Diverticulitis

Diverticula are small outpouchings (pockets) in the intestine that are filled with waste. Two hundred thousand Americans are hospitalized each year with obstruction of diverticula, a condition characterized by crampy abdominal pain, nausea, and fever. In... Full Answer

Diverticulosis (sometimes called tics) is simply potholes in your colon. And these divots have no symptoms unless they become plugged with poo. As stool has bacteria in it, the plugged diverticulosis becomes an abscess. We call this condition... Full Answer

Once diverticula form, they do not disappear by themselves. Fortunately, most patients with diverticulosis do not have symptoms and, therefore, do not need treatment. When diverticulosis is accompanied by abdominal pain, bloating or constipation,... Full Answer

Most people who have diverticulosis are unaware that they have the condition because it usually does not cause symptoms. It is possible that some people with diverticulosis experience bloating, abdominal cramps or constipation due to difficulty... Full Answer

Diverticulosis (sometimes called tics) is simply potholes in your colon. We really don’t know what causes colon potholes; but civilized societies deficient in whole grain foods have a higher rate of diverticulosis. In fact almost half of... Full Answer

A doctor may prescribe antibiotics and recommend following a liquid diet. Most people get better with this treatment. Some people may need surgery and other treatments. Surgery: Serious problems from diverticulitis are treated with surgery. Surgeons can... Full Answer

Because most people do not have symptoms, diverticulosis is often found incidentally during evaluation for another condition or during a screening exam for polyps. Gastroenterologists can directly visualize the diverticula (more than one pouch,... Full Answer

If you are caring for someone who exhibits any of the symptoms of diverticulitis, such as pain in the lower left side of the abdomen, fever, nausea, or changes in bowel movements, you should make an appointment with their doctor. In the meantime, the... Full Answer

Diverticular disease is a gastrointestinal (GI) disease that can cause nonspecific symptoms similar to those of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Small, finger-like sacs or pouches -- known as diverticula -- may protrude off the colon's inner lining, where... Full Answer

If you are suffering from diverticulitis, your doctor will likely prescribe an oral antibiotic. The antibiotics will cure the infection that causes diverticulitis. Additionally, your doctor may direct you to take an over-the-counter painkiller if you are... Full Answer