Diverticulosis
What is "diverticulosis"?
Diverticulosis is a fairly common condition where there are small pockets that form on the lining of the large intestine. These pockets can be very small - such as maybe the width of the tip of a ballpoint pen - to much larger - such as the size of a golf ball. Diverticulosis can involve one pocket (or diverticula), or there can be multiple diverticuli associated with this condition.
What are the symptoms of diverticulosis?
As a patient with diverticulosis, one generally would not have any symptoms at all. Sometimes people tend to be more constipated when they have these diverticular pockets, however for the most part, these pockets and diverticulosis are not symptomatic. It only becomes symptomatic when there's infection of the lining of the large intestine where these pockets occur, and it can cause pain, it can cause changes in the bowel habits, and it can cause fever and chills.
What are the complications of diverticulosis?
The complications of diverticulosis can be associated with infections that take place where these pockets of diverticular disease occur. Complications include infections, irritation, inflammation and potentially perforation, which means a hole in the lining of the large intestine can take place.
