickenburg Community Hospital and Clinics
