$Unique_ID{BRK01633}
$Pretitle{Digestive System}
$Title{Is There Any Difference Between "Diverticulitis" and "Diverticulosis"?}
$Subject{diverticulitis diverticulosis}
$Volume{I-12}
$Log{
Diverticulosis*0010001.scf
Diverticulitis*0010101.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Is There Any Difference Between "Diverticulitis" and "Diverticulosis"?


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QUESTION:  Is there any difference between "diverticulitis" and
"diverticulosis"?  It seems as if the doctor uses both of the words like they
mean the same thing.  It is very confusing, please help.

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ANSWER:  The two terms can be confusing.  I'll talk about them both, and
hopefully clear up the confusion.
     Diverticulosis is a fairly minor problem, with a great number of people
having it without knowing it.  In about 15 percent of cases, it progresses to
a more serious problem called diverticulitis.  Because of this, it's important
to control the milder diverticulosis so that it doesn't progress to the more
serious situation.
     Diverticulosis is a condition of the colon.  The healthy colon has rings
of muscle that push waste along and eventually out of the body.  In the person
with diverticulosis, the walls of the colon develop tiny pouches that stick
out of the outside wall of the colon.  The pouches are called "diverticula"
and usually form near the end of the colon, in the sigmoid region.  Some
experts think that a low fiber diet leads to this problem because the muscles
of the colon must be stronger to push less bulky wastes along the colon, and
the pouches form as a result of the increased pressure.
     One out of ten Americans over the age of 40 have diverticulosis.  Most of
these people have no symptoms.  However, if the colon wall becomes thick
enough to slow or block passage of stool, tenderness in the lower left side of
the abdomen and cramping and bloating may occur.
     If the little pouches become inflamed, diverticulitis results.  The
inflammation may result from stool becoming trapped in a diverticula or the
weakened colon wall may tear and become infected.
     The infection requires medical care, because it will create fever, pain
and abdominal swelling.  Sometimes, the colon is obstructed by the infection
and swelling, and a real emergency results.
     Treatment of diverticulitis depends on how severe it is.  Antibiotics,
rest, and medicines to calm the colon are all often prescribed.  Although your
doctor may normally recommend a high fiber diet, he may ask you to avoid fiber
until the colon is healed.
     To prevent diverticulosis from turning into diverticulitis, eat a diet
high in fiber, which includes fruits, vegetables and plenty of water.  Regular
exercise also helps keep the colon healthy.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
