Diverticulitis is inflammation of the diverticula, small pouches that form in the colon lining. UC is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) where inflammation and ulcers occur in the large intestinal lining.
In this article, we compare symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, complications, and outlook of both conditions.
A note about sex and gender
Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.
Small pouches called diverticula can form in the colon lining and push out through weak spots in the outer wall of the colon. If a person has diverticula in their colon, they have what health experts refer to as diverticulosis.
Diverticulitis is a condition where the diverticula become inflamed. Around
People may also use the term “diverticular disease” for diverticulitis or diverticular bleeding or if diverticula cause chronic symptoms.
UC is an IBD where an overreactive immune system causes inflammation and ulcers to develop in the lining of the large intestine.
UC is a chronic condition, and people may go through periods of remission, when they experience no symptoms of UC.
In the table below, we compare the two conditions:
| Diverticulitis | UC | |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Diverticulitis is a condition where small pouches form in the intestinal lining and become inflamed. | UC is a type of IBD where an overactive immune response causes inflammation and ulcers in the intestinal lining. |
| Symptoms | Symptoms can include: • abdominal pain on one side • constipation • diarrhea • nausea • vomiting • fever • chills • rectal bleeding | Symptoms can include: • diarrhea • an urgent need for bowel movements • blood or mucus in stool • abdominal pain and cramping |
| Causes | There is no known cause, but the following may play a part: • genetics • diet low in fiber and high in red meat • immune system problems • changes in the microbiome • bacteria trapped in the diverticula | There is no known cause, but the following may play a role: • genetics • unusual immune system reactions • microbiomes in the digestive tract • environmental factors |
| Triggers | Low fiber consumption and high red meat intake | Certain foods, such as spicy foods, lactose, and sugary foods, may trigger UC flares. |
| Treatment | Treatment options include: • antibiotics • a temporary clear liquid diet • pain relief medication • surgery to remove part of the colon, in some cases | Treatment can include medications to reduce inflammation, and, in some cases, surgery to remove the colon and rectum. |
| Cancer risk | There may be a slightly increased risk of colorectal cancer, with older adults and those with complicated diverticulitis being at higher risk. | There is an |
| Complications | Complications can include: • pelvic abscess • intestinal perforation • fistulas • peritonitis • bowel obstruction • sepsis • rectal bleeding | Complications can include: • rectal bleeding • iron deficiency anemia • expansion or tears in the colon • blood clots • primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) • toxic megacolon • intestinal perforation |
| Outlook | The outlook depends on a person’s age and overall health and the severity of diverticulitis. Treatment may result in none to mild symptoms in two-thirds of people. | UC requires long-term management. Treatment can help people maintain remission and live a relatively normal life. |
In the sections below, we outline the symptoms of diverticulitis and UC.
Diverticulitis
Symptoms of diverticulitis may include:
- abdominal pain
- constipation or diarrhea
- fever
- chills
- nausea or vomiting
- increased urgency, frequency, or discomfort when urinating, if an inflamed part of the colon comes into contact with the wall of the bladder
- rectal bleeding
People with diverticulitis
UC
Symptoms of UC can be mild to severe and can include:
- persistent diarrhea
- rectal bleeding or blood in stool
- cramping or abdominal pain
- mucus or pus in stool
- an urgent need to have a bowel movement
- a persistent urge to have a bowel movement, even if bowels are empty
UC symptoms can come on suddenly or start gradually and then worsen over time.
Healthcare professionals do not know the exact cause of either condition. However, they are aware of factors that can increase the likelihood of developing diverticulitis or UC.
Diverticulitis
There is no known cause of diverticulitis. Certain factors, however, may increase the risk of diverticular disease or cause its development. These
- genetics
- stool or bacteria becoming trapped in a pouch in the colon
- a change to the microbiome in the intestines
- issues with muscles, nerves, or connective tissue in the colon
- issues with the immune system
Lifestyle factors may also play a role, including:
- following a low fiber diet
- eating a diet high in red meat
- not engaging in physical activity
- taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and steroids
- having obesity
- smoking
Diverticulitis affects both males and females. It is
UC
Health experts do not know the exact cause of UC. They think, however, that the following
- Genetics: UC can run in families, so having certain genes may increase the risk of developing UC.
- Overactive immune system: The immune system creates temporary inflammation to help protect and heal the body from infection or illness. With UC, inflammation continues for longer than necessary, leading to chronic inflammation and ulcers in the intestinal lining.
- Microbiome: There may be differences between the microbiomes in the digestive tract of people with IBD and individuals without IBD.
- Environment: External factors and surroundings may affect a person’s genes, immune system, and microbiome, potentially playing a role in IBD.
People with UC or diverticulitis need to be careful about their dietary choices.
Diverticulitis
According to the
Consuming more fiber and reducing red meat intake may lower the risk of diverticulitis and complications.
There is
UC
People may find that certain foods can trigger or worsen symptoms of UC.
Although different for each person, the following foods may trigger symptoms in some individuals:
- insoluble fiber, such as raw cruciferous vegetables, whole nuts, and whole grains
- lactose
- sugary foods
- high fat, fried, or greasy foods
- alcohol and caffeine
- spicy foods
Healthcare professionals may recommend the following treatment options:
Diverticulitis
Treatment for diverticulitis may include:
- antibiotics
- a temporary clear liquid diet, to allow the colon to rest
- pain relief medication, such as acetaminophen
In
UC
Treatment for UC may include long-term use of medications to control inflammation,
- immunosuppressants
- biologics
- corticosteroids
- aminosalicylates
A person may require surgery to remove the colon and rectum if their symptoms do not improve or if they have colorectal cancer or any serious complications.
Surgeons may also perform an ileostomy. They will attach the end of the ileum, which is a part of the small intestine, to an opening in the abdomen called a stoma. This allows the body to store and remove stools in an alternative way.
To diagnose each of the two conditions, doctors may carry out a physical examination and order the following:
- blood tests
- stool tests
- imaging tests, such as a CT scan, an MRI scan, and an ultrasound
- colonoscopy
A healthcare professional may order a colonoscopy to help diagnose diverticulitis and an endoscopy to diagnose UC.
Diverticulitis and UC can cause the following complications:
Diverticulitis
Complications of diverticulitis may include:
- a pelvic abscess, when an infection causes a pus-filled pocket in the pelvic area
- an intestinal perforation, which is a hole in the wall of the intestine
- a fistula, which is an abnormal opening that allows contents to leak out
- peritonitis, an infection in the lining of the abdomen
- a blockage in the intestines
- sepsis
- rectal bleeding
According to a 2020 meta-analysis, there is a small risk of colorectal cancer with diverticulitis. Older adults and those with complicated diverticulitis have a higher risk of developing this type of cancer.
UC
Complications of UC may include:
- rectal bleeding
- iron deficiency anemia
- expansion or tears in the colon
- blood clots
- PSC
Moreover, toxic megacolon and perforation are potential complications that may warrant emergency surgery and colectomy.
In long-term cases of UC, there is an increased risk of precancerous changes and colorectal cancer. PSC can also increase the risk of bile duct cancer.
People can take the following steps to help prevent UC and diverticulitis from developing:
Diverticulitis
Factors that
- eating a diet high in fiber and low in red meat
- engaging in regular physical activity
- avoiding smoking
- reaching or maintaining a moderate body weight
If people have diverticulitis without any complications, a doctor may suggest surgery to remove part of the colon to prevent diverticulitis from reoccurring.
UC
Preventive measures for UC include:
- avoiding smoking
- getting regular exercise
- eating a balanced diet
- avoiding trigger foods
The outlook for each condition can depend on a variety of factors.
Diverticulitis
The outlook for people with diverticulitis can depend on a range of factors, including:
- severity of the condition
- a person’s age and overall health
- any coexisting conditions
Most people with uncomplicated diverticulitis will have a positive response to treatment. Around 15% of people may require surgery to treat diverticulitis. After successful treatment, one-third of people will not have any symptoms, one-third will experience mild symptoms, and one-third will have recurrent diverticulitis.
UC
UC is a chronic condition that a person will need to manage throughout their life.
Managing flare-ups and uncomfortable symptoms can be difficult for some individuals, but effective treatment can help people lead a relatively normal life.
By managing their condition, some individuals with UC may experience remission for
Diverticulitis is a condition where small pouches form in the intestinal lining and become inflamed. UC is a type of IBD in which an overactive immune response causes inflammation and ulcers in the large intestine.
Medication and lifestyle factors can help manage both conditions, which in turn may help a person relieve symptoms or maintain remission.
In severe cases, people may require surgery to remove part of the colon or rectum.