Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis More than half of all adults over the age of 70 have diverticulosis but most are unaware they have the condition as the condition is common and frequently causes no symptoms. Diverticulitis, on the other hand, may be painful and disabling and is often a medical emergency. While mild attacks can be treated at home, the condition should always be assessed promptly. But what is diverticulosis and how does it differ from diverticulitis? Diverticulosis occurs when small defects in the muscle of the wall of the large intestine or colon allow small pockets or pouches (diverticula) to form. Diverticulitis is inflammation or infection of abnormal pouches in the bowel wall. Together, diverticulosis and diverticulitis are called diverticular disease. Diverticular disease isn’t associated with more serious conditions, such as bowel cancer. Diverticulosis is extremely common. Old age and diet may be the most important risk factors as the condition is less common in people under 50. Symptoms of Diverticulosis Diverticulosis is usually asymptomatic (has no symptoms). However, when many diverticula (pouches) are present, the normal smooth working of the bowel can be affected. This may cause a range of symptoms including: • Abdominal pain and bloating. • Constipation and diarrhoea. • Flatulence. • Blood in the faeces – this is usually minor, but bleeding can sometimes be heavy if a diverticulum gets inflamed or is near a blood vessel. • Anaemia from repeated bleeding may occur. Many of these symptoms are similar to those of bowel cancer. Diverticulosis is more common, so these symptoms may be more likely to be due to diverticulosis than cancer. Symptoms of Diverticulitis Diverticulitis requires immediate medical attention and, frequently, admission to hospital. Symptoms of diverticulitis include: • Sharp pain, often located at a specific point – for example, in the lower left half of the abdomen • Fever • Distension (bloating) of the abdomen. • Nausea and vomiting. Some of the complications of diverticular disease include: • Abscess – untreated, diverticulitis may lead to an abscess (a ball of pus). • Perforation – a weakened pocket of bowel wall may rupture. The contents of the bowel can then seep into the abdominal cavity. Symptoms include pain, high fever and chills. A perforated bowel is a medical emergency. • Peritonitis – perforation can lead to peritonitis (infection of the membranes that line the abdominal cavity and abdominal organs). This complication is potentially life threatening. • Haemorrhage – diverticula can be the source of haemorrhage. When bleeding occurs, it is important to exclude other causes. A person with diverticulosis can also get cancer. Diagnosis of Diverticular Disease Since diverticulosis often has no symptoms, it tends to be discovered during an examination for other conditions such as colorectal cancer. Diverticulitis is usually diagnosed General Health Pindara M 26 agazine Summer | 2014/15
Pindara Private Hospital Magazine - Issue Three
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