Having congenital pouches of the type found in many organs, particularly the colon, that are benign, but, being little cul-de-sacs, are likely to become inflamed from time to time. Diverticulitis is the term for inflamed diverticula.
An inflammation and ballooning of the intestinal wall in the lower colon. Symptoms include fever, abdominal pain, and constipation or diarrhea.
A condition in which diverticula form in the intestine but are not inflamed. In the small intestine, this can lead to blind loop syndrome.
The presence of a number of diverticula in the intestine.
Presence of abnormal pouchlike sacs (diverticula) through the muscular layers of the colon. The condition, increasingly common in persons over the age of 50, produces few or no symptoms, except occasional rectal bleeding.
Formation of pouches in the wall of the colon, usually without inflammation.
A condition in which small pouches form in the lining of the colon wall. They may fill with feces and other waste material and become inflamed or infected.
A condition in which diverticula exist in a segment of the intestine without evidence of inflammation (compare diverticulitis).
The presence of diverticula or sacs in the large intestine. Such diverticula are not uncommon over the age of 40, increasing with age until over 70 years; they may be present in one-third to one-half of the population. Diverticula mostly occur in the lower part of the colon, and are predominantly due to muscular hyperactivity of the bowel forcing the lining of the bowel through weak points in the bowel wall, just as the inner tube of a pneumatic tyre bulges through a defective tyre. There is increasing evidence that the low-residue diet of western civilization is a contributory cause. The condition may or may not produce symptoms. If it does, these consist of disturbance of the normal bowel function and pain in the left side in the lower abdomen. If diverticulosis is causing symptoms, treatment consists of a high-residue diet and an agar or methylcellulose preparation.
Diverticula in the colon without inflammation or symptoms. Only a small percentage of persons with diverticulosis develop diverticulitis.
Diverticular disease is a condition where abnormal sac-like protrusions, known as diverticula, form in the intestinal wall, especially in the colon. This disease may lead to complications such as intestinal bleeding and diverticulitis. It is thought to be caused by insufficient fiber in one’s diet. The incidence of diverticulosis is extremely low in developing nations where the majority of the diet comprises high-fiber foods.
Only a small percentage of people with diverticulosis actually experience symptoms, which typically arise from spasms or cramps in the intestinal muscle around the diverticula. The symptoms that many patients report are often akin to those associated with irritable bowel syndrome, such as abdominal discomfort, a feeling of bloating, and alterations in bowel movements. In extreme instances of diverticulosis, an intestinal hemorrhage can result in rectal bleeding.
Individuals suffering from cramps may find relief through adopting a diet high in fibre, taking fibre supplements, and using antispasmodic medications. Such a diet can also lower the likelihood of further complications. While bleeding from diverticula typically diminishes without intervention, surgical procedures are available as a potential treatment option.