Learn About Diverticular Disease

What is the definition of Diverticular Disease?

Diverticula are small, bulging sacs or pouches that form on the inner wall of the intestine. Diverticulitis occurs when these pouches become inflamed or infected. Most often, these pouches are in the lower part of the large intestine (colon).

What are the causes of Diverticular Disease?

The formation of pouches or sacs on the intestinal lining is called diverticulosis. It is found in more than half of Americans over age 60. However, no one knows exactly what causes the pouches to form.

Eating a low-fiber diet mostly made up of processed foods may be a cause. Constipation and hard stools are more likely when you do not eat enough fiber. Straining to pass stools increases the pressure in the colon or intestines, which may lead to the formation of these pouches.

In some cases, one of the pouches can become inflamed and a small tear develops in the lining of the intestine. This can lead to an infection at the site. When this occurs, the condition is called diverticulitis. The cause of diverticulitis is not known.

What are the symptoms of Diverticular Disease?

People with diverticulosis often have no symptoms, but they may have bloating and cramping in the lower part of the belly. Rarely, they may notice blood in their stool or on toilet paper.

Symptoms of diverticulitis are more severe and often start suddenly, but they may become worse over a few days. They include:

  • Pain or discomfort, usually in the left lower part of the abdomen
  • Bloating or gas
  • Fever and chills
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Not feeling hungry and not eating
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What are the current treatments for Diverticular Disease?

The treatment of diverticulitis depends on how serious the symptoms are. Some people may need to be in the hospital, but often, the problem can be treated at home.

To help with the pain, your provider may suggest that you:

  • Rest in bed and use a heating pad on your belly.
  • Take pain medicines (ask your provider which ones you should use).
  • Drink only fluids for a day or two, and then slowly begin drinking thicker liquids and then eating foods.

The provider may treat you with antibiotics.

After you are better, your provider may suggest that you add more fiber to your diet. Eating more fiber can help prevent future attacks. If you have bloating or gas, reduce the amount of fiber you eat for a few days.

Once these pouches have formed, you will have them for life. Diverticulitis can return, but some providers think a high-fiber diet may lessen your chances of a recurrence.

Who are the top Diverticular Disease Local Doctors?
Family Medicine
Family Medicine

St. James Parish Hosp Serv Dist

1645 Lutcher Ave, 
Lutcher, LA 
 (0.2 mi)
Languages Spoken:
English
Accepting New Patients

Jerry Poche is a Family Medicine provider in Lutcher, Louisiana. Dr. Poche and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Diverticular Disease. His top areas of expertise are Erysipelas, St. Anthony's Fire, Otitis, and Sinusitis. Dr. Poche is currently accepting new patients.

Internal Medicine
Internal Medicine
827 Pine St, 
Gramercy, LA 
 (1.4 mi)
Languages Spoken:
English
Accepting New Patients

Anu Vellanki is an Internal Medicine provider in Gramercy, Louisiana. Dr. Vellanki and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Diverticular Disease. His top areas of expertise are Glucocorticoid-Remediable Aldosteronism, Familial Hypertension, Hypertension, Gastrostomy, and Endoscopy. Dr. Vellanki is currently accepting new patients.

 
 
 
 
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Gastroenterology
Gastroenterology

Ochsner Clinic LLC

104 Acadia Park Dr, 
Raceland, LA 
 (24.8 mi)
Languages Spoken:
English

Steven Guarisco is a Gastroenterologist in Raceland, Louisiana. Dr. Guarisco and is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Diverticular Disease. His top areas of expertise are Trichohepatoenteric Syndrome, Lower Esophageal Ring, Benign Esophageal Stricture, Endoscopy, and Gastrectomy.

What is the outlook (prognosis) for Diverticular Disease?

Most often, this is a mild condition that responds well to treatment. Some people will have more than one attack of diverticulitis. Surgery may be needed in some cases. Many times, providers will recommend that you have a colonoscopy after diverticulitis has healed. This can help to rule out other conditions that could mimic diverticulitis symptoms.

What are the possible complications of Diverticular Disease?

More serious problems that may develop are:

  • Abnormal connections that form between parts of the colon or between the colon and another part of the body (fistula)
  • Hole or tear in the colon (perforation)
  • Narrowed area in the colon (stricture)
  • Pocket filled with pus or infection (abscess)
  • Bleeding from the diverticula
When should I contact a medical professional for Diverticular Disease?

Contact your provider if symptoms of diverticulitis occur.

Also call if you have diverticulitis and you have:

  • Blood in your stools
  • Fever above 100.4°F (38°C) that does not go away
  • Nausea, vomiting, or chills
  • Sudden belly or back pain that gets worse or is very severe
What are the latest Diverticular Disease Clinical Trials?
An Open-Label, Pilot Clinical Trial To Test The Safety And Feasibility Of A Suspension of Freeze-dried Microbiota In Patients Undergoing Colon Resection

Summary: This Phase 1 pilot clinical trial that will evaluate the initial safety and feasibility of orally administered preparation of fecal microbiota (MTP-101P) in patients undergoing colon resection. We plan to enroll male and female patients, ages 18-75, diagnosed with colon polyps or early (stage I or II) colorectal cancer or medically refractory diverticulitis. We will recruit 40 patients total to re...

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RObotic Vs LAparoscopic Colectomy for DIverticulitis. a Multicenter Observational Prospective Study.

Summary: Over the last decade there has been a growing interest toward the application of robotic approach for diverticular disease. The evidence available on the literature showed that robotic approach, compared to the laparoscopic surgery, offers significant advantages in terms of conversion rate and shortened hospital stay for the treatment of diverticular disease. The investigators aimed at evaluating ...

Who are the sources who wrote this article ?

Published Date: May 14, 2024
Published By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Aria - Jefferson Health Torresdale, Jefferson Digestive Diseases Network, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

What are the references for this article ?

Bhuket TP, Stollman NH. Diverticular disease of the colon. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 121.

Kuemmerle JF. Inflammatory and anatomic diseases of the intestine, peritoneum, mesentery, and omentum. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 128.