Preventing Diverticulitis with Colonoscopy: Expert Tips.
A colonoscopy is a useful tool for diagnosing diverticular disease, which is the most common condition found during a colonoscopy. Diverticula are small outpouchings in the lining of the colon that usually do not cause any problems, but if they become inflamed, known as diverticulitis, they may cause symptoms such as pain. A colonoscopy may not be completed because of poor prep or other reasons, like narrowed areas of the colon, making it difficult for the scope to pass through and, therefore, preventing those areas from being seen. A follow-up colonoscopy might be recommended after uncomplicated diverticulitis. Lifestyle changes might be recommended for diverticular disease that’s not causing any symptoms, including eating a high-fiber diet, eating less meat, getting regular exercise, and stopping smoking.
