What should you know about pan diverticulosis?

These pouches, called diverticula, form when the bowel wall pushes through weaker points. Diverticulosis is different from diverticulitis, which is inflammation or infection around a pouch. A scan or examination may discover diverticula while investigating another concern. Bloating, changes in bowel habit or abdominal discomfort can occur, but those symptoms have many possible causes. Read more about Diverticular Disease, Abdominal Pain and Constipation.

Keep a record of pain, stool changes and foods that seem to worsen symptoms. Build fibre gradually through vegetables, fruit, beans and whole grains if your clinician says this suits you, and drink enough fluid for your needs. Sudden large changes in fibre can increase gas. Regular movement may support bowel function. A GP Consultation can review medicines, examination findings and whether Nutrition Counselling would help.

Seek urgent medical help for severe or worsening abdominal pain, a swollen or rigid abdomen, repeated vomiting, fever, faintness, or blood in the stool. Arrange a clinical review for persistent pain, a new bowel change, or constipation that does not improve. These warning signs need assessment because diverticulitis, blockage, bleeding and other bowel problems require different care.

Ask which bowel areas contain diverticula, whether your symptoms fit uncomplicated diverticulosis, and how quickly to increase fibre. Ask which symptoms should prompt urgent care and whether any current medicine could affect constipation or bleeding.