Word parts
What it means
The pouches are called diverticula. They become more common with age and are linked to a low-fiber diet. Most people with diverticulosis have no symptoms. When a pouch becomes inflamed or infected, the condition is called diverticulitisdy-ver-tik-yuh-LY-tisInflammation or infection of one or more small pouches that bulge out from the wall of the colon.diverticul/o a small pouch-itis inflammationFull entry ; pouches can also bleed.
For the nurse
Teach a high-fiber diet with plenty of fluids and regular exercise to keep stools soft. Teach the client to report pain in the lower left abdomen, fever, or blood in the stool.
At a glance
| Spanish | diverticulosis |
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Easy to confuse with
diverticulitis
Inflammation or infection of one or more small pouches that bulge out from the wall of the colon.
Related terms
col/o
A word root that means colon, the large intestine.
-osis
A word ending that means an abnormal condition or process, or an increase.
constipation
Bowel movements that happen less often than usual, with hard, dry stool that is difficult to pass.
diverticulitis
Inflammation or infection of one or more small pouches that bulge out from the wall of the colon.