As many as 2.5 million Americans suffer diverticular disease in the United States.

“Diverticulosis is the presence of little pockets (diverticula) that form in the colon wall and increase as people age,” Health First Medical Group Gastroenterologist Francene Martin, MD, told Vero News.  “Diverticulitis occurs when those pockets get inflamed and swollen, which can result in them tearing or getting infected.”

About 60 percent of people over age 60 will form these pockets, she says. Most will not result in serious or emergent illness, but diverticulitis can be life-threatening, depending on the size of the tears or the severity of the infections.

Diagnosis of diverticular disease usually starts with a physical exam to check for abdominal tenderness. Blood tests and abdominal CT scans are common follow-up.

A colonoscopy may be ordered to examine the lining of the colon and rectum wall for diverticula.

“Once pockets are formed, they’ll never go away,” Dr. Marten says. “Making healthy choices will help your long-term outlook.”

READ the full health feature, including the three best steps to soften symptoms, in Vero News HERE.