What does it mean when you have pockets in your colon?

What does it mean when you have pockets in your colon?

Diverticulosis occurs when small defects in the muscle of the wall of the large intestine or colon allow small pockets or pouches (diverticula) to form. Diverticulitis is infection or inflammation of these abnormal pouches. Together, these conditions are called diverticular disease.

What does it mean when you have diverticula in your colon?

Diverticulosis can be defined as a condition where small sacs or pockets develop in the wall of the colon. In this condition, the lining of the bowel has numerous tiny pockets formed inside, and they are called diverticula. Diverticulosis is quite a common occurrence, especially among the middle-aged.

Can a person with diverticulitis have rectal bleeding?

Diverticulosis. Most people will have no or few symptoms from diverticula. Complications can occur in about 20% of people with diverticulosis. One of these complications is rectal bleeding, called diverticular bleeding, and another is diverticular infection, called diverticulitis.

Can a colonoscopy tell if you have diverticulitis?

In many cases, diverticulosis doesn’t cause any troublesome symptoms. You many never know you have the condition until you have a colonoscopy or some type of imaging that reveals the bulging pouches in your colon. However, if the pockets in your colon wall become inflamed and infected, it becomes diverticulitis.

What causes small pockets in the colon to form?

The small pockets or pouches usually develop in weakened areas of the colon wall. Several factors can cause these pockets to form, such as increased pressure from gas, liquid, or waste. When these pockets get blocked with waste, bacteria can build up causing swelling and infection. This is what’s known as diverticulitis.

Can you heal diverticular pockets?

Diverticulitis occurs when the diverticula (small pockets in the colon) become infected. This can only fully be treated with antibiotics , or else the infection will continue to spread. Follow the package directions with your antibiotics; they typically involve taking a pill orally at least once a day, but this will vary depending on your prescription. [2]

What causes air pockets in the colon?

Causes of Air Pockets After Colonoscopy . The University of Michigan Health System states that during colonoscopy, carbon dioxide gas is pumped into the colon in order to inflate it and allow a clearer view of the lining of the colon. The gas pumped into the colon forms air pockets that causes bloating, abdominal cramping and gas pains.

What is a pocket in the small intestine?

Diverticulitis is a condition that causes small pockets along your intestine called diverticula to become inflamed or infected. This is caused by hard bowel movement, food, or bacteria that get stuck in the pockets.

When to see a doctor with diverticulitis?

When to See a Doctor. Diverticulitis can be managed at home, but the symptoms always require a trip to the doctor or the hospital for evaluation and direction for treatment at home or in the hospital. Abdominal pain should prompt a call to a doctor, but when it is severe and accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, nausea, vomiting,…