Table of Contents
What Is Diverticular Disease?
Causes Of Diverticular Disease
How Common Is Diverticular Disease?
Diverticular Disease Diagnosis
Diverticular Disease Treatment
When To Consider Diverticular Disease
Further Reading And References
What Is Diverticular Disease?
Diverticular Disease is where small bulges or pouches called diverticula form in the large intestine. Diverticulitis occurs where these pouches become inflamed or infected. (1)
Causes Of Diverticular Disease
The cause of diverticular disease is unclear. It may be linked to genetic factors, low fibre intake, obesity, high red meat intake, lack of physical activity, immune problems, some medicines and colon connective tissue issues. Diverticulitis infection may start with stool or bacteria getting caught in the diverticula. (2)
How Common Is Diverticular Disease?
Diverticular disease is very common in western societies (1) (2) (3) where people tend to eat less fibre (2). According to estimates 5% of people have diverticula by the time they are 40 years old and at least 50% of people have them by the time they are 80 (1). Symptoms such as abdominal pain are experienced by 1 in 4 people with diverticula (1).
Diverticular Disease Diagnosis
Your doctor will carry out a physical examination of your abdomen. (2) You may be referred for tests such as colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy or CT scan (3).
Diverticular Disease Treatment
Diverticular disease may be managed with diet, so your GP may refer you to a dietitian. You may need antibiotics if there is an infection. (3)
When To Consider Diverticular Disease
Consider talking to your doctor about diverticular disease, if you experience any of its symptoms including:
- abdominal pain in the left lower side (though some get it on the right side) which may be triggered by eating and may be relieved by the evacuation of stool or gas.
- have overlapping symptoms that seem similar to IBS (or may also be IBS) including bloating, constipation, diarrhoea
- blood in stools
Always speak to your GP if you have symptoms that concern you.
Further Reading And References
(1) NHS Inform: Diverticular disease and diverticulitis, Last updated: 29 May 2023
(2) John Hopkins Medicine: Diverticular Disease
(3) Guts UK: Diverticular disease
(4) NHS: Diverticular disease and diverticulitis, Page last reviewed: 07 September 2023
IBS Researcher 