Diverticulosis in the sigmoid colon

The sigmoid colon is the section of the large bowel before the rectum. Diverticula are small outward pouches in its wall. Their presence is called diverticulosis; pain with inflammation, infection or other complications is considered separately as diverticulitis or diverticular disease.

A person may have constipation, bloating or intermittent lower abdominal discomfort, but these symptoms can have many causes. A finding on colon imaging does not prove that every bowel symptom comes from the pouches. Explore [Diverticular Disease](/conditions/diverticular-disease/).

If your clinician agrees, increase fibre in stages with vegetables, fruit, pulses and whole grains, and drink fluids regularly. Movement can support bowel function. Track pain, stool changes and foods that worsen symptoms, taking the record to a [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/).

Avoid making abrupt diet changes during significant pain or vomiting. Ask before using fibre products, laxatives or anti-inflammatory pain medicines. [Nutrition Counselling](/treatments/lifestyle-and-wellness/nutrition-counselling/) can help if food choices are difficult to adjust.

Get urgent help for sudden or worsening lower abdominal pain, fever, repeated vomiting, a distended abdomen, inability to pass gas or stool, or rectal bleeding with weakness or faintness. Contact a clinician promptly for ongoing pain, persistent constipation or a new bowel-habit change. See [Abdominal Pain](/symptoms/abdominal-pain/) and [Constipation](/symptoms/constipation/) for symptom guidance.

Ask which test showed sigmoid pouches, whether another cause could explain your symptoms, how to adjust fibre, and which medicines to avoid. Confirm the exact plan if pain, fever or bleeding develops.