Diverticular Disease

• Diverticulosis
• Diverticulitis
Diverticulosis
• Common disease with age
• Cause unknown
• Potential causes:
– Constipation
– Pressure caused by
moving dry, hard
bowel movements
• Diverticula
– pouch-like projections
http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov
 Diverticulitis
• Inflammation of the diverticula
• Material caught in pocket causes
inflammation, infection
and bleeding.
 Signs and Symptoms
• Diverticulosis
– Most people have no pain or symptoms
– Diarrhea
– Constipation
– Flatulence
– Heartburn
Signs and Symptoms
• Diverticulitis
– Tenderness
– Cramps
– Abdominal pain
– Infection
– Fever
– Nausea, vomiting
– Blood in the stool
How do you know if you have
Diverticular Disease?
• Ask your doctor
• Knowing could prevent
– Pain
– Hospital stays
• Get tested by your doctor
 What causes Diverticular Disease?

• Lack of fiber in diet

– weak areas form pouches
• Lack of exercise
 Controlling Diverticulosis
• Diverticulosis is different than diverticulitis
– High fiber diet
• Adds bulk and softens stools
– Exercise or physical activity
 Controlling Diverticulitis
• Check with doctor first!
• Low fiber (residue) diet initially
• Gradually increase fiber
• Low fat diet
• In severe cases only
– liquid diet or tube feeding may be necessary.
Follow a High Fiber
Eating Plan

• Eat more fruits,

vegetables, whole
grains and beans
• Increase fiber gradually
• Drink plenty of water
 Should You Avoid Certain Foods?

• Unknown at this time

• Husks
– Sunflower seeds
– Peanuts
• Popcorn
• Fruit and vegetables with
seeds
 Be Physically Active
• Important for colon health
• 30 minutes most days of
the week.
– Divide into 5 to 10 minute
sessions
• Moderate intensity
– Brisk walking, swimming,
dancing, yard work,
vacuuming, sweeping.
 Points to Remember
• Diverticular disease is a common disease
that can develop with aging.
• Lifestyle changes may help control
diverticulosis and prevent diverticulitis.
– Healthy eating – emphasizing a high fiber diet
– Increase physical activity
• If you experience signs and symptoms of
diverticulitis consult your doctor.
 Review
1. Which is the more severe form of
diverticular disease, Diverticulosis or
Diverticulitis?
2. Why is it important to eat a diet high in
fiber to help control Diverticulosis?
3. What should you do first if you
experience symptoms of Diverticulitis?