Diverticular Bleeding

What Is Diverticular Bleeding?

Diverticular bleeding happens when small pouches (called diverticula) in the colon wall start to bleed. It's most common in people over 50. Unlike rectal bleeding from hemorrhoids or the abdominal pain of diverticulitis, diverticular bleeding is usually painless. If you see bright red blood or clots in your stool, contact your doctor right away.

Common Symptoms

Bleeding from diverticula often begins suddenly. You may notice:

• Bright red or dark blood in the toilet bowl or on toilet paper
• Blood clots mixed in your stool
• Heavy bleeding that may stop on its own and then recur
• Weakness, dizziness, or lightheadedness if bleeding is severe

Causes

Diverticular bleeding occurs when one of the tiny blood vessels in a diverticulum is injured or ruptures. Common triggers include:

• Increased pressure inside a pouch causing a vessel to break
• Straining during constipation, which can damage the colon lining
• Chronic inflammation around a diverticulum that wears down vessel walls
• Use of blood-thinning medications (e.g., aspirin, warfarin) that raise bleeding risk

Treatment Options for Diverticular Bleeding in Jersey Village

Treatment includes observation, endoscopic therapy, and supportive care:

• Monitoring: Close observation with vital sign checks and stool monitoring if bleeding is light and self-limiting.
• IV fluids and blood transfusion: Volume resuscitation and transfusion in moderate to severe bleeding to stabilize blood pressure and hemoglobin.
• Colonoscopy: Diagnostic and therapeutic procedure to locate the bleeding diverticulum and apply endoscopic hemostasis.
• Endoscopic therapy: Use of cauterization, injection therapy or placement of clips during colonoscopy to seal off bleeding vessels.
• Surgical intervention: Resection of the affected colon segment in rare cases of uncontrolled or recurrent hemorrhage.
• High-fiber diet: Gradually increasing dietary fiber intake (fruits, vegetables, whole grains) to reduce colonic pressure and prevent future episodes.
• Medication review: Adjustment or temporary cessation of blood thinners and NSAIDs under physician guidance to lower bleeding risk.
• Follow-up care: Scheduled clinic visits, repeat colonoscopy or imaging as needed to ensure bleeding has ceased and diverticula are managed.