Diverticulitis

Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis Explained

Small, pouch-like pockets called diverticula can form in the lining of your large intestine (colon). Think of them like tiny balloons bulging out from the walls of a pipe. This condition, called diverticulosis, is fairly common, especially in people over 50. These pouches are often found in the lower part of the colon. Usually, they don't cause any problems and you might not even know you have them.

Diverticulitis happens when one or more of these diverticula become inflamed or infected. Inflammation is your body's natural response to injury or infection. Your immune system sends extra blood and fluids to the affected area, and disease-fighting cells rush to the site. This process can cause significant discomfort, including severe pain, fever, nausea, and changes in your bowel movements (like diarrhea or constipation).

Mild diverticulitis is often treated at home with rest, a change in diet (often avoiding foods that are hard to digest), and sometimes antibiotics. Your doctor might recommend avoiding certain foods like seeds, nuts, and popcorn, as these can sometimes get stuck in the pouches. A healthy diet high in fiber can help. If the diverticulitis is severe, you may need treatment in a hospital. This usually involves antibiotics to fight the infection. In some serious cases, or if diverticulitis happens frequently, surgery may be necessary to remove the affected part of the colon or to repair any damage.

The key takeaway is that while diverticula are common, they often don't cause problems. But when one becomes inflamed, it's important to see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Diverticulitis often causes pain in your lower belly (abdomen). This pain is typically located in the lower left side of your abdomen. The pain can come on quickly and be very strong, or it might start mild and gradually get worse. The intensity of the pain might also fluctuate.

Besides pain, other symptoms of diverticulitis can include:

• Feeling sick to your stomach (nausea)
• Fever
• Your belly feeling sore when you touch it
• Changes in bowel habits, such as sudden diarrhea or constipation.

If you have ongoing, unexplained abdominal pain, especially if you also have a fever or noticeable changes in your bowel movements, see a doctor right away.

Seek medical attention immediately if you experience persistent, unexplained stomach pain. This is especially important if you also have a fever or significant changes in your bowel movements. Don't wait; consistent abdominal pain, especially when accompanied by fever or changes in your bowel habits, could indicate a serious medical issue that needs prompt care.

Over time, small pouches called diverticula can form in the lining of the colon. These are quite common in older people. The pouches develop where the colon's lining is weak, possibly due to pressure from things like muscle spasms or straining during bowel movements.

Diverticulitis happens when one or more of these pouches become inflamed. Inflammation can happen because of infections (bacteria) or damage to the tissues within the diverticula.

Diverticulitis, a condition affecting the digestive system, is more often seen in people over 50. Several lifestyle choices and health factors can increase your chances of developing diverticulitis.

These risk factors include:

• Weight: Being overweight or obese can raise your risk. Carrying extra weight puts extra stress on your digestive system.

• Smoking: Smoking harms your overall health, including your digestive tract. It can weaken the walls of your intestines, making them more vulnerable to diverticulitis.

• Diet: A diet lacking in fiber can increase your risk. Fiber is essential for healthy digestion. Foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are good sources of fiber. Conversely, a diet high in red meat might also be a factor. Red meat is often high in saturated fat, which can potentially impact digestion.

• Alcohol: Heavy alcohol use can irritate your digestive tract and increase your risk of diverticulitis.

• Activity Level: Regular exercise is vital for overall health and can help maintain a healthy weight, both of which are beneficial for your digestive system. A lack of exercise might increase the risk of diverticulitis.

• Vitamin D: Having low levels of vitamin D may contribute to diverticulitis. Vitamin D plays a role in many bodily functions, including supporting a healthy immune system.

• Medications: Certain medications can increase your risk of diverticulitis. This includes steroids, opioids, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen. These medications can have various effects on the body, potentially impacting the digestive tract.

Understanding these risk factors can help you discuss them with your doctor and make informed choices about your health and lifestyle.

Diverticulitis, a condition affecting the colon, can sometimes lead to problems. In roughly 15 out of every 100 people with diverticulitis, complications arise. These complications include:

• Abscess: A collection of pus, caused by bacteria, can form. This is a localized pocket of infection.
• Colon Blockage: Diverticulitis can sometimes block the flow of waste through the colon. This blockage can cause discomfort and require medical attention.
• Fistula: A fistula is an abnormal connection between the colon and another organ, like the bladder or vagina. This connection can allow waste to leak into the other organ.
• Peritonitis: If the colon wall tears, waste can leak into the abdominal cavity. This serious infection of the lining of the abdomen is called peritonitis. It's a very serious condition requiring immediate medical care.
• Bleeding (Diverticular Hemorrhage): A ruptured blood vessel in the diverticula can cause bleeding. This can be a significant source of blood loss and needs prompt medical intervention.

Preventing Diverticulitis: Simple Steps

Diverticulitis is a problem that affects the colon. It happens when small pouches (diverticula) form in the colon's lining. Here's how you can help prevent it:

1. Move Your Body: Regular, energetic exercise helps keep things moving smoothly through your digestive system. This can lower your chances of getting diverticulitis. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week. Examples include brisk walking, swimming, or cycling.

2. Load Up on Fiber: A diet rich in fiber helps food move more easily through your intestines. This reduces pressure on the colon and lowers the risk of diverticulitis. Good sources of fiber include fruits (like apples and berries), vegetables (such as broccoli and carrots), whole grains (like brown rice and whole-wheat bread), seeds, and beans. It's a good idea to limit red meat and sugary foods.

3. Reach a Healthy Weight: Maintaining a healthy weight is important for overall health, including digestive health. Talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian about a healthy weight for you and how to reach it safely and effectively. They can create a plan tailored to your needs.

4. Stay Hydrated: Fiber needs water to work properly. Water helps fiber form soft, bulky stools, which are easier to pass through your intestines. Drinking enough fluids prevents constipation, which can strain your colon and potentially increase diverticulitis risk.

5. Quit Smoking and Limit Alcohol: Smoking and excessive alcohol use can harm your overall health, including your digestive system. Quitting smoking and reducing your alcohol intake can lower your risk of many health problems, including diverticulitis.

Important Note: In the past, some people were advised to avoid nuts, seeds, and popcorn to prevent diverticulitis. However, recent studies show that these foods are not a problem and, in fact, many contain beneficial fiber. So, feel free to enjoy them in moderation as part of a healthy diet.

Diverticulitis can cause pain and other problems. Doctors use a variety of methods to figure out what's causing your discomfort.

To find out where the pain is, your doctor will gently feel your abdomen. They might also do a pelvic exam to check for problems in the reproductive organs if needed.

To help narrow down the cause, your doctor may order some tests:

• Blood tests: These check for signs of infection or problems with your immune system.
• Urine tests: These can help identify issues related to your urinary system.
• Stool tests: These look for problems in your digestive system.
• Pregnancy test: This is important if a woman is of childbearing age.
• Liver enzyme tests: These help rule out liver problems.

A CT scan (a special X-ray) can help doctors see inflamed pouches (diverticula), pockets of infection (abscesses), connections between organs (fistulas), or other complications that diverticulitis might cause. This allows them to see the affected area in detail, which can aid in the diagnosis and treatment plan.