Diverticula are small, bulging pouches that can grow in your digestive system's lining. They are most commonly found in the lower section of the large intestine (colon). Diverticula are frequent, especially after the age of 40, but they rarely cause difficulties.
Diverticulosis is the presence of diverticula. Diverticulitis occurs when one or more of the pouches becomes inflamed and, in some situations, infected. Diverticulitis can result in severe stomach discomfort, fever, nausea, and a significant change in bowel patterns.
Mild diverticulitis can be treated with rest, dietary adjustments, and antibiotics. Diverticulitis that is severe or persistent may necessitate surgery.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF DIVERTICULITIS?
Diverticulitis symptoms include the following:
- Pain that might be continuous and last for several days. The pain is usually felt on the lower left side of the abdomen. However, the right side of the abdomen can be more uncomfortable at times, especially in those of Asian origin.
- Vomiting and nausea
- Fever.
- Tenderness in the abdomen.
- Constipation or, in rare cases, diarrhea.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF DIVERTICULITIS?
Diverticula form when naturally weak areas of your colon break way under strain. Marble-sized pockets emerge through the colon wall as a result of this.
Diverticulitis develops when the diverticula rip, causing irritation and, in rare circumstances, infection.
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR DIVERTICULITIS?
Diverticulitis can be caused by a number of reasons, including:
- Aging: Diverticulitis becomes more common as people get older.
- Obesity: Being severely overweight raises your chances of acquiring diverticulitis.
- Smoking: Cigarette smokers are more prone than nonsmokers to get diverticulitis.
- Lack of physical activity: Exercising vigorously tends to reduce your risk of diverticulitis.
- High animal fat diet with little fiber: A low-fiber diet combined with a high intake of animal fat appears to raise risk, though the function of low fiber alone is unknown.
- Certain drugs: Several medicines, including steroids, opioids, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, and others), have been linked to an increased risk of diverticulitis (Aleve).
WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS OF DIVERTICULITIS?
Complications of acute diverticulitis may occur in approximately 25% of patients.
- An abscess, which occurs when pus accumulates in the pouch.
- Scarring in your gut, which causes an obstruction.
- A pathological connection (fistula) between portions of the gut or the bowel and other organs.
- Peritonitis, which occurs when an infected or inflammatory pouch ruptures, allowing intestinal contents to flood into the abdominal cavity. Peritonitis is a medical emergency that necessitates rapid treatment.
HOW IS DIVERTICULITIS DIAGNOSED?
Diverticulitis is frequently detected during a severe bout. Because abdominal discomfort can signal a variety of issues, your doctor will need to rule out other possible reasons.
Your doctor will begin with a physical examination, which will include a check for soreness in your abdomen. Women are usually given a pelvic examination to rule out pelvic illness.
Next that, the following tests are very likely:
- Blood and urine tests are performed to look for evidence of infection.
- A pregnancy test is available for women of childbearing age in order to rule out pregnancy as a cause of abdominal pain.
- To rule out liver-related causes of stomach pain, a liver enzyme test is performed.
- In those who have diarrhea, a stool test is performed to rule out infection.
- A CT scan can detect inflamed or infected pouches and confirm a diverticulitis diagnosis. CT can also be used to determine the degree of diverticulitis and to guide treatment.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR DIVERTICULITIS?
The intensity of your indications and symptoms determines your treatment.
Uncomplicated diverticulitis
If your symptoms are minor, you may be able to be treated at home. Your doctor is likely to advise you to:
- Antibiotics, are used to treat infections, while updated guidelines say that they may not be necessary in very mild instances.
- A liquid diet is recommended for a few days while your bowel repairs. You can gradually add solid meals to your diet as your symptoms improve.
Most persons with simple diverticulitis respond well to this medication.
Complicated diverticulitis
If you have a serious attack or other health issues, you will almost certainly need to be hospitalized. In general, treatment entails:
- Antibiotics administered intravenously
- If an abdominal abscess has formed, a tube will be inserted to drain it.
Surgery
You'll likely require surgery to treat diverticulitis if:
- You have a complication, such as a gut abscess, fistula, or blockage, or a bowel wall puncture (perforation).
- You've experienced several cases of simple diverticulitis.
- You have a compromised immune system.
- Primary bowel resection: The surgeon eliminates damaged intestinal segments and then reconnects the healthy segments (anastomosis). This enables you to have regular bowel movements. You may have open surgery or a minimally invasive (laparoscopic) technique depending on the extent of the inflammation.
- Bowel resection with colostomy: If the inflammation is so severe that rejoining your colon and rectum is impossible, the surgeon will perform a colostomy. A hole in your abdominal wall (stoma) connects to the healthy part of your colon. Waste is deposited into a bag through the aperture. The colostomy may be reversed and the colon rejoined once the irritation has subsided.
Follow-up treatment
Six weeks after recovering from diverticulitis, your doctor may prescribe a colonoscopy, especially if you haven't had the test in the preceding year. Diverticular illness does not appear to be associated with colon or rectal cancer. However, a colonoscopy, which is dangerous during a diverticulitis episode, can rule out colon cancer as a source of your symptoms.
Following successful therapy, your doctor may advise you to have surgery to prevent future occurrences of diverticulitis. Surgery is a personal decision that is frequently influenced by the frequency of attacks and the presence of complications.
HOW CAN DIVERTICULITIS BE PREVENTED?
To reduce the risk of diverticulitis:
- Regular exercise: Exercise improves bowel function and lowers pressure in the colon. On most days, try to exercise for at least 30 minutes.
- Consume more fiber: Diverticulitis is reduced by eating a high-fiber diet. Fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as whole grains, include fiber, which softens waste and allows it to flow more swiftly through your colon. Consuming seeds and nuts is not linked to the development of diverticulitis.
- Drink lots of fluids: Fiber absorbs water and increases the amount of soft, bulky waste in your colon. However, if you don't drink enough liquid to replace what's lost, fiber might cause constipation.
- Smoking should be avoided: Smoking has been linked to an increased risk of diverticulitis.