Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Diverticulosis occurs when small weak spots in the muscle wall of the large intestine (colon) bulge outward and form small pouches called diverticula. Diverticulitis happens when one or more of these pouches become inflamed or infected. Together, these conditions are known as diverticular disease.

In Grand Rapids and across West Michigan, diverticular disease is very common, especially in older adults. While diverticulosis itself is usually not dangerous, diverticulitis can be serious and sometimes requires emergency care at local hospitals such as Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, or Mercy Health facilities.

How Common Is Diverticulosis?

Diverticulosis is Extremely Common in Older Adults

  • More than half of adults over age 70 have diverticulosis.
  • Many people in Grand Rapids have diverticulosis and don’t know it because they have no symptoms.
  • Diverticulosis is less common in people under age 50, but it is being seen more often as diets become lower in fiber and more processed.

Diverticular disease is more common in Western countries, including the United States, than in many parts of Asia and Africa. This has led experts to focus on lifestyle and diet—especially low-fiber, highly processed diets—as major contributors.

In West Michigan, diets that are heavy in red meat, processed foods, and low in whole grains, fruits, and certain fibers may increase the risk of diverticulosis, especially when combined with a sedentary lifestyle during our long, cold winters.

Causes and Risk Factors

Diet and Lifestyle

Research suggests that a low-fiber diet is a key risk factor:

  • People who eat more total fiber have a lower risk of diverticulitis (the complication of diverticulosis).
  • Fiber from grains, cereals, and fruits appears especially protective.
  • Vegetable intake alone may not be as protective as once thought.

In Grand Rapids, common risk factors include:

  • Diet low in whole grains and fruits
  • High intake of processed foods and red meat
  • Physical inactivity (often worse in winter months)
  • Obesity, which is increasingly common in Michigan
  • Smoking and regular use of certain pain medicines (like NSAIDs)

Age and Genetics

  • Risk increases significantly after age 50.
  • Diverticulosis patterns differ between Western and Asian populations, suggesting a genetic component.
  • Studies have identified genes (including TNFSF15) associated with a higher risk of diverticulitis.
  • Family history of diverticular disease may increase your risk.

What Happens in Diverticulitis?

Diverticulitis usually develops when a small tear or puncture forms in the wall of a diverticulum. This allows bacteria from the colon to escape into the surrounding tissue, causing:

  • Local infection
  • Inflammation
  • Sometimes an abscess (a pocket of pus)

If not treated promptly, this infection can spread and lead to serious complications.

Symptoms of Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis

Diverticulosis: Often No Symptoms

Most people with diverticulosis in Grand Rapids have no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include:

  • Abdominal pain or cramping
  • Bloating
  • Changes in bowel habits:
    • Constipation
    • Diarrhea
    • Alternating constipation and diarrhea
  • Excess gas (flatulence)
  • Blood in the stool:
    • Usually mild, but can occasionally be heavy
    • Repeated small bleeds can lead to anemia (low red blood cell count)

These symptoms can be similar to those of colorectal (bowel) cancer. Because of this, your Grand Rapids primary care provider will usually refer you to a specialist—such as a gastroenterologist at Spectrum Health, Metro Health, or Trinity Health Grand Rapids—to rule out more serious conditions.

Diverticulitis: Symptoms of an Acute Attack

Diverticulitis usually causes more intense symptoms, such as:

  • Sharp, constant abdominal pain (often in the lower left side)
  • Fever
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Abdominal bloating or distension
  • Tenderness when the abdomen is pressed

If you have these symptoms—especially if you also have fever or chills—you should seek urgent medical care. In Grand Rapids, that may mean going to an emergency department at Spectrum Health Butterworth, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or another local hospital.

Serious Complications of Diverticular Disease

Complications are more likely with diverticulitis than with uncomplicated diverticulosis. Potential complications include:

Abscess

  • A pocket of pus that forms around an inflamed diverticulum.
  • May cause ongoing pain, fever, and feeling very unwell.
  • Often seen on a CT scan and may need drainage in the hospital.

Perforation (Ruptured Bowel)

  • A weakened area of the bowel wall can rupture.
  • Bowel contents leak into the abdominal cavity.
  • Symptoms:
    • Sudden, severe abdominal pain
    • High fever and chills
    • Very tender, rigid abdomen
  • This is a medical emergency and requires immediate surgery, often performed at major Grand Rapids hospitals.

Peritonitis

  • Infection of the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum).
  • Can be life-threatening if not treated quickly.
  • Requires emergency hospital care, IV antibiotics, and often surgery.

Hemorrhage (Bleeding)

  • Diverticula can be a source of significant lower gastrointestinal bleeding.
  • You may notice large amounts of bright red or maroon blood in your stool.
  • Heavy bleeding requires urgent evaluation to rule out other causes (including colorectal cancer) and to control the bleed.

How Diverticular Disease Is Diagnosed in Grand Rapids

Diverticulosis is often discovered by accident during tests done for other reasons, such as screening for colon cancer.

During an Acute Diverticulitis Attack

Diverticulitis is usually diagnosed based on:

  • Your symptoms and medical history
  • Physical examination (including pressing on the abdomen)
  • Imaging tests, most commonly a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis

Local imaging services are available through:

  • Spectrum Health radiology services
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids imaging centers
  • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health radiology

Tests Used to Evaluate Diverticular Disease

To confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions like colorectal cancer, your provider may recommend:

  • Medical history and physical exam
  • Rectal examination
  • Colonoscopy (usually done after an acute attack has settled):
    • Allows direct visualization of the inside of the colon
    • Performed by gastroenterologists in Grand Rapids
  • CT scan:
    • Detects diverticulitis, abscesses, and other complications
  • Blood tests:
    • Look for signs of infection (high white blood cell count)
    • Check for anemia
  • Stool tests:
    • Rule out infections or blood in the stool

Barium enema X-rays are used less commonly now but may still be considered in certain cases.

Treatment of Diverticulosis

There is no proven way to completely prevent new diverticula from forming once you have diverticulosis. However, treatment focuses on improving bowel function and reducing symptoms.

Diet and Fiber

A gradual shift to a higher-fiber diet can help:

  • Improve bowel regularity
  • Reduce constipation
  • Decrease straining during bowel movements

Helpful sources of soluble and mixed fiber include:

  • Oat bran
  • Whole grain breads and cereals
  • Fruits (apples, pears, berries)
  • Legumes (beans, lentils)
  • Green vegetables

In Grand Rapids, a registered dietitian at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health, Metro Health, or through the Kent County Health Department can help you create a personalized high-fiber meal plan.

Important:
Introduce fiber gradually to avoid:

  • Gas
  • Bloating
  • Cramping

Also:

  • Drink plenty of fluids (especially important in winter when indoor heating can be dehydrating).
  • Short-term use of mild laxatives may be recommended to treat or prevent constipation.

Medications

  • Fiber supplements (such as psyllium) may be suggested if dietary changes aren’t enough.
  • In some patients with more severe or frequent symptoms, certain antibiotics (such as rifaximin) have shown benefit in studies, but these can be expensive and may not be covered by all insurance plans in the U.S.
  • Long-term antibiotic use to prevent attacks is generally not recommended.

Surgery for Diverticulosis

Elective (planned) surgery is rarely needed, but may be considered if:

  • Symptoms are severe and ongoing
  • There are repeated complications
  • Quality of life is significantly affected

A colorectal or general surgeon in Grand Rapids would evaluate whether surgery is appropriate.

Treatment of Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis can range from mild to life-threatening. Treatment depends on severity.

Mild Diverticulitis (Often Treated at Home)

Mild attacks can sometimes be managed at home under close medical supervision. Treatment may include:

  • Temporary clear liquid or low-fiber diet to rest the bowel
  • Oral antibiotics (if prescribed by your provider)
  • Pain-relieving medication
  • Rest and close monitoring of symptoms

All suspected diverticulitis should be assessed promptly by a healthcare professional. In Grand Rapids, you can start with your primary care provider, an urgent care clinic, or, if symptoms are more severe, an emergency department.

Moderate to Severe Diverticulitis (Hospital Care)

If symptoms are more serious or if complications are suspected, hospital admission is often required. Treatment in local hospitals (Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, Mercy Health) may include:

  • No eating or drinking by mouth (NPO) to rest the bowel
  • Intravenous (IV) fluids
  • IV antibiotics
  • Stronger pain medications
  • CT-guided drainage of abscesses if present

Surgical Treatment

Surgery may be needed if:

  • The bowel has perforated (ruptured)
  • There is a large abscess or severe infection
  • There is bowel obstruction
  • Repeated attacks significantly affect quality of life
  • The infection does not improve with medical treatment

Possible surgical procedures:

  • Resection of the affected bowel segment:
    • The diseased part of the colon is removed.
    • Healthy ends of the bowel are rejoined (primary anastomosis).
  • Hartmann’s procedure (more common in emergency situations):
    • The diseased section is removed.
    • One end of the bowel is brought out to the skin as a colostomy (stoma).
    • A colostomy bag is fitted to collect stool.

In many cases, the colostomy is temporary and the bowel can be rejoined after 6–12 months, depending on your health and healing.

Recent studies suggest that, when safe and possible, reconnecting the bowel during the initial emergency surgery may lead to better outcomes than performing a Hartmann’s procedure. Your Grand Rapids surgical team will discuss the best approach for your specific situation.

Self‑Care and Prevention Tips in Grand Rapids

While you can’t completely eliminate the risk of diverticulitis, you can lower your chances of flare-ups and support overall colon health.

Diet and Hydration

  • Increase your daily fiber intake gradually:
    • Whole grains, fruits, beans, and certain vegetables
  • Drink plenty of water throughout the day:
    • Aim for at least 6–8 glasses, more if you’re active
    • Remember that indoor heating in Michigan winters can increase fluid loss

Physical Activity

  • Regular exercise helps maintain healthy bowel function.
  • Options in Grand Rapids:
    • Indoor walking at malls or community centers during winter
    • Home-based workout programs
    • Local gyms and fitness centers
    • Outdoor walking, biking, or trails in warmer months

Other Healthy Habits

  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Avoid smoking.
  • Use NSAID pain relievers (like ibuprofen) cautiously and under medical advice, as frequent use may increase the risk of complications.
  • Keep up with routine colon cancer screening (colonoscopy) as recommended by your provider.

When to Seek Help in Grand Rapids, MI

Contact a healthcare provider right away if you have:

  • Sudden or severe abdominal pain (especially lower left side)
  • Pain with fever, chills, or vomiting
  • Blood in your stool
  • Ongoing changes in bowel habits
  • Unexplained weight loss or fatigue

Local Resources

  • Your Primary Care Provider (PCP) – first point of contact for non‑emergency concerns.
  • Gastroenterologists in Grand Rapids – available through:
    • Spectrum Health
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
    • Mercy Health
  • Kent County Health Department – information on local health resources and preventive care.
  • Grand Rapids Public Health and Community Clinics – may offer referrals and education.

For emergency symptoms (severe pain, high fever, heavy bleeding, signs of shock), call 911 or go immediately to the nearest emergency department.

Key Points About Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis in Grand Rapids

  • Diverticulosis (pouches in the colon) is very common, especially in older adults.
  • Many people in Grand Rapids have diverticulosis without any symptoms.
  • A low-fiber, Western-style diet and aging are major risk factors.
  • Diverticulitis (infection or inflammation of diverticula) can be serious and sometimes life-threatening.
  • Symptoms of diverticulitis include sharp abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and bloating.
  • Complications like abscess, perforation, peritonitis, and bleeding require urgent medical care.
  • High-fiber diets, adequate fluids, and regular exercise can help reduce symptoms and support colon health.
  • Evaluation by local specialists and appropriate imaging is essential to rule out conditions like colorectal cancer.
  • Grand Rapids residents have access to high-quality digestive health care through Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, Mercy Health, and local public health resources.