Diverticulosis is a condition where small pouches form and protrude through weak spots in the intestinal wall. Diverticular bleeding happens when a blood vessel in a pouch bursts.
Diverticular bleeding is a complication of diverticulosis. Bleeding may stop on its own or require treatment. Treatment for bleeding may involve a doctor inserting an elastic band into intestinal wall pouches or injecting medication into a blood vessel.
When these treatments do not work, surgery may be necessary.
In some cases, diverticular bleeding
This article discusses diverticular bleeding, including triggers, treatment, and when to talk with a doctor. It also outlines other conditions that can cause bleeding from the colon.
Diverticulosis involves the formation of small pouches that push outward through weak places in the colon or large intestine. They
Diverticular bleeding happens when small blood vessels in the wall of the diverticulum burst. It is a common cause of bleeding in the lower intestinal tract.
Diverticular bleeding is
Severe bleeding can cause symptoms such as:
Diverticular bleeding is a complication of diverticulosis.
- a diet low in fiber
- certain medications, such as steroids
According to a small
Yes, diverticular bleeding
A poor outlook is
- are older than age 60 years
- have cardiovascular disease
- have raised creatinine levels, which indicates a decline in kidney function
When treatment is necessary, a doctor must find the source of the bleeding to stop it.
Once the bleeding episode is over, dietary changes
Methods of finding and stopping the bleeding
Doctors may use the following methods to find and stop diverticular bleeding:
- Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy involves viewing the interior of the colon. After identifying the source of the bleeding, a doctor may insert special tools, such as an elastic band, to stop the bleeding.
- Angiogram: An angiogram is an X-ray that uses dye to show blood vessels. After locating the bleeding vessel, a doctor can inject medication or other materials into it to stop the flow.
- Surgery: If other interventions do not work to stop the bleeding, surgery to remove portions of the affected colon is
If a person has lost a lot of blood, they
Eating a diet high in fiber
Good sources of fiber include:
- whole grains, such as oats and brown rice
Diverticular bleeding can involve bleeding that comes and goes and stops on its own. Bleeding that is continuous requires medical intervention.
Any rectal bleeding or blood in the stool that continues for more than 1 day or occurs frequently should be checked by a healthcare professional.
However, other conditions can cause similar bleeding from the intestinal tract. Doctors may need to rule out other conditions before diagnosing diverticular bleeding.
Common conditions that
Symptoms of internal hemorrhoids include:
- bleeding from the rectum after a bowel movement
- a visible hemorrhoid prolapse
Symptoms of external hemorrhoids include:
- hard, tender lumps around the anus
- anal itching
- pain when sitting
Aside from causing blood in the stool, colon cancer
People with colon cancer may also experience gas pains and weight loss for no apparent reason.
A polypectomy involves the removal of polyps, which are small growths on a mucous membrane, such as the colon. Polyps are usually noncancerous.
This condition involves enlarged or abnormal blood vessels in the intestinal tract. In some cases, these blood vessels may bleed.
People with angiodysplasia
Any amount of bleeding from the rectum should prompt a doctor’s visit. Bleeding may not stop on its own, leading to significant blood loss.
Diverticular bleeding occurs when diverticulum blood vessels burst. The bleeding is usually painless and comes and goes.
If the bleeding is severe, it can cause low blood pressure and a rapid heart rate. Severe bleeding can be life threatening.
The bleeding may stop without any medical intervention. However, heavy continuous bleeding needs treatment.
Because other conditions can also cause bleeding from the rectum, doctors will take a person’s medical history and perform an exam to rule them out.