A new study has found that more Americans under the age of 50 are developing a painful gut problem called diverticulitis. This condition, which was once common mostly in older adults, is now being seen more often among younger people and their cases are becoming more serious.
Researchers looked at data from more than 5 million hospital records in the United States between 2005 and 2020. They found that about 16% of those treated for diverticulitis were younger than 50. Even more concerning, the number of serious cases among this age group increased from 18% to 28% during that time.
Dr. Shineui Kim from UCLA Health, who led the study, said the findings show a major change in who is being affected. “Diverticulitis used to be a disease of older adults,” Kim said. “Now, younger Americans are being hospitalized more often, and their cases are more complicated.”
Diverticulitis happens when small pouches that form in the wall of the colon become swollen or infected. Severe cases can lead to abscesses, tears in the intestine, and sometimes require surgery.
The study also showed that although younger patients have more complicated cases, fewer of them now need major surgery. The number of patients under 50 who had part of their colon removed dropped from about 35% to 20% between 2005 and 2020. This suggests that doctors are finding better ways to treat the disease without surgery.
Even so, younger patients were more likely than older adults to need medical procedures like drainage for abscesses or partial colon removal. Still, younger people tended to recover faster, spent less time in the hospital, and had lower medical costs overall.
Experts are not sure why diverticulitis is becoming more common among younger adults. Possible reasons include poor diet, low fiber intake, obesity, lack of exercise, and changes in gut bacteria.
Doctors say younger adults should pay attention to stomach pain, bloating, or changes in bowel habits, as these may be signs of the disease. Early testing and treatment can prevent serious complications.
The study warns that diverticulitis is no longer just a problem for older people. Health experts are calling for more awareness, better prevention, and lifestyle changes to help protect younger generations from this growing health issue.
