Diverticulitis can cause complications that are similar to certain symptoms of Crohn’s disease. However, they are separate conditions with differing causes.
Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a group of chronic conditions that cause ongoing bowel symptoms such as bloody stools, belly pain, and vomiting. Diverticulitis occurs when small bulges in the gut wall develop and then split.
The difference between Crohn’s disease and diverticulitis usually becomes clear after diagnostic testing, such as a colonoscopy. After this, a doctor can provide treatment to manage symptoms depending on the condition.
In this article, we explain how to identify the differences between these two conditions, their effects on the body, and how doctors manage them.
The main difference between Crohn’s disease and diverticulitis is the cause of symptoms.
It is unclear exactly why these conditions develop. However, Crohn’s disease symptoms occur due to inflammation of the small intestine. It can also affect the large intestine and other parts of the digestive tract. Crohn’s disease is a chronic condition that can begin gradually and worsen over time. People may experience times of remission when their symptoms lessen.
Diverticulitis refers to a physical tear in sacs that develop along the gut. The development of these sacs, or diverticula, is known as diverticulosis, and around
In the United States, around 200,000 people go to hospital with diverticulitis every year. However, Crohn’s disease is slightly more common. Crohn’s disease affects roughly
The main similarities between Crohn’s disease and diverticulitis involve their symptoms. However, some distinct differences can provide clues even before a doctor identifies the cause of these symptoms.
The following table demonstrates the differences between Crohn’s symptoms and
| Crohn’s disease | Diverticulitis | |
|---|---|---|
| belly pain | yes | yes |
| bloody poops | yes | yes |
| nausea or vomiting | yes | yes |
| high body temperature (fever) | yes | yes |
| unwanted weight loss | yes | no |
| regular bathroom visits | yes | no |
| constipation or diarrhea | either — diarrhea is more common | either |
The age of onset also makes a difference. Diverticulitis occurs more often in older adults, whereas Crohn’s disease symptoms more commonly start between
Diverticulitis has several life threatening complications that can develop quickly without treatment. Crohn’s disease complications can also be severe, but they generally take longer to present.
According to a
Crohn’s disease complications
Untreated Crohn’s disease
This form of IBD can also increase a person’s risk of nutrient deficiencies, osteoporosis, and colon cancer
Diverticulitis complications
Diverticulitis can also lead to gut fistulas, abscesses, and tears, similar to Crohn’s disease. However, people with diverticula also have a
This gut condition can also lead to tears in the gut and an infection of the inner stomach lining, known as peritonitis, which
Crohn’s disease and diverticulitis are separate conditions, but they may have links and
An
Treatment can reduce the risk of serious complications in Crohn’s disease and diverticulitis.
Treating Crohn’s disease
Crohn’s disease is a lifelong condition. Treatment to reduce and manage the inflammation in the intestines
Treatment typically includes medications to help manage symptoms. This may include:
- aminosalicylates to control inflammation
- corticosteroids to help reduce immune system activity and reduce inflammation
- immunomodulators to reduce immune system activity
- biologic therapies to target certain proteins made by the immune system, which can decrease inflammation
Doctors may also recommend over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication, such as acetaminophen, or antibiotics.
In severe cases, surgery may be necessary. Individuals should also speak with their healthcare professionals about nutrition and diet for Crohn’s disease.
Treating diverticulitis
People with acute or mild diverticulitis may be able
Some pain medications may help relieve symptoms, although nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may increase the risk of complications.
Diverticulitis treatment may not prevent future infections and symptoms in all people, and symptoms may flare up in those who do not have inflammation. However, the
If diverticulitis symptoms do not improve, a surgeon may need to remove part of the colon.
The following are some questions people frequently ask about Crohn’s disease and diverticulitis.
Can diverticulitis be mistaken for Crohn’s disease?
It is easy to confuse Crohn’s disease and diverticulitis, as they can both cause belly pain, bloody stools, nausea, and fever. It is also possible for them to occur at the same time. However, a doctor can give a proper diagnosis using a colonoscopy.
Can diverticulitis be mistaken for IBD?
Crohn’s disease is a type of IBD, as is ulcerative colitis, which
Crohn’s disease and diverticulitis have similar symptoms but different causes. Crohn’s disease involves inflammation of the small intestine, while diverticulitis refers to complications involving common bulges in the walls of the gut.
Both Crohn’s disease and diverticulitis can lead to serious, ongoing symptoms and other health issues, including bone issues and colon cancer. However, diverticulitis presents a high risk of life threatening complications such as intestinal bleeding and peritonitis. People with Crohn’s disease and diverticulosis have a higher risk of diverticulitis.
Effective management through diet, medications, and surgery can help reduce the risk of complications.