Diverticular Disease
Diverticular disease consists of diverticulosis and
diverticulitis. Diverticulosis is the formation of numerous
tiny pockets, or diverticula, in the lining of the bowel.
Diverticula, which can range from pea-size to much larger,
are formed by increased pressure on weakened spots of
the intestinal walls by gas, waste, or liquid. Diverticula
can form while straining during a bowel movement, such
as with constipation. They are most common in the portion
of the large intestine called the sigmoid colon.
Complications can occur in people with diverticulosis.
Diverticulosis is very common and the occurrence of
diverticulosis increases with age.
One of these complications is rectal bleeding, called diverticular bleeding, and the other is diverticulitis. Diverticular bleeding occurs with chronic injury to the small blood vessels that are adjacent to the diverticula.
Diverticulitis occurs when there is inflammation and infection in one or more diverticula. This usually happens when outpouchings become blocked with waste, allowing bacteria to build up, causing infection.