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Facts and Fallacies About Digestive Diseases - Diverticulosis

From National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, for About.com

Updated December 23, 2003

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Diverticulosis is a serious but uncommon problem.

False.

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.

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