Overview
In your colon, pouches or pockets called diverticula can form in your colon wall. This is called diverticulosis. These pouches form from possible straining during bowel movements. When these pouches become infected, it is called diverticulitis. Diverticulosis is very common, especially as we get older and affects both men and women. Most people have no symptoms of diverticulosis but when the pockets become infected; symptoms of diverticulitis can develop. Symptoms usually include left lower abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation, fever, blood in stool and diarrhea. Risk factors can include excessive alcohol use, smoking, being overweight, not exercising and, consuming a diet low in fiber and high in red meat.
How is it diagnosed?
Diverticulosis and diverticulitis are usually diagnosed from the following tests:
- Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy exams the inside of the large intestine and rectum by using a flexible, lighted tube with a camera. The images are taken then viewed on a screen so the physician can see if there is any diverticulosis.
- Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: A flexible sigmoidoscopy is similar to a colonoscopy but focuses only on the sigmoid colon and rectum, the last 2 feet of the large intestine.
- CT Scan: Computerized tomography also called a CT scan — is an imaging method that uses x-rays taken from many different angles along with computer processing to create images of the bones and soft tissues inside your body. This test can confirm diverticulitis, fistulas and other complications.
How is it treated?
Usually, mild cases of diverticulitis involve resting your colon with a liquid or low-fiber diet like white bread, white rice, applesauce, fish and chicken. When your symptoms improve, you will gradually add more fiber back into your diet. Sometimes antibiotics are prescribed as well. If you have a serious case of diverticulitis, it may cause complications like fistulas or other damage to tissue where surgery might be needed.
Prevention of diverticulosis and diverticulitis can include:
- Exercising on a regular basis.
- Eating a high fiber diet: Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans to help keep you regular and avoid straining with bowel movements. Limit red meat and sweet consumption.
- Adequate hydration
- Maintaining a healthy weight.

References
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diverticulitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20371758 Pemberton, M.D., John. 2024. Patient Education: Diverticular Disease (Beyond the Basics). https://www.uptodate.com/contents/diverticular-disease-beyond-the-basics