ROSH Gastrointestinal Practice Exam

In adults, what is a common symptom associated with colonic diverticula?

1. Severe abdominal pain

2. Nausea and vomiting

3. Rectal bleeding

4. Constipation or changes in bowel habits

The correct answer is: Constipation or changes in bowel habits

Colonic diverticula are small, bulging pouches that can form in the lining of the colon. In adults, a common symptom associated with the presence of diverticula is changes in bowel habits, which may include constipation. This occurs due to the disruption of normal bowel function as diverticula can affect the motility and consistency of stools. Patients with diverticula may experience alterations in how often they have bowel movements or the nature of their stools. This symptom can arise as the diverticula may exert pressure on nearby areas of the colon, leading to changes in normal movement and function. It's also worth noting that the presence of diverticula can lead to diverticulitis, a complication that is characterized by inflammation, and might manifest with more severe symptoms such as abdominal pain, but those are associated with diverticulitis rather than diverticula alone. In contrast, while nausea and vomiting, severe abdominal pain, and rectal bleeding can occur in the context of diverticulitis or other gastrointestinal conditions, they are not commonly present solely due to the presence of colonic diverticula. Therefore, changes in bowel habits and constipation are the symptoms most frequently associated with the presence of diverticula in adults.