Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSigns and SymptomsComplicationsDiagnosisTreatmentWhen to Seek Care
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Signs and Symptoms
Complications
Diagnosis
Treatment
When to Seek Care
“Diverticulosis"is the term for the existence of diverticula, which are bulges in the lining of the large intestine. “Diverticulitis” is when the diverticula become inflamed. Diverticular bleeding may occur when blood vessels in these bulges break.Diverticular bleeding is usually painless, but it may cause heavy bleeding from the rectum.Complications may develop depending on how severe the bleeding is.Westend61 / Getty ImagesWhat Are Diverticulitis Signs and Symptoms?Many people who havediverticulitisdon’t experience symptoms. For those who do, symptoms can include:Intense stomach pain that can happen over time or suddenlyConstipation and/or diarrheaCramps and bloatingStomach pain with vomiting, fever, constipation, or diarrheaLarge amounts ofblood in the stoolBlood in the rectumDiverticular Bleeding SymptomsSigns of diverticular bleeding include:Rectal bleeding that is heavy but painlessSudden rectal bleedingBleeding that is irregular or unpredictableDark or bright red clotsComplicationsWhen diverticulitis exhibits symptoms, getting treatment can be important, as complications could worsen the condition. Untreated diverticulitis could result in:Diverticular bleedingPain while urinating or urinating more frequentlyAbscess in the colon:A painful, pus-filled lumpFistula: An abnormal tunnel going from the colon to the skin surface or to an internal organPeritonitis: A stomach lining infectionPerforation: Hole in the colonIntestinal obstruction: Scarring of the intestines, which can make digestion and bowel movements difficultHow Is Diverticular Bleeding Diagnosed?Diagnosing diverticular bleeding can require ruling out other causes of rectal bleeding. Diagnosis can require visiting a healthcare professional for the following:Discussing medical historyUndergoing a physical examinationAngiography(or arteriography): AnX-rayof blood flow that can detect clots and tears in blood vesselsColonoscopy:A long tube with a camera attached that’s inserted into the colon, through which a healthcare provider views inside the colon to look for bleedingTechnetium-labeled red blood cell bleeding scan:Blood that’s drawn and then mixed with a radioactive chemical called technetium that’s inserted back into the patient to detect concentrations of technetium to indicate active bleedingOther Causes of Lower Gastrointestinal BleedingIf lower gastrointestinal bleeding is not diverticular bleeding, causes might include:Anorectal abscess:When pus collects gathers around the rectumColitis:Inflammation (swelling) of the colonColon cancer: An overgrowth of abnormal cells in the colon or rectumColonic polyps:Extra tissue that grows in the colonCrohn’s disease: A condition that includes inflammation of the digestive tractEndometriosis:When extra tissue of the uterus grows in other areasIntussusception: When one part of the intestine slides into anotherMeckel diverticulum:An outpouching of the small intestine that’s noticed at birthTreatmentIf you experience rectal bleeding, it’s advised to see a healthcare professional as soon as possible in the event you need a blood transfusion.Diverticular bleeding treatment can include:Waiting for the bleeding to stop on its own (after speaking with a healthcare professional)If bleeding is excessive, getting medical attention to replace the bloodIntravenous (IV) fluidsBlood transfusionMedications via injectionsSurgery to remove the infected part of the colon (colectomy)Diverticulitis could be treated with:Increasedfiber intakeTylenol (acetaminophen) for pain management, avoiding nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Advil or Motrin (ibuprofen) or Aleve (naproxen), as they can irritate the stomachBulk-forming laxativesAntibiotics via IV injectionSurgical removal of diverticulaColectomy: Surgical removal of part of the large intestineStoma surgery: Attaching a bag to the stomach to collect wasteWhen to Seek CareIt’s important to seek medical care for rectal bleeding as soon as it occurs since there is a risk of losing too much blood. Finding the source and stopping the bleeding should be done as soon as possible.Diverticular Bleeding: When to Get Emergency CareIf you’re experience bleeding from the rectum, seek medical attention as soon as possible before you lose a significant amount of blood, which can then require a blood infusion.Symptoms of excess blood loss include:Anxiety or agitationCool, clammy skin or pale skinConfusion or feeling faintLack of urine or less urine than usualWeaknessSweaty skinRapid breathingSummaryMost people do not experience symptoms of diverticular disease. Symptoms of diverticulitis might include extreme stomach pain, blood in stools, cramps, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation. Diverticular bleeding includes rectal bleeding without pain, heavy but intermittent bleeding, dark or light red blood clots, or sudden rectal bleeding.If left untreated, diverticulitis could create complications like an abscess or fistula in the colon, a perforation (hole in the colon), peritonitis (infection of stomach lining), or an intestinal obstruction (scarring of the intestines).Treatments for diverticular bleeding include blood transfusion, medication, administering IV fluids, or, in extreme cases, surgery to remove a part of the colon.
“Diverticulosis"is the term for the existence of diverticula, which are bulges in the lining of the large intestine. “Diverticulitis” is when the diverticula become inflamed. Diverticular bleeding may occur when blood vessels in these bulges break.
Diverticular bleeding is usually painless, but it may cause heavy bleeding from the rectum.Complications may develop depending on how severe the bleeding is.
Westend61 / Getty Images
What Are Diverticulitis Signs and Symptoms?
Many people who havediverticulitisdon’t experience symptoms. For those who do, symptoms can include:
Diverticular Bleeding SymptomsSigns of diverticular bleeding include:Rectal bleeding that is heavy but painlessSudden rectal bleedingBleeding that is irregular or unpredictableDark or bright red clots
Diverticular Bleeding Symptoms
Signs of diverticular bleeding include:Rectal bleeding that is heavy but painlessSudden rectal bleedingBleeding that is irregular or unpredictableDark or bright red clots
Signs of diverticular bleeding include:
When diverticulitis exhibits symptoms, getting treatment can be important, as complications could worsen the condition. Untreated diverticulitis could result in:
How Is Diverticular Bleeding Diagnosed?
Diagnosing diverticular bleeding can require ruling out other causes of rectal bleeding. Diagnosis can require visiting a healthcare professional for the following:
Other Causes of Lower Gastrointestinal BleedingIf lower gastrointestinal bleeding is not diverticular bleeding, causes might include:Anorectal abscess:When pus collects gathers around the rectumColitis:Inflammation (swelling) of the colonColon cancer: An overgrowth of abnormal cells in the colon or rectumColonic polyps:Extra tissue that grows in the colonCrohn’s disease: A condition that includes inflammation of the digestive tractEndometriosis:When extra tissue of the uterus grows in other areasIntussusception: When one part of the intestine slides into anotherMeckel diverticulum:An outpouching of the small intestine that’s noticed at birth
Other Causes of Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding
If lower gastrointestinal bleeding is not diverticular bleeding, causes might include:Anorectal abscess:When pus collects gathers around the rectumColitis:Inflammation (swelling) of the colonColon cancer: An overgrowth of abnormal cells in the colon or rectumColonic polyps:Extra tissue that grows in the colonCrohn’s disease: A condition that includes inflammation of the digestive tractEndometriosis:When extra tissue of the uterus grows in other areasIntussusception: When one part of the intestine slides into anotherMeckel diverticulum:An outpouching of the small intestine that’s noticed at birth
If lower gastrointestinal bleeding is not diverticular bleeding, causes might include:
If you experience rectal bleeding, it’s advised to see a healthcare professional as soon as possible in the event you need a blood transfusion.
Diverticular bleeding treatment can include:
Diverticulitis could be treated with:
It’s important to seek medical care for rectal bleeding as soon as it occurs since there is a risk of losing too much blood. Finding the source and stopping the bleeding should be done as soon as possible.
Diverticular Bleeding: When to Get Emergency CareIf you’re experience bleeding from the rectum, seek medical attention as soon as possible before you lose a significant amount of blood, which can then require a blood infusion.Symptoms of excess blood loss include:Anxiety or agitationCool, clammy skin or pale skinConfusion or feeling faintLack of urine or less urine than usualWeaknessSweaty skinRapid breathing
Diverticular Bleeding: When to Get Emergency Care
If you’re experience bleeding from the rectum, seek medical attention as soon as possible before you lose a significant amount of blood, which can then require a blood infusion.Symptoms of excess blood loss include:Anxiety or agitationCool, clammy skin or pale skinConfusion or feeling faintLack of urine or less urine than usualWeaknessSweaty skinRapid breathing
If you’re experience bleeding from the rectum, seek medical attention as soon as possible before you lose a significant amount of blood, which can then require a blood infusion.
Symptoms of excess blood loss include:
Summary
Most people do not experience symptoms of diverticular disease. Symptoms of diverticulitis might include extreme stomach pain, blood in stools, cramps, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation. Diverticular bleeding includes rectal bleeding without pain, heavy but intermittent bleeding, dark or light red blood clots, or sudden rectal bleeding.
If left untreated, diverticulitis could create complications like an abscess or fistula in the colon, a perforation (hole in the colon), peritonitis (infection of stomach lining), or an intestinal obstruction (scarring of the intestines).
Treatments for diverticular bleeding include blood transfusion, medication, administering IV fluids, or, in extreme cases, surgery to remove a part of the colon.
16 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Definition & facts for diverticular disease.MyHealth.Alberta.ca.Diverticular bleeding.NHSinform.Diverticular disease and diverticulitis.Mohammed Ilyas MI, Szilagy EJ.Management of diverticular bleeding: Evaluation, stabilization, intervention, and recurrence of bleeding and indications for resection after control of bleeding.Clin Colon Rectal Surg.2018;31(4):243-250. doi:10.1055/s-0037-1607963National Health Service.Diverticular disease and diverticulitis.MyHealth.Alberta.ca.Angiogram.MyHealth.Alberta.ca.Technetium-labelled red blood cell bleeding scan.PennMedicine.What is anorectal abscess?MedlinePlus.Colitis.MedlinePlus.Colonic polyps.MedlinePlus.Crohn’s disease.MedlinePlus.Endometriosis.MedlinePlus.Intussusception – children.MedlinePlus.Meckel diverticulum.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatment for diverticular disease.MedlinePlus.Hypovolemic shock.
16 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Definition & facts for diverticular disease.MyHealth.Alberta.ca.Diverticular bleeding.NHSinform.Diverticular disease and diverticulitis.Mohammed Ilyas MI, Szilagy EJ.Management of diverticular bleeding: Evaluation, stabilization, intervention, and recurrence of bleeding and indications for resection after control of bleeding.Clin Colon Rectal Surg.2018;31(4):243-250. doi:10.1055/s-0037-1607963National Health Service.Diverticular disease and diverticulitis.MyHealth.Alberta.ca.Angiogram.MyHealth.Alberta.ca.Technetium-labelled red blood cell bleeding scan.PennMedicine.What is anorectal abscess?MedlinePlus.Colitis.MedlinePlus.Colonic polyps.MedlinePlus.Crohn’s disease.MedlinePlus.Endometriosis.MedlinePlus.Intussusception – children.MedlinePlus.Meckel diverticulum.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatment for diverticular disease.MedlinePlus.Hypovolemic shock.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Definition & facts for diverticular disease.MyHealth.Alberta.ca.Diverticular bleeding.NHSinform.Diverticular disease and diverticulitis.Mohammed Ilyas MI, Szilagy EJ.Management of diverticular bleeding: Evaluation, stabilization, intervention, and recurrence of bleeding and indications for resection after control of bleeding.Clin Colon Rectal Surg.2018;31(4):243-250. doi:10.1055/s-0037-1607963National Health Service.Diverticular disease and diverticulitis.MyHealth.Alberta.ca.Angiogram.MyHealth.Alberta.ca.Technetium-labelled red blood cell bleeding scan.PennMedicine.What is anorectal abscess?MedlinePlus.Colitis.MedlinePlus.Colonic polyps.MedlinePlus.Crohn’s disease.MedlinePlus.Endometriosis.MedlinePlus.Intussusception – children.MedlinePlus.Meckel diverticulum.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatment for diverticular disease.MedlinePlus.Hypovolemic shock.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Definition & facts for diverticular disease.
MyHealth.Alberta.ca.Diverticular bleeding.
NHSinform.Diverticular disease and diverticulitis.
Mohammed Ilyas MI, Szilagy EJ.Management of diverticular bleeding: Evaluation, stabilization, intervention, and recurrence of bleeding and indications for resection after control of bleeding.Clin Colon Rectal Surg.2018;31(4):243-250. doi:10.1055/s-0037-1607963
National Health Service.Diverticular disease and diverticulitis.
MyHealth.Alberta.ca.Angiogram.
MyHealth.Alberta.ca.Technetium-labelled red blood cell bleeding scan.
PennMedicine.What is anorectal abscess?
MedlinePlus.Colitis.
MedlinePlus.Colonic polyps.
MedlinePlus.Crohn’s disease.
MedlinePlus.Endometriosis.
MedlinePlus.Intussusception – children.
MedlinePlus.Meckel diverticulum.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatment for diverticular disease.
MedlinePlus.Hypovolemic shock.
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