What Is Diverticulitis?
Diverticulitis is a condition that affects the digestive system. It is caused by small pouches called diverticula forming in the intestine’s wall. These pouches can become inflamed or infected, leading to pain, bleeding, and other symptoms. Diverticulitis is most common in people over age 60.
Diverticulosis and diverticulitis are conditions that affect the large intestine (i.e.: your colon). Each of these disorders is referred to as a diverticular disease. Diverticula is a common affliction in both. Diverticula are pockets or bulges that form in the wall of the colon.
Diverticula can range in size from a pea to a tennis ball. They can show up anywhere in your colon’s inner lining, but they’re most frequent in the sigmoid colon, which is an S-shaped part of your colon.
10 Signs of Diverticulitis
Diverticulitis is a condition that affects the large intestine and causes inflammation of the colon wall. The most common symptom of diverticulitis is abdominal pain, usually on the left side. Other symptoms may include fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. If you experience any of these common symptoms, it is important to see your doctor for a proper diagnosis.
Here are 10 diverticulitis symptoms:
- Lower abdominal pain, especially on the left side
- Cramping
- Bloating
- Gas
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Fever or chills
- Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see your doctor so they can rule out other potential causes. Left untreated, diverticulitis can lead to serious complications like a perforated intestine, abscesses, or sepsis.
What’s The Difference Between Diverticulitis And Diverticulosis, And How Do You Tell The Two Apart?
Diverticulitis
Diverticulitis is an infection and inflammation of one or more diverticula. You might have discomfort, nausea, a fever, and other symptoms. This is a far more serious and even life-threatening illness.
Diverticulosis
The presence of these microscopic bulges or pockets (diverticula) in your colon is known as diverticulosis. They rarely cause symptoms or necessitate treatment. However, diverticulosis can result in diverticulitis.
Causes Of Diverticulitis
Constipation is caused by a buildup of waste in your colon due to a lack of fiber in your diet. Constipation puts additional strain on the colon’s walls. The diverticula, or small pockets, occur in weak sections of your colon as a result of the increased pressure.
Several things can contribute to the development of diverticulitis. Some of the most common causes include:
A Diet Low In Fiber
A low fiber diet can lead to constipation, which can put pressure on the colon and cause diverticula to form.
Obesity
Excess weight puts strain on the abdominal muscles and organs, including the colon.
Smoking
This increases your risk for all sorts of digestive problems, including diverticulitis.
Sedentary lifestyle
Lack of physical activity can also lead to constipation and obesity, both of which increase the risk for diverticulitis.
How Is Diverticulitis Diagnosed
If you’re experiencing symptoms of diverticulitis, either mild diverticulitis or acute diverticulitis, it’s critical you consult your doctor to get a proper diagnosis
Digital Rectal Exam
Your healthcare professional carefully inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into your rectum during this physical exam to feel for any problems in your anus or rectum.
Blood Test
A blood test is performed to look for symptoms of infection, such as an elevated white blood cell count.
CT Scan
A CT scan can detect the degree of diverticulitis and show infected or inflamed diverticula.
Barium enema
In a barium enema, a liquid containing barium is administered into the anus (also known as lower gastrointestinal tract radiography). The liquid covers the inside of your colon, allowing any problems to be visible on X-rays more clearly.
Stool Sample
Your stool sample is examined for aberrant bacteria or parasites that could be the source of your infection, abdominal pain, blood in your stool, diarrhea, or other symptoms.
Colonoscopy
This procedure allows the entire length of your colon to be examined. A colonoscope is a thin, flexible, illuminated tube with a camera that is placed into your rectum and your colon. A colonoscopy examines your colon for abnormal growths, lesions, ulcers, bleeding, or other issues that could cause bowel changes or abdominal pain. Polyps can be excised and tissue samples collected.
Sigmoidoscopy
A tiny flexible tube with a light on the end is introduced into your rectum and advanced into your sigmoid colon during a sigmoidoscopy. A video camera is linked to the tube. A visual inspection of your sigmoid colon (where most diverticula originate) and rectum is possible with the camera.
Angiography
If you have quick, substantial rectal bleeding, angiography can help you figure out where the blood is coming from. This test involves injecting a harmless dye into the arteries that supply the colon, which allows the cause of the bleeding to be observed.
Treatment Of Diverticulitis
If your diverticulitis is mild, your doctor may give oral antibiotics such as:
- Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim)
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Metronidazole (Flagyl)
- Amoxicillin and clavulanic acid (Augmentin)
- Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
Rest, over-the-counter pain relievers, and a low-fiber or liquid diet may be advised until your symptoms improve.
You should be aware of risk factors. Although constipation is often believed to be one of the main causes of diverticulitis, there are other factors to consider.
How To Prevent Diverticulitis
- Exercise regularly
- Keep yourself hydrated
- Avoid smoking
A high-fiber diet can help alleviate the symptoms of diverticular illness and prevent you from developing diverticulitis. Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, which are high in fiber, soften stool and make it easier to pass.
Conclusion
If you experience any of these symptoms, you must see your doctor/healthcare professional immediately. Diverticulitis can lead to serious complications, such as a perforated bowel or infection, so prompt treatment is essential.
