Diverticular Disease

What Are Diverticula?

As we get older, small pouches can form in the walls of our large bowel (the part that makes poo). These pouches are called diverticula. Most people develop some of these pouches as they age, but many never know they have them because they don't cause problems.

When these pouches don't cause symptoms, doctors call it diverticulosis. When they do cause symptoms, it's called diverticular disease. If the pouches become swollen or infected, it's called diverticulitis.

What Symptoms Might You Notice?

If you have diverticular disease, you might experience:

• Pain in the lower left side of your tummy (though some people get it on the right side)
• Tummy pain that gets worse after eating and better after you poo or pass wind
• Being constipated or having loose poos
• Blood in your poo
• Feeling bloated

If the pouches become infected (diverticulitis), you might also have:

• Severe tummy pain that doesn't go away
• High temperature
• Bleeding from your bottom or passing slime

These symptoms can be similar to other bowel conditions, so it's important to speak to your GP if you're worried.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Speak to your GP urgently if you have:

• Blood or slime in your poo
• Tummy pain that's getting worse or won't go away
• High temperature or feeling hot, cold or shivery
• Keep being sick and can't keep fluids down
• Loose poos for more than 7 days or being sick for more than 2 days

Call 999 or go to A&E immediately if you or someone you care for:

• Has severe tummy pain and is vomiting, has a swollen tummy, or can't poo or pass wind
• Is bleeding heavily from their bottom
• Is confused, has pale or blotchy skin, very high or low temperature, or is out of breath - these could be signs of a serious infection

How Is It Treated?

Your GP might suggest:

• Paracetamol for pain
• Special medicines to help with constipation or loose poos
• Medicines to reduce tummy cramps

If you have diverticulitis, you might need antibiotics to fight infection.

What Can You Do to Help Yourself?

Do:

• Eat a healthy, balanced diet with whole grains, fruits and vegetables
• Slowly increase fibre in your diet and drink plenty of water
• Stop smoking if you smoke
• Keep to a healthy weight

Don't:

• Take ibuprofen or codeine - these can make bowel problems worse
• Worry about avoiding specific foods - there's no evidence this helps

What About Complications?

Rarely, diverticulitis can cause serious problems like infections that spread, blockages in the bowel, or holes in the bowel wall. These might need hospital treatment or surgery.

Remember, many people have diverticula without any problems. If you do have symptoms, speaking to your GP early can help you manage the condition effectively.

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Based on NHS.uk guidance. Written by Dr Krishnan Pasupathi, NHS GP.