Diverticulitis occurs when pouches, or diverticula, in the large intestine become infected and inflamed. This may result in severe abdominal pain with or without other symptoms.
Diverticulosis is the similar sounding condition where a person develops diverticula in their large intestine. Diverticulosis affects more than 50% of people in the United States over 60 years of age.
This article discusses the signs and symptoms of both diverticulosis and diverticulitis. We also outline some potential triggers of diverticulitis, and the treatment options available.
A person may not realize they have diverticulosis until they develop diverticulitis. The symptoms of both conditions are outlined below.
Symptoms of diverticulosis
Diverticulosis does not usually cause symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they may include:
- cramping or pain in the lower abdomen
- bloating
- diarrhea
- constipation
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK),
Symptoms of diverticulitis
According to the
Pain is not always the only symptom of diverticulitis. Other potential symptoms include:
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- constipation
- presence of mucus or blood in stools
- rectal bleeding, or bleeding from the anus
- fever
- chills
People sometimes refer to inflammation or infection of the diverticula as a diverticulitis “flare-up” or “attack.”
The following factors could increase the risk of a diverticulitis attack.
- Not getting enough exercise: Exercise helps to promote regular bowel movements. A lack of regular exercise increases the risk of constipation. This, in turn, could trigger diverticulitis.
- Not drinking enough water: Water softens stools, allowing them to pass more easily through the colon. A person who does not drink enough water may be more prone to constipation.
- Drinking too much alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption could cause an imbalance in the number of good and bad bacteria in the colon. This could increase the risk of infection in the diverticula.
Doctors once thought that certain foods, such as popcorn, nuts, and seeds, could trigger diverticulitis. They, therefore, recommended avoiding these foods. However, experts now believe that restrictive diets are
Scientists are not certain what causes diverticulitis or diverticulosis. However, they do believe that genetics and dietary factors are likely to play a role in the development of these conditions.
Genetics
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Dietary factors
Doctors once recommended a high fiber diet to help prevent diverticulosis and diverticulitis.
In contrast, an older
Other risk factors
The following factors may also increase a person’s risk of developing diverticulitis:
- smoking
- obesity
- lack of regular exercise
- too many bad bacteria in the colon
- taking medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- being over 50 years of age
- being male
To diagnose diverticulitis, a doctor will assess a person’s medical history and ask about their symptoms.
A doctor may also want to rule out conditions with similar symptoms. These include:
A doctor will likely also order a blood test and CT scan to look for signs of diverticulitis.
Once a doctor has diagnosed diverticulitis, they will provide treatments to help fight the infection and alleviate the pain.
In some cases, a doctor may recommend over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, such as acetaminophen. Doctors do not recommend NSAIDs because they are a potential risk factor for developing diverticulitis.
If OTC pain medications are not effective, a doctor may prescribe stronger pain relief.
A doctor may recommend the following treatments for mild to moderate cases of diverticulitis:
- oral antibiotics
- temporary liquid diet
- rest
Severe cases of diverticulitis develop quickly and are more likely to cause complications. In such cases, a doctor may recommend a hospital stay, along with intravenous (IV) fluids and antibiotics.
It may also be helpful to avoid food or drink for
Treating complications
Severe diverticulitis can cause complications, such as abscesses, perforations in the colon, and intestinal obstructions. The treatments for these conditions are outlined below.
- Abscesses: Antibiotics are the
first-line treatment for abscesses in the colon. However, if the abscess is large, or resistant to antibiotic treatment, a doctor will need to drain it. - Perforations: Surgery will be necessary to repair a tear or hole in the colon. If the surgeon cannot repair the perforation, they may need to remove a small section of the colon.
- Intestinal obstruction: Sometimes, diverticulitis can cause a partial or complete blockage in the colon. A partial blockage will require surgery at some time in the future, whereas a complete blockage will require emergency surgery.
A person should see their doctor as soon as possible if they have not already received a diagnosis of diverticulosis or diverticulitis and experience symptoms of either condition.
Similarly, they should see a doctor if they have received a diagnosis of diverticulosis or diverticulitis and experience the following symptoms:
- high fever
- diarrhea
- rectal bleeding
- severe abdominal pain
Diverticulitis occurs when small pouches or diverticula in the colon become infected and inflamed. The most common symptom is pain in the lower left abdomen, sometimes with other symptoms, such as diarrhea, vomiting, or fever.
A person should see a doctor if they have a preexisting diagnosis of diverticulosis or diverticulitis and their symptoms become worse. Without the appropriate treatment, diverticulitis can cause severe complications.
A person should also see their doctor if they experience symptoms of diverticulitis for the first time. A doctor will work to diagnose the condition and provide appropriate treatments.