Diverticulosis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Diverticulosis?
A gastroenterologist, a doctor who treats digestive problems, can diagnose and treat diverticulosis. Most of the time, no treatment is needed, and it is often found during an exam for another health problem. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is diverticulosis?
Diverticulosis happens when small pouches form and push out through weak spots in the wall of the colon, or large intestine. These pouches form mostly in the lower part of the colon, called the sigmoid colon. One pouch is called a diverticulum. Many pouches are called diverticula. Most people who have diverticula do not have symptoms or problems.
Diverticulosis is quite common, especially as people age. More than 30% of adults between 50 and 59 years have it. So do more than 70% of adults above 80 years. It is less common in people age 40 and younger. Once the pouches have formed, you will have them for life.
Diverticulitis is different. It happens when the pouches become inflamed. Less than 5% of people with diverticulosis get diverticulitis.
Symptoms
Most people with diverticulosis have no symptoms.
When symptoms occur, they may include:
- Pain and cramps in the belly, especially in the lower left side.
- Constipation, and sometimes diarrhea.
- Bloating or gas.
- Not feeling hungry and not eating.
Other conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome, cause similar symptoms. You may notice small amounts of blood in your stools or on toilet paper. Rarely, more severe bleeding may occur. This happens when a small blood vessel in the wall of a pouch bursts, and the bleeding may be life-threatening.
Causes and who gets it
No one knows exactly what causes these pouches to form. A low-fiber diet was long thought to play a role, but this is not well proven. Lack of exercise and obesity are other possible risk factors that are not well proven. Certain genes may make some people more likely to develop diverticular disease. Eating nuts, popcorn, or corn does not appear to lead to inflammation of the pouches.
How doctors diagnose it
Diverticulosis is often found during an exam for another health problem. For example, it is often found during a colonoscopy. A colonoscopy is an exam that views the inside of the colon and rectum. A small camera on a tube can reach the length of the colon.
A colonoscopy should not be done when you have symptoms of acute diverticulitis. If you have symptoms, you may have blood tests to see if you have an infection or have lost too much blood. You may have a CT scan or ultrasound of the belly if you have bleeding, loose stools, or pain. Angiography, an imaging test that uses x-rays and a special dye to see inside blood vessels, can find the site of bleeding.
Treatment
Most of the time, no treatment is needed, because most people have no symptoms. Your provider may recommend getting more fiber in your diet.
To help prevent constipation, you should:
- Eat plenty of whole grains, beans, fruits, and vegetables.
- Limit processed foods.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Get regular exercise.
Talk with your provider about taking a fiber supplement. You should avoid NSAIDs, a group of pain medicines that includes aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. These medicines can make bleeding and diverticulitis more likely. Do not stop a medicine your doctor prescribed, such as daily aspirin, on your own. Ask your doctor first.
Most people with diverticulosis do not need to avoid specific foods. Doctors once advised avoiding nuts, popcorn, and seeds. Newer research suggests these foods are not harmful.
If bleeding does not stop or comes back, a doctor can use a colonoscopy to inject medicines or burn a certain area to stop it. Angiography may also be used to give medicines or block off a blood vessel. If bleeding keeps coming back, removing part of the colon may be needed.
When to see a doctor
If you have bleeding from your rectum, even a small amount, see a doctor right away. Contact your provider if you have symptoms of diverticulitis. These can include fever and chills, nausea or vomiting, or belly pain. See your doctor if you have bloating, constipation or diarrhea, or pain in your lower belly.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you faint, have trouble breathing, or have bleeding that will not stop.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. They can check your symptoms, review your medicines, and plan follow-up care. They can also refer you to a gastroenterologist when needed.
Common questions
Is diverticulosis the same as diverticulitis?
No, they are different. Diverticulosis means you have the pouches. Diverticulitis means the pouches are inflamed. Less than 5% of people with diverticulosis get diverticulitis.
Does diverticulosis go away?
No, it does not go away. Most people who have it never have symptoms.
Do I need to avoid nuts, popcorn, and seeds?
No, most people with diverticulosis do not need to avoid them. Doctors used to advise avoiding these foods, but newer research suggests they are not harmful.
Can diverticulosis cause bleeding?
Yes, it can. Most often, the blood is a small amount in the stool or on toilet paper. Rarely, bleeding is more severe. See a doctor right away for any rectal bleeding, even a small amount.
Sources
- NIDDK (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases) - Diverticular Disease
- MedlinePlus - Diverticulosis
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
