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Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis

Diverticula are small pouches that bulge outward through the colon, or large intestine. If these pouches are present, you have diverticulosis. This condition becomes more common among older individuals.  Roughly half of all people over age 60 have diverticulosis.  Doctors believe the primary cause of this disease is a low-fiber diet.

Most people having diverticulosis experience no symptoms. Diverticulosis may cause mild cramps, bloating, or constipation. A high-fiber diet and a mild pain reliever will often relieve symptoms associated with diverticulosis.

Should the diverticula pouches become inflamed or infected, you have diverticulitis. The most common symptom is abdominal pain, usually occurring on the left side. Other symptoms of infected diverticula are fever, nausea, vomiting, chills, cramping, and constipation. In more severe cases, diverticulitis may lead to bleeding tears or blockage. Treatment focuses on treating the infection with antibiotics and resting the colon to minimize the probability of future problems. A serious case may require a hospital stay.

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