What serious condition can result from untreated diverticulosis?

When diverticulosis is left untreated, one of the significant complications that can arise is diverticulitis. Diverticulosis refers to the presence of small pouches, called diverticula, that form in the wall of the colon. While many individuals with diverticulosis are asymptomatic, the condition can lead to inflammation or infection of these diverticula, resulting in diverticulitis.

Diverticulitis can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever, and changes in bowel habits. If not addressed, it can result in more serious complications, such as abscess formation, perforation of the colon, peritonitis, or even sepsis, which can be life-threatening. Recognizing that diverticulitis is a direct evolution of untreated diverticulosis emphasizes the importance of monitoring and managing the condition to prevent these severe outcomes.

In contrast, the other options—gallstones, gastrointestinal bleeding, and pneumonia—are not direct consequences of diverticulosis and diverticulitis, making them less relevant in this context. While gastrointestinal bleeding can occur from various causes, including diverticulosis, it is not specifically linked as a condition that results from untreated diverticulosis. Similarly, gallstones and pneumonia arise from different pathophysiological processes unrelated to