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Diverticulosis

Usually, as there are no symptoms present in diverticulosis, presence of diverticula are identified by accident during a medical examination for another reason.

Some doctors feel that as there are no symptoms present diverticulosis does not need any treatment. Other doctors think that there should be treatment put in place to prevent symptoms occurring. Doctors would normally advise eating a balanced diet high in fibre to try and prevent the onset of DD associated symptoms.

If you have been diagnosed with diverticulosis, you should not be overly concerned, do not worry or think about the condition too much and follow a healthy diet.

Symptomatic diverticulosis

This type of DD refers to people who have diverticula with symptoms but without complications or haemorrhage.

It has been argued that the symptoms associated with symptomatic diverticulosis are a form of IBS rather than a form of DD.

Symptomatic diverticulosis is hard to diagnose but the most common associated symptom is pain in the abdomen. Pain is usually brief and often found in the lower left area of the abdomen. Other symptoms include bloating, and / or excessive wind, the passing of mucus in stools and a feeling of incomplete emptying of the bowel.

The treatment for symptomatic diverticulosis is similar to the treatment of IBS. Treatment includes fibre supplements, painkillers and anti-spasmodic drugs. The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommend that the fibre intake of people diagnosed with IBS should be adjusted (usually a reduction) while monitoring an effect on symptoms. Such patients should be discouraged from eating insoluble fibre such as bran. If an increase in dietary fibre is advised, it should be soluble fibre such as ispaghula powder or foods high in soluble fibre such as oats.

Some people suffering from symptomatic diverticulosis have symptoms that are unlike IBS. The pains are not sharp and spasmodic but pain is lower level and regular. If this pain starts to cause great distress to a patient that particular section of the colon affected may be removed.

Because there is some debate about the cause of symptoms in symptomatic DD, doctors can have different responses. It is important to discuss your particular symptoms and feelings with your doctor to ensure that you receive the right treatment.