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Article: Diverticulosis and diverticulitis. (Fact Sheet) (Pamphlet)
- Article from:
- Pamphlet by: National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases
- Article date:
- October 1, 1991
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 1991 National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Diverticulosis is a condition in which outpouchings form in the walls of the intestines. These pouches, known as diverticula, are about the size of large peas. They form in weakened areas of the bowels, most often in the lower part of the colon (large bowel). (See figure 1.)
What Are the Symptoms of Diverticulosis?
Most people with diverticula do not have any symptoms from them. They may never know they have the condition. Some people feel tenderness over the affected area or muscle spasms in the abdomen. Pain may be felt on the lower left side of the abdomen or, less often, in the middle or on the right side.
Although the diverticula themselves ...