Diverticulosis of the colon occurs when small pouches called diverticula push out through weak spots in your large-intestine wall. These pouches are usually not inflamed and most people don't even know they have them. They're most common in the sigmoid (lower) colon and are different from diverticulitis, which involves infection or swelling of these pouches.
Many people with diverticulosis have no symptoms. When signs do show up, they tend to be mild and intermittent, such as:
Doctors aren't completely sure why diverticula form, but these factors can raise your risk:
With a focus on patient-centered care and comprehensive digestive health solutions, GastroDoxs provides expert diagnostics and effective treatment for diverticulosis of the colon. Our approach is rooted in compassionate, personalized care to help you achieve long-term relief and improved quality of life. Call us today at 832-632-4070 or Book an Appointment with our Cypress team.
We've successfully treated more than 19.8K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.
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Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
Diverticulosis means small pouches (diverticula) have formed in the colon wall but aren't inflamed. Diverticulitis happens when those pouches become swollen or infected, often causing pain, fever, and other symptoms.
Yes. Many people with diverticulosis never experience any symptoms unless the diverticula become inflamed or infected.
Diverticulosis is most often discovered during a routine colonoscopy or on imaging studies like a CT scan performed for other reasons.
Current guidelines generally allow nuts, seeds, and popcorn, as most people tolerate them well. Focus instead on maintaining a high-fiber diet with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Aim for 25-30 grams of dietary fiber per day. This helps soften stool, reduce colon pressure, and may prevent new diverticula from forming.
Probiotics may support a healthy gut microbiome and improve digestion, but evidence is mixed. Talk to your doctor before starting any supplement.
Schedule a visit if you experience worsening belly pain, fever, rectal bleeding, or any new digestive symptoms that concern you.
Yes. Regular physical activity can stimulate bowel function, reduce pressure in the colon, and promote overall digestive health.
Surgery is rarely required for uncomplicated diverticulosis. It may be considered only if you have recurrent diverticulitis attacks or serious complications like perforation.
Follow-up colonoscopy frequency depends on your age, overall health, and other risk factors. Your gastroenterologist will recommend the best schedule for you.
