Dr. Jim Surrell, Journal columnist

First of all, let us again review what the four letters “itis” mean when found on the end of a medical word. These letters, “itis,” always mean inflammation or infection.

Further, the four letters “osis” on the end of a medical word just means that something is present. So, the medical word “diverticulosis” just means you have these little pockets present on the wall of you colon, and this is very common in adults.

If one or more of these pockets gets infected, it is now called diverticulitis.

Diverticulosis is a common condition that occurs when small pouches, or sacs, form and push outward in the wall of your  colon. These pouches most commonly form in the lower part of our colon, called the sigmoid colon. Diverticulosis is more commonly seen as people age.

It is estimated that about 30 percent of US adults between the ages of 50 and 60 have diverticulosis and more than 70 percent of our U.S. adults older than age 80 have diverticulosis.

Most people with diverticulosis do not have any symptoms at all and they may not even know that they have diverticulosis. With diverticulosis, you do not have to avoid seeds, nuts, popcorn, peanuts, berries, or any specific foods at all. Of course, if any specific food bothers you, then you should avoid that specific food.

Fortunately, less than 5 percent of people with diverticulosis ever develop diverticulitis. If one of these little pockets gets inflamed or infected, it is now called diverticulitis, and this needs to be promptly treated with antibiotics. The very good news is that only about 10 to 20 percent of patients with diverticulosis will ever have any problems at all. In the U.S., about 200,000 people are hospitalized for diverticulitis each year. One of these diverticulosis pockets can also start to bleed and about 70,000 people are hospitalized for diverticulosis bleeding each year in the U.S.

If a person does develop an infection in one of these diverticulosis pockets, they now have diverticulitis. People with diverticulitis almost always feel worsening lower left-sided belly pain that doesn’t let up, often with a mild fever. Do not ever ignore these symptoms!

All patients with diverticulitis need to be promptly treated with antibiotics, usually as an out-patient, but more serious cases may need to be treated in the hospital with I.V. antibiotics. To repeat, patients experiencing the symptoms of diverticulitis with left-sided lower abdominal pain should seek medical care as soon as possible to determine exactly what is causing these symptoms.

It has also been shown that a high fiber diet with about 30 grams of dietary fiber per day will likely reduce your risk of ever developing diverticulitis. Fiber-rich foods such as whole grain cereals and breads, fruits and vegetables, and other high fiber foods or fiber supplements reduce pressure in the colon and promote a healthy digestive system with a normal bowel pattern. Be sure to drink enough water every day as well. The fiber and fluids will certainly lessen your risk of the diverticulosis becoming infected and developing into diverticulitis. Patients with proven diverticulitis should be promptly treated with antibiotics.

Of course, your health care provider is always available to discuss diverticulosis and diverticulitis with you in greater detail.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Dr. Jim Surrell is the author of the best-selling SOS (Stop Only Sugar) Diet book and his new Joke Book, entitled “Laughter Is Good Medicine.” Dr. Jim’s website is sosdietbook.com.