Diverticulitis is a common colon disease, especially among older people [1]. Why is it so common, and why does it happen? Is diverticulitis genetic? Research in the last decade has revealed new understandings.
Is Diverticulitis Genetic or Hereditary?
Yes, diverticulitis can be hereditary [2]. For years, health experts thought this condition was solely related to weight, diet, lack of exercise, and smoking [2]. Research now suggests diverticular disease may be linked to genetic or inherited disorders that cause problems with connective tissue and nerve and muscle function [2].
Diverticulosis causes weak areas in the colon that lead to pouches or hernias that swell outward. Stool sometimes gets stuck in these pouches, which become swollen, inflamed, and infected — a condition called diverticulitis [3] .
Inherited connective tissue and neuromuscular disorders can cause weakness in the connective or muscle tissue of the colon and make it prone to herniation [2]. These conditions include [2]:
- Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
- Williams-Beuren syndrome
- Coffin-Lowry syndrome
- Marfan syndrome
Studies show that changes to other genes may lead to diverticular disease, but it’s more likely a combination of genetics and lifestyle[2]. If you’re genetically predisposed, your habits may influence your genetics and lead to disease [2].
Assessing Your Risk
So what does that mean? Is diverticulitis hereditary? Does diverticulitis run in families? It can, but it doesn’t always mean you will develop the condition [2]. Understanding your family health history and lifestyle habits can help you assess your risk.
According to a 2019 study, white Americans are more prone to diverticulitis than Black or Latinx individuals [7].
Family Health History
Talk to your family about their health. Your family history can tell you about your genetic predisposition for the disease. If diverticular disease is common in your family, you may have a higher risk of developing it.
Effect of Environment and Lifestyle Factors
Examine your lifestyle and habits. A low-fiber diet, eating a lot of red meat, obesity, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and lack of exercise can all affect your colon, leading to diverticular disease [4].
Diverticulitis is more common in younger males but relatively more prevalent in older females [7].
Managing Recurrent Diverticulitis
About one-third of patients experience recurring diverticulitis or flare-ups, and others develop diverticular bleeding where the pouch breaks open and bleeds [5]. Lifestyle and diet changes and monitoring gut health are essential in managing the condition.
The prevalence of diverticulosis increases with age in men and women of all races and ethnicities, emphasizing the need for regular screenings after the age of 45.
Maintain Healthy Habits
Changing your habits and lifestyle can help prevent diverticulitis flare-ups. Eating plenty of fiber prevents hard stool, constipation, and straining, putting less pressure on the colon and pouches. Less pressure may stop pouches from forming and prevent them from bursting and bleeding [5].
You can follow these recommendations [5]:
- Add more whole grains, fruits, and vegetables to your diet
- Take a fiber supplement
- Drink plenty of water
- Get regular exercise
- Lose weight, if necessary
- Stop smoking
Monitor Gut Health
Regular stool screening may help you monitor diverticulosis and help with the early detection of complications, such as diverticular bleeding. For example, an immunochemical fecal occult blood (iFOB) test identifies trace amounts of blood in the stool. Your doctor may recommend these tests if you develop symptoms [6].
Get Medical Treatment
Surgery to remove the inflamed part of your colon may be necessary if you have frequent flare-ups despite lifestyle changes, your symptoms are severe, or your bowel becomes obstructed. The surgery is minimally invasive and prevents flare-ups in 95% of patients [5].
Screen for GI Health With Diagnox
Colonox-FIT by Diagnox is a medical-grade home stool test that detects hidden blood in the stool. Regular stool screening may help you detect early symptoms linked to diverticulitis so you can promptly follow up with your doctor. Track your digestive health from the comfort of your home with Diagnox.
