Understanding Diverticulosis: How Colonoscopy Can Help

Have you ever heard the term diverticulosis and wondered what it means? Diverticulosis is more common than you might think, especially among older adults, and while it often causes no symptoms, it can sometimes lead to serious complications. The good news is that a simple procedure called a colonoscopy can help detect and manage diverticulosis before it becomes a bigger issue.

In this blog, we’ll break down what diverticulosis is, how it differs from diverticulitis, and how colonoscopy plays a key role in diagnosing and managing the condition. Plus, if you’re experiencing any gastrointestinal concerns, we’ll show you why it’s important to consult the experts at Digestive and Liver Disease Consultants (DLDC).

What Is Diverticulosis?

Diverticulosis occurs when small, bulging pouches, known as diverticula, form in the walls of your colon. These pouches are usually harmless and many people don’t even know they have them. In fact, diverticulosis is quite common, especially in individuals over 50. It’s thought to be linked to a low-fiber diet, as this can increase pressure in the colon, making it more likely for diverticula to form.

Most people with diverticulosis never experience any symptoms, but for some, it can lead to complications like:

• Diverticulitis: This happens when the pouches become inflamed or infected, causing pain, fever, and digestive issues.
• Bleeding: Occasionally, diverticula can bleed, leading to rectal bleeding.
• Obstructions: In severe cases, diverticula can cause blockages in the colon, leading to serious complications.

Diverticulosis vs. Diverticulitis: What’s the Difference?

It’s important to understand the difference between diverticulosis and diverticulitis. Diverticulosis refers to the presence of diverticula without symptoms, whereas diverticulitis is when those pouches become inflamed or infected, leading to a much more uncomfortable condition. Symptoms of diverticulitis include:

• Abdominal pain, often on the lower left side
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever
• Constipation or diarrhea

While diverticulosis is mostly harmless, diverticulitis can lead to more serious complications, such as abscesses, perforation of the colon, or peritonitis (infection of the abdominal lining). This makes it crucial to monitor your colon health, which is where a colonoscopy can be extremely helpful.

How Can a Colonoscopy Help Detect and Manage Diverticulosis?

A colonoscopy is a procedure where a gastroenterologist uses a long, flexible tube with a camera to examine the inside of your colon. It’s a highly effective tool for detecting a range of gastrointestinal issues, including diverticulosis. Here’s how a colonoscopy can help:

1. Detecting Diverticulosis Early

In many cases, diverticulosis is found incidentally during a routine colonoscopy performed for other reasons, such as colorectal cancer screening. Because most people with diverticulosis don’t experience symptoms, a colonoscopy may be the only way to detect the condition. By identifying diverticulosis early, your doctor can provide guidance on managing the condition and reducing the risk of complications.

For example, imagine a patient named John who had a colonoscopy at age 55 as part of his regular screening for colorectal cancer. During the procedure, the doctor found small diverticula in John’s colon. Although John had no symptoms, the doctor advised him to increase his fiber intake and stay hydrated to reduce the risk of future problems. Thanks to the colonoscopy, John could take proactive steps to protect his colon health.

2. Assessing the Severity of Diverticulosis

Not all cases of diverticulosis are the same. Some people may have just a few pouches, while others may have numerous diverticula throughout their colon. A colonoscopy allows doctors to assess the extent and severity of the condition, which helps in developing an appropriate treatment plan.

For instance, Sarah, a 60-year-old woman, had a colonoscopy after experiencing occasional abdominal pain. Her doctor discovered that she had a large number of diverticula, which explained her symptoms. With this information, Sarah’s doctor recommended a high-fiber diet and regular follow-ups to monitor her condition.

3. Monitoring for Complications

If you’ve already been diagnosed with diverticulosis, regular colonoscopies can help monitor for any complications. While most cases of diverticulosis remain harmless, your doctor will want to check for signs of diverticulitis, bleeding, or other issues that may require treatment.

For example, after her first colonoscopy, Sarah’s doctor scheduled another procedure two years later to check for any changes in her condition. During the follow-up colonoscopy, the doctor found no signs of diverticulitis or other complications, giving Sarah peace of mind.

4. Screening for Colorectal Cancer

Diverticulosis doesn’t directly increase your risk of colorectal cancer, but since both conditions affect the colon, it’s a good idea to get regular colonoscopies to screen for cancer. Colonoscopies are the gold standard for detecting colorectal cancer early, and they offer the added benefit of allowing doctors to check for other conditions, like diverticulosis, at the same time.

Take Tom, for example. At age 60, Tom went in for a routine colonoscopy as part of his colorectal cancer screening. Not only did the doctor find a benign polyp that was safely removed, but they also discovered diverticula in Tom’s colon. By addressing both issues early, Tom’s doctor helped him reduce his risk of complications down the road.

Preventing Diverticulosis Complications

While diverticulosis is common and often doesn’t cause symptoms, it’s important to take steps to prevent complications. Here are a few tips to keep your colon healthy and avoid issues like diverticulitis:

• Eat a high-fiber diet: Fiber helps keep your colon healthy by promoting regular bowel movements and reducing pressure in the colon. Aim for plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
• Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water is crucial for maintaining healthy digestion and preventing constipation, which can aggravate diverticulosis.
• Exercise regularly: Physical activity helps promote healthy digestion and can reduce the risk of diverticulitis.
• Get regular check-ups: Even if you’re not experiencing symptoms, regular colonoscopies can help monitor your colon health and catch any problems early.

When Should You Get a Colonoscopy for Diverticulosis?

If you’re over 50, a colonoscopy may already be part of your regular health screenings. However, if you’re experiencing symptoms like abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, or changes in bowel habits, it’s important to talk to your doctor about scheduling a colonoscopy. Early detection can make all the difference in preventing complications and ensuring your digestive health stays on track.

Real-Life Example: Mark's Journey with Diverticulosis

Mark, a 58-year-old man, went to his doctor after noticing occasional bloating and discomfort in his abdomen. His doctor recommended a colonoscopy to get a clearer picture of what was happening in his colon. During the procedure, Mark’s doctor discovered diverticula, diagnosing him with diverticulosis. Although Mark wasn’t experiencing severe symptoms, his doctor advised him to increase his fiber intake and stay hydrated. Thanks to the early detection, Mark has been able to manage his condition and prevent any complications from arising.

Consult DLDC for Expert Gastroenterology Care

If you’re concerned about diverticulosis or any other digestive health issues, don’t wait to seek help. At Digestive and Liver Disease Consultants (DLDC), our team of expert gastroenterologists is here to help you stay on top of your colon health with regular colonoscopies and personalized care plans.

Don’t take chances with your digestive health—schedule a colonoscopy with DLDC today to prevent complications and ensure your long-term well-being.