Small pouches may form in the digestive system of some people. The pouches, called diverticula, may appear in the large intestine, small intestine, colon, stomach and esophagus. About 10 percent of people older than 40 and half of all people over 60 have this condition, which is called diverticulosis, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. It is estimated that 10 to 25 percent of people with diverticulosis get diverticulitis, which occurs when one or more of the pouches become inflamed or infected.
Abdominal Pain
Pain in the lower left side of the abdomen may be the first sign of diverticulitis. There may also be tenderness in the lower left side of the abdomen. The pain may come on suddenly and be severe. It may also appear in a milder form, but become worse over several days. The pain may fluctuate in intensity.
Intestinal Problems
Symptoms may include a change in the bowel habits, constipation or diarrhea. Cramping, nausea, vomiting, fever and chills may be experienced. Bloating may also occur.
Bleeding
Bleeding from the rectum is a less common symptom of diverticulitis, the Mayo Clinic notes. Small blood vessels in the pouches may weaken and then burst in the colon. Blood may appear in the stool or toilet. It is possible the bleeding may stop by itself, but it can also be severe. Anyone having this symptom should see a doctor immediately. The bleeding can be stopped through a colonoscopy. If that does not work, a surgical procedure can remove the affected portion of the colon.
Infection
Infections caused by diverticulitis may lead to abscesses forming in the colon wall that destroy tissue. The disorder can be treated with antibiotics. If that does not work, the abscess can be drained with a catheter inserted through the skin. Perforations may occur from infected diverticula. The perforations cause leakage out of the colon. They may also lead to a large abscess being formed in the abdominal cavity. The condition is called peritonitis. Someone with peritonitis may experience nausea, vomiting, fever and abdominal tenderness. The condition can be fatal without immediate treatment. Surgeons can clean the abdominal cavity and remove the affected area of the colon.
Complications
Infection from diverticulitis may spread to tissues outside the colon. The most common infection of this type occurs between the bladder and the colon. It happens more often in men than in women. The infection can interfere with the urinary tract and must be corrected through surgery. Intestinal blockage may occur from scarring caused by an infection. The colon cannot empty bowel contents properly. Surgery is needed to correct the obstruction.
