Diverticulosis/Diverticulitis

A gut diverticulum (singular) is an outpouching of the wall of the gut to form a sac. Diverticula (plural) may occur at any level from esophagus to colon. In Western societies, half the population will develop at least one, usually a few dozen diverticula, by age 60.

Most diverticula occur in the left colon, but they also occur elsewhere, but not the rectum. Uncomplicated diverticular disease is called diverticulosis and most individuals who possess colonic diverticula have no symptoms and are unaware of them. They may coexist with other colonic disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome.

Nevertheless, colonic diverticula (one of many) can occasionally become the source of serious illness. These few may bleed or perforate thus becoming complicated diverticular disease. The resulting infection, diverticulitis, is usually confined to the surface of the adjacent colon producing an acute, sometimes devastating illness characterized by severe abdominal pain in the left lower part of the abdomen, fever, and prostration. A change in diet is a treatment during a mild attack of diverticulitis; a doctor will usually recommend a clear liquid diet or a low-fiber diet while the infected area heals. 

Can diverticula be prevented? Some physicians recommend a high fiber diet, or bran or psyllium supplements in the belief that lack of fiber causes the diverticula, and that such treatment may prevent complications.