What is diverticulosis?

Diverticulosis is a condition that develops when pouches (diverticula) form in the wall of the colon (large intestine). These pouches are usually very small (5 to 10 millimeters) in diameter. But they can be larger.

In diverticulosis, the pouches in the colon wall don't cause symptoms. The condition may not be found unless symptoms occur, such as in painful diverticular disease or in diverticulitis. Most people who have diverticulosis never get diverticulitis. In many cases, diverticulosis is discovered only when tests are done to find the cause of a different medical problem or during a screening exam.

Most people don't have symptoms. You may have had diverticulosis for years by the time symptoms occur (if they do). Over time, some people get an infection in the pouches (diverticulitis). The pouches sometimes bleed.

In many cases, diverticulosis is discovered only when tests, such as a barium enema X-ray, a colonoscopy, or a CT scan are done to find the cause of a different medical problem or during a screening exam.

The best way to treat diverticulosis is to avoid constipation. Here are some ideas:

• Include fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains in your diet each day. These foods are high in fiber.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Get some exercise every day. Try to do moderate activity that adds up to at least 2½ hours a week. Or try to do vigorous activity that adds up to at least 1¼ hours a week.
• Take a fiber supplement, such as Citrucel or Metamucil, every day if needed. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
• Schedule time each day for a bowel movement. Having a daily routine may help. Take your time and do not strain when you are having a bowel movement.

This treatment may help reduce the formation of new pouches (diverticula) and lower the risk for diverticulitis.

• Include fruits, leafy green vegetables, beans, and whole grains in your diet each day. These foods are high in fiber.
• Take a fiber supplement (such as Citrucel or Metamucil) every day if needed. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
• Drink plenty of fluids. If you have kidney, heart, or liver disease and have to limit fluids, talk with your doctor before you increase the amount of fluids you drink.
• Get at least 30 minutes of exercise on most days of the week. Walking is a good choice. You also may want to do other activities, such as running, swimming, cycling, or playing tennis or team sports.
• Cut out foods that cause gas, pain, or other symptoms.