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        Digestive Diseases
        Abdominal Adhesions
                Acid Reflux (GER & GERD) in Adults
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                Your Digestive System & How it Works
                Zollinger-Ellison SyndromeDiverticular Disease

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    Definition & Facts
    Diverticulosis is a condition that occurs when small pouches, or sacs, form and push outward through weak spots in the wall of your colon. When diverticulosis causes symptoms, bleeding, inflammation, or complications, doctors call this condition diverticular disease.
Doctor Using Digital Tablet Talking With Senior Patient

    Symptoms & Causes
    Symptoms of diverticular disease may include constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, or bloating. Diverticulitis most often causes abdominal pain, which is usually severe. Experts are not sure what causes these conditions.


Diagnosis
    To diagnose diverticular disease, doctors review your medical history, perform a physical exam, and order tests. Your doctor may notice pouches in your colon wall while performing tests for other reasons. If you don’t have symptoms related to these pouches, your doctor may diagnose diverticulosis.

    Treatment
    Your doctor will recommend diverticular disease treatments based on whether you have chronic symptoms, diverticulitis, or complications. Treatments may include high-fiber foods, medicines, or surgery to remove part of your colon, called a colectomy.


Eating, Diet, & Nutrition
    If you have chronic symptoms of diverticular disease or if you had diverticulitis in the past, your doctor may recommend eating more foods that are high in fiber. Good sources of fiber include whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.

    Clinical Trials
    The NIDDK conducts and supports clinical trials in many diseases and conditions, including digestive diseases. The trials look to find new ways to prevent, detect, or treat disease and improve quality of life.

    Related Conditions & Diseases
    Irritable Bowel Syndrome


Related Diagnostic Tests
    Colonoscopy
    Lower GI Series


Your Digestive System & How It Works
    The digestive system is made up of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract—also called the digestive tract—and the liver, pancreas, and the gallbladder. The GI tract is a series of hollow organs joined in a long, twisting tube from the mouth to the anus.


Related Research
    See more about digestive diseases research at NIDDK.
        Last Reviewed August 2021

    

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                This content is provided as a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
(NIDDK), part of the National Institutes of Health. NIDDK translates and disseminates research findings to increase knowledge and understanding about health and disease among patients, health professionals, and the public. Content produced by NIDDK is carefully reviewed by NIDDK scientists and other experts.
    The NIDDK would like to thank:Lisa L. Strate, M.D., M.P.H., University of Washington School of Medicine, Harborview Medical Center Contact Us
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