Diverticulosis is a condition in which some people develop small, pouch-like herniations (called diverticula) in the colon. These diverticula can become inflamed--a condition known as diverticular disease or diverticulitis. The symptoms of diverticular disease may resemble symptoms of other medical problems, so you should consult your doctor to receive appropriate testing, diagnosis and treatment.
Diverticulosis Symptoms
Diverticulosis is thought to be caused by repeated pressure on the wall of the colon (possibly from straining due to constipation), and is linked to a low-fiber diet. According to a Johns Hopkins Medicine Health Alert on diverticular disorders, diverticulosis is quite common, with as many as 50 percent of people over the age of 50 having the condition. The mere presence of diverticula in the colon does not usually produce symptoms, although it can. Possible symptoms of diverticulosis include gas, nausea, bloating, tenderness or pain in the left lower abdominal region, and bowel irregularity (alternating diarrhea and constipation is common).
Diverticulitis Symptoms
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, diverticulitis occurs in 10 to 25 percent of those with diverticulosis. Diverticulitis occurs when the diverticula become inflamed or perforated, and, although physicians are not entirely sure of the underlying cause of the infection, it is suspected to be the result of stool or bacteria caught in the diverticula. Some of the most common symptoms of diverticulitis include severe abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, abdominal tenderness, constipation or diarrhea. Pain and tenderness in the lower left side of the abdomen is the most common sign of diverticulitis. This pain typically comes on very suddenly and is very severe, though it may occasionally come on more slowly, increasing or fluctuating in intensity over a period of days. Those with diverticulitis may also be at risk of developing complications such as bleeding from the rectum, a blockage in the bowel or worsening infection.
When to Act on Diverticular Disease Symptoms
While prevention of diverticulitis through exercise, high fluid intake and a low-fat, high-fiber diet is ideal, you will likely need to seek treatment from a physician once you start experiencing symptoms. If you experience very severe abdominal pain, with or without fever or abdominal bloating, you should contact your doctor right away. If your diverticulitis symptoms persist and you have either a change in bowel habits lasting longer than two weeks or persistent nausea, bloating, diarrhea or other symptoms, you should also contact your doctor. Rectal bleeding, particularly if it is accompanied by dizziness or weakness, is also a sign that you should seek medical treatment.
