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Diverticular Bleeding
Explore diverticular disease, where small pouches (diverticula) form in the colon wall and can cause inflammation or bleeding. Mayo Clinic's overview explains risk factors like low-fiber diets, outlines common symptoms, and offers expert guidance on diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies.
Dr. Scott Liu, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over six years of experience and a background in military medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, completed his Internal Medicine residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and finished his Gastroenterology fellowship through the National Capital Consortium. Dr. Liu provides comprehensive care for a broad range of digestive conditions, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and colon cancer screening. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and is known for his disciplined, patient-focused approach and clear communication.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Age over 50
Low-fiber diet
Chronic constipation and straining
Obesity or tobacco use
Regular use of NSAIDs or blood thinners
Signs and Symptoms
Sudden, painless bright red or maroon blood in the stool
Occasional mild cramping or abdominal discomfort
Dizziness or lightheadedness if bleeding is heavy
Rapid heartbeat or low blood pressure in severe cases
How Dr. Scott Diagnoses This Condition?
Dr. Scott uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Physical Exam
He reviews your bleeding history, stool characteristics, diet, medication use (especially NSAIDs), and known risk factors like age and fiber intake.
Blood Tests
A complete blood count (CBC) checks for anemia, while coagulation studies assess bleeding risk and guide further management.
Colonoscopy
Directly visualizes diverticula and pinpoints active bleeding sites.
Offers immediate therapeutic options-such as clip placement or thermal therapy-to stop bleeding.
CT Angiography
In cases of heavy or ongoing bleeding, this scan localizes the bleeding vessel and helps plan interventional treatment.
Angiographic Embolization (Advanced Testing)
A specialized radiologist threads a small catheter to the bleeding artery and delivers embolic agents to halt hemorrhage without open surgery.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for diverticular bleeding.
1. Diet and Lifestyle Tips
Add fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
Drink 8-10 cups of water daily to stay hydrated
Take gentle walks to keep your bowels moving
Avoid NSAIDs and limit heavy alcohol use
2. Medications
Iron supplements to correct anemia
Stool softeners to reduce straining
Other agents, as needed, to help stop or prevent bleeding
3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures
Endoscopic therapy with clips or thermal coagulation during colonoscopy
Angiographic embolization to selectively block the bleeding vessel
Surgery in rare cases of severe or recurrent bleeding
Dr. Scott Liu, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over six years of experience and a background in military medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, completed his Internal Medicine residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and finished his Gastroenterology fellowship through the National Capital Consortium. Dr. Liu provides comprehensive care for a broad range of digestive conditions, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and colon cancer screening. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and is known for his disciplined, patient-focused approach and clear communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is diverticular bleeding dangerous?
Most bleeding stops on its own, but heavy bleeding can lead to anemia or shock. Contact your doctor immediately if bleeding is severe.
Can I stop it at home?
Rest, stay hydrated, and eat light, high-fiber foods. Avoid NSAIDs. If bleeding continues or worsens, reach out to Dr. Scott for medical evaluation.
How do I know it's not just hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids typically cause itching or pain around the anus. Diverticular bleeding is painless and comes from inside the colon, often showing as bright red or maroon blood in stool without discomfort.
What should I expect during diagnosis?
You'll have blood tests to check for anemia and a colonoscopy to locate the bleeding source. In serious cases, CT angiography may be used to pinpoint active bleeding.
Can diet help prevent it?
Yes. A high-fiber diet-rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains-plus adequate hydration helps keep bowels healthy and reduces pressure that can lead to bleeding.
When should I go to the ER?
If you experience dizziness, fainting, rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, or pass large amounts of blood, go to the emergency room immediately.
Are there long-term changes after treatment?
Most patients return to normal with simple diet and lifestyle adjustments and routine follow-up visits to monitor their colon health.
