5 Common Signs of Diverticular Disease

Over time, the walls along your intestines can weaken. Sometimes, this allows small pockets to form along the side. That can cause the food or food waste passing through your intestine to divert into these pockets. When that happens, you get diagnosed with a condition called diverticulosis.

This issue is common and often harmless. 75% of people in the U.S. develop diverticulosis by age 80.

It becomes a problem, though, when diverticulosis turns into diverticulitis. This diverticular disease causes inflammation in those intestinal pockets.

That can lead to a wide range of symptoms, including blood in your stool. Fortunately, Betsy Clemens, MD, and our team can help. Here at Midwest Hemorrhoid Treatment Center in Town and Country, Missouri, Dr. Clemens can help you figure out if you’re being affected by diverticular disease. 

Leading signs of diverticular disease

Some of the top signs that you might have irregular pockets along your intestine include:

Blood in your stool

If hard stool passes through a diverticulum (a pocket), it can stretch a blood vessel until it ruptures. As a result, you might notice blood in your stool. If you’re regularly seeing red, talk to Dr. Clemens. 

Abdominal pain

Diverticular diseases can cause discomfort in your abdomen, especially in the lower left side. The pain might come on suddenly or may gradually worsen. 

Nausea

Inflammation in your intestines can prevent your digestive system from working properly. As a result, you might feel queasy. Diverticular disease even makes some people vomit. 

Constipation and/or diarrhea

Similarly, an interruption in the digestive system’s normal processing can lead to abnormal stools. 

Bloating and abdominal tenderness

You might be able to see or feel the inflammation caused by diverticulitis. You may notice that you look more bloated or your abdomen feels tender when pressed. 

What to do if you think you have diverticulitis or diverticulosis

If that sounds familiar, come see Dr. Clemens. She can help you determine whether you’re affected by diverticular disease. That typically means using diagnostic tools like blood tests to check for infections or a fecal occult blood test to detect occult blood. She may also order a colonoscopy.

If you do have diverticular disease, treatment depends on how severe it is. In many cases, adjusting your diet helps resolve your symptoms. Dr. Clemens may recommend a liquid diet, then gradually increase your fiber intake. Over time, getting enough fiber helps your digestive system work as it should. She may also prescribe antibiotics to treat any infections or medication to address inflammation.

If you have diverticular bleeding, Dr. Clemens might recommend treatment to directly intervene. She can use specialized tools to help stop the bleeding.

Don’t ignore the signs of diverticular disease. To address your symptoms and protect your overall health, schedule an appointment with Dr. Clemens. Call our office or use our online booking feature today.