What is Diverticulosis? Donald Trump's health report states he has been treated for it

In simple definition, Diverticulosis is when diverticula are present in the bowel but do not cause any symptoms. Many people as they get older get some diverticula, but most do not get any symptoms.

President of United States Donald Trump's health report was released on Sunday by the White House.

The New York Times, citing a report written by Dr Sean P Barbabella, stated that "Trump is fit to execute the duties of the presidency".

However the doctor mentioned about Trump having high cholesterol which is "well controlled" for which he has been treated, along with skin damages due to exposure to sun and seasonal allergies.

Trump also underwent a surgery in cataract for both his eyes. The report mentioned he had benign colon polyp too, which are "protrusions that occur in colon lumen".

The report also stated that Trump has been treated for Diverticulosis. NIH (National Institutes of Health) defines Diverticulosis as a condition that occurs when small pouches are formed in the wall of colon.

As Diverticulosis came into fore after Trump's medical report, let us take a look at what it is, what are its symptoms and treatment:

Diverticulosis is a condition that occurs when small pouches, or sacs, form and push outward through weak spots in the wall of colon.

In simple definition, Diverticulosis is when diverticula are present in the bowel but do not cause any symptoms. NHS states that many people as they get older get some Diverticula, but most do not get any symptoms.

When Diverticulosis causes symptoms, bleeding, inflammation, or complications, doctors call this condition diverticular disease, as NIH defines it.

The pouches called Diverticula are formed in the lower part of colon. Many people who have diverticula do not see symptoms, however some people can experience symptoms and inflammation.

When diverticula gets inflammation, the term for it is Diverticulitis, which can lead to more serious issues.

Diverticulosis is said to be common in older people. NIH states that 30 per cent people in the US aged between 50 to 59 and 70 per cent of people aged above 80 have Diverticulosis .

About 2,00,000 people are hospitalised for Diverticulitis each year in United States.

Symptoms and causes of diverticular disease

Some of the chronic symptoms of diverticula are bloating, constipation or diarrhea and pain in the lower abdomen.

Diverticulitis on the other hand show acute symptoms like pain the the lower left side of the abdomen, constipation or diarrhea, fevers and nausea or vomiting.

The causes of diverticular disease are said to be genes or lifestyle, however doctors are not sure of the exact cause, NIH report states.

Some other factors that scientists are studying on indicate that changes in microbiome of intestines, stool or bacteria getting caught in pouch in the colon, problems with connective tissues or nerves in the colon, and immune system issues can lead to diverticular disease.

Diagnosis and treatment

A doctor can diagnose diverticular disease by running some tests and checking the medical history of the patient.

Tests like x-rays or colonoscopy are also done. The doctor will also ask the patient about their lifestyle, food habits and medical conditions if any.

For physical exam, the doctor ill check the patients blood pressures, heart rate and temperature. Check for tenderness by pressing on the abdomen, or also do a digital rectal exam.

The treatments may include high fibre foods, medicines or surgery for removing part of the colon.

The doctor may also ask the patient to consume high fibre foods like whole grains, fruits and vegetables.

The health report of Trump also mentioned about other tests he had gone through, including "comprehensive neurological examination", cholesterol, which is said to be within the normal range.