Will Diverticulosis Resolve on Its Own?

When something is wrong with your digestive system, you get a gut feeling — literally. Your bowel habits change, you feel bloated and heavy, and you may have cramps and abdominal pain. 

These symptoms are common among several gastrointestinal conditions, including colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, and colorectal cancer. 

Diverticulosis is another, and most folks are unfamiliar with this fairly common condition. Researchers estimate that up to 42% of Americans have diverticulosis, and many don’t realize they have it because it often has no symptoms. So how can you spot diverticulosis, do you need treatment, and will it go away on its own?

Here to answer your diverticulosis questions is Dr. Ayub Hussain at Northside Gastroenterology Associates in Houston and Cypress, Texas. He’s been helping folks understand and overcome this intestinal problem for many years and can treat you, too.

The difference between diverticulosis and diverticulitis

Diverticular disease, a gastrointestinal problem in your colon, comes in two types: diverticulosis and diverticulitis. 

Diverticulosis

Diverticulosis occurs when you develop small sacs (diverticula) on your colon wall. You may not realize you have these pouches because they often present no symptoms. Some people notice changes due to diverticulosis, like constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and cramps, but they usually don’t know what’s causing their symptoms. Most people learn about them during routine screening tests like colonoscopies. 

Diverticulitis

If and when the diverticula become infected or inflamed, you develop diverticulitis, which almost always generates uncomfortable symptoms, such as:

• Sudden abdominal pain (especially on the lower left side)
• Constipation and/or diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever and chills

Diverticulitis can also cause rectal bleeding if a blood vessel in the diverticula bursts — if this happens, seek immediate medical attention.

Diverticulitis can also lead to serious complications, such as a perforated colon, an abscess, intestinal obstruction, or an infection that spreads through your abdominal cavity, so don’t ignore the signs.

How we treat diverticulosis

You don’t need medical treatment for diverticulosis, especially if it’s not causing any problems. If Dr. Hussain discovers you have diverticulosis, he may recommend a few lifestyle changes to help it go away on its own. Here are some diverticulosis-friendly habits to adopt:

• Eat more fiber
• Don’t smoke
• Maintain a healthy body weight
• Exercise regularly
• Use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) sparingly

If you have symptoms of diverticulitis, come see Dr. Hussain. He evaluates your symptoms, performs a physical exam, and runs diagnostic imaging tests to determine the type and severity of your condition. 

Mild, uncomplicated diverticulitis may go away on its own with conservative measures and lifestyle changes.

Severe or chronic diverticulitis may require more assertive measures, such as a liquid diet and prescription antibiotics. If those don’t improve your condition, you may need an endoscopic or surgical procedure to stop bleeding, remove tissue, and repair damage. 

Don’t ignore unexplained bloating, bowel changes, and abdominal pain — call Northside Gastroenterology Associates or book an appointment online.