Diverticulosis Details: Symptoms, Causes, Remedies, and Further Insights
Understanding Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis
Diverticulosis and diverticulitis are conditions that affect the colon, a key part of the digestive system.
Diverticulosis is the presence of small pouches called diverticula formed in the wall of the colon. These pouches are typically caused by increased pressure inside the colon and structural weaknesses in the colon wall. Diverticulosis is often asymptomatic, but can cause mild symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, changes in bowel habits, or rectal bleeding. Common causes of diverticulosis include a low-fiber diet, age, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, genetic predisposition, and a sedentary lifestyle [1][2][3].
Diverticulitis, on the other hand, occurs when one or more of these diverticula become inflamed or infected. This leads to a more acute and symptomatic condition. Common symptoms of diverticulitis include sudden, intense pain in the lower left abdomen, fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal tenderness, and changes in bowel habits such as diarrhea or constipation. Blood in the stool (bright red, dark red, or black and tarry), increased mucus in stool, and alternation between pellet-like stool and diarrhea may also be observed [1][2][3].
Here's a comparison of the two conditions:
| Aspect | Diverticulosis | Diverticulitis | |-------------------------|--------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------| | Definition | Presence of diverticula (colon pouches) | Inflammation/infection of diverticula | | Symptoms | Mostly asymptomatic; possible mild abdominal pain, bloating, change in bowel habits | Sudden, severe lower left abdominal pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, tenderness, blood/mucus in stool | | Cause | Increased colon pressure, structural weakness, low fiber diet, genetics | Infection/inflammation of diverticula, often triggered by similar risk factors plus bacterial infection | | Severity | Usually mild, often unnoticed | Can be severe, potentially requiring urgent treatment |
It is important to note that without treatment, diverticulitis can cause complications such as abscesses, perforation of the colon, and peritonitis. Treatment for diverticulitis involves taking antibiotics and pain relief medications.
A doctor can provide advice on how to prevent diverticulitis and monitor for any changes. Consuming sufficient amounts of fiber, staying hydrated, and keeping active may help prevent diverticulitis. If a doctor suspects a person may have diverticulitis, they may request further tests. Diverticulosis is often diagnosed through a colonoscopy, CT scan, X-ray, or physical examination, among other tests [1][2].
While it is unclear whether diverticulosis is preventable, preventive lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of it progressing. People should seek medical advice if they are experiencing symptoms such as sudden or severe abdominal pain, fever, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, chills, or any other unusual symptoms. It is also advisable to avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, as they can cause gut irritation [1][2].
According to the American College of Gastroenterology, less than 5% of people with diverticulosis develop diverticulitis, while the Canadian Society of Intestinal Research estimates this to be 10-25% [1][2]. Diverticulosis is more common in older adults, with 1 out of 10 people over the age of 40 years having it in the United States [2]. Colonic diverticula commonly appear where there are weak spots in the colon, often on the left side, and measure between 0.2 and 0.4 inches [2].
[1] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Diverticulitis. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diverticulitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20353931 [2] National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2021). Diverticulitis. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/diverticulitis [3] Cleveland Clinic. (2021). Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16163-diverticulosis-and-diverticulitis [4] American College of Gastroenterology. (2021). Diverticular Disease. https://www.acg.gi.org/patients/disease-information/diverticular-disease [5] Canadian Society of Intestinal Research. (2021). Diverticular Disease. https://www.csir.org/patients/diverticular-disease
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