Diverticulosis

/ˌdaɪvɜːtɪkjʊˈloʊsɪs/ noun

Definition

The presence of multiple diverticula in the colon, often asymptomatic until inflammation occurs.

Etymology

From Latin 'diverticulum' (small pouch) + '-osis' (suffix indicating a condition or state, especially chronic or abnormal). This medical term distinguishes the mere presence of pouches from their inflammation.

Kelly Says

Diverticulosis itself is silent—you can have dozens of pouches in your colon and feel nothing; it only becomes a problem if they become infected, which makes it a 'time bomb' condition many people unknowingly carry.

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