Is Diverticulosis a Serious But Uncommon Problem?

Myths about Digestive Disorders

Researchers have only recently begun to understand the many, often complex diseases that affect the digestive system. Accordingly, people are gradually replacing folklore, old wives' tales, and rumors about the causes and treatments of digestive diseases with accurate, up-to-date information. But misunderstandings still exist, and while some folklore is harmless, some can be dangerous if it keeps a person from correctly preventing or treating an illness. Listed below is a common misconception (fallacy), about a digestive disease, followed by the facts as professionals understand them today.

Diverticulosis

Is diverticulosis a serious but uncommon problem?

No!

Actually, the majority of Americans over age 60 have diverticulosis, but only a small percentage have symptoms or complications.

Diverticulosis is a condition in which little sacs or out-pouchings called diverticula develop in the wall of the colon. These sacs tend to appear and increase in number with age. Most people have no symptoms and learn that they have diverticula after an x ray or intestinal examination.

Less than 10 percent of people with diverticulosis ever develop complications such as:

• infection (diverticulitis),
• bleeding, or
• perforation of the colon.