A diverticulum is a small pouch that forms in the wall of an organ-most often in the throat, intestine, bladder, or urethra. It develops when internal pressure pushes the lining through a weak spot in the muscular wall, creating an outpouching that can be asymptomatic or lead to discomfort and complications.
Many people with a diverticulum have no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they vary by location and size of the pouch. You may notice:
Diverticula form when pressure inside an organ forces the inner lining through a weakened spot in the outer wall. Common contributing factors include:
Don't let diverticular symptoms hold you back. Call GastroDoxs in Cypress today or request an appointment online to get fast, personalized care. Our board-certified specialists are ready to provide expert diagnostics, compassionate treatment, and ongoing support to help you achieve lasting relief and better digestive health.
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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.
The plural of diverticulum is diverticula.
Meckel's diverticulum is a congenital pouch in the small intestine present from birth. It follows the "rule of 2s": it affects about 2% of people, is roughly 2 inches long, and lies about 2 feet from the ileocecal valve.
If Meckel's diverticulum causes pain, bleeding, or other complications, surgical removal-often via a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure-is usually recommended.
Zenker's diverticulum is a pouch that forms at the back of the throat (pharynx), which can lead to swallowing difficulties and aspiration.
Zenker's diverticulum is typically identified using a barium swallow X-ray, which outlines the pouch during imaging.
Zenker's diverticulum can be treated endoscopically (through a scope) or with open surgery to remove or divide the pouch and restore normal swallowing.
Yes. Ultrasound imaging is effective at visualizing bladder wall pouches (diverticula) and assessing their size and any associated complications.
You should seek medical attention if you experience abdominal pain (especially in the lower left), changes in bowel habits, bloating, fever, or blood in your stool.
A high-fiber diet-rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains-along with adequate water intake and regular exercise can reduce pressure in the colon and lower your risk of diverticula problems.
GastroDoxs in Cypress offers board-certified gastroenterologists who diagnose and treat all types of diverticula with personalized care and fast access to testing and treatment.
