What is Diverticulitis?
Diverticulitis develops when small pouches form in the walls of the large intestine or colon, trapping undigested food or waste and leading to inflammation or infection. Diverticulitis is a severe infection and considered the 2nd phase of the diverticular disease.
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Causes
Diverticulitis is caused by inflammation or a small tear in a diverticulum, often the result of high or abnormal pressure in the colon. If the tear is large, stool in the colon can spill into the abdominal cavity, causing infection or inflammation.
Risk Factors
Diverticulitis is very common, affecting more than half of Americans over age 50. Risk factors include:
- Older age (Ages 50+)
- Low-fiber diet
Other factors that increase the risk of developing diverticulitis include:
- A diet high in red meat
- Certain medicines, such as steroids, opioids, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) and naproxen sodium (Aleve)
- Heavy alcohol use
- Lack of exercise
- Low vitamin D levels
- Obesity
- Smoking
Symptoms
- Abdominal pain (typically in the left lower abdomen)
- Chills or fever
- Nausea or vomiting
- Weight loss
Complications
Nearly 15% of individuals with diverticulitis will endure complications. Some complication may include the following:
- An abscess: which is a pocket of pus caused by bacterial infection.
- A fistula: abnormal connection between the bowel and another organ.
- Peritonitis: serious condition where a tear in the colon wall allows waste to spill into the abdomen lining.
- Blockage of the colon.
- Diverticular hemorrhage: bleeding from ruptured blood vessels.
Diagnostic Tests
- Blood test (comprehensive metabolic panel)
- Colonoscopy
- CT scan
- Liver enzyme test (in effort to exclude liver disease)
- Pregnancy test
- Stool test
- Urine test
When to See a Doctor
It’s important that you see a doctor about a week after your symptoms begin to show. Typically, within four to eight weeks, they'll set up a colonoscopy to monitor healing and spot any potential issues in your colon.
If your symptoms persist, worsen, or reappear after reintroducing foods into your diet, it's vital to follow up with your healthcare provider. At Charleston GI, we offer board certified gastroenterologist qualified to diagnose and treat you, no referral needed! Simply, schedule an appointment today!
At the same time, in cases of diverticulitis, head to the ER if you experience:
- Blood in your stools.
- Persistent Fever above 100.4°F (38°C)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Chills
Treatment
- Blood transfusion
- Colonoscopy
- IV medication
- Surgery
Acute diverticulitis is treated with antibiotics and after the infection has improved, eating high-fiber foods and using bulk additives like psyllium may help reduce the risk of reoccurrence. The involved portion of the colon may need to be removed for patients with:
- Abscess
- Hole (perforation) in the colon
- Fistula (abnormal connections between different parts of the colon or the colon and another body area)
- Repeated attacks of diverticulitis
If you want to know to manage diverticulitis flare ups, our Charleston GI doctors are here to help!
Prevention
Truthfully, there is no hard evidence on ways to prevent diverticulitis. At the same time, some patients have benefited from lifestyle changes and dieting which include:
- Quit smoking
- Increasing fiber intake
- More exercise
- Better weight management
Understanding Diverticular Disease
Diverticular disease is a condition that affects the large intestine, or colon.
First is the presence of a first phase called, "Diverticulosis." In regards to diverticulosis, it occurs when small defects in the muscle of the wall of the large intestine or colon allow small pockets or pouches (diverticula) to form.
Then, there is the infection known as diverticulitis. Diverticulitis is an infection or inflammation of these abnormal pouches.
Together, these conditions are called diverticular disease.
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Diverticulitis FAQs
What foods should I avoid if I have diverticulitis?
Individuals with diverticulitis should avoid foods like fresh fruit (especially apples, pears, and raspberries), vegetables other than canned ones, beans, lentils, whole wheat and rye bread, oat bran muffins, whole wheat pasta, brown rice, and popcorn.
Does alcohol affect diverticulitis?
Our GI specialists recommend avoiding alcohol when recovering from diverticulitis. Alcohol may aggravate your condition and increase your risk of a flare-up.
Can you eat spaghetti with diverticulitis?
A low-fiber diet is recommended to manage diverticulitis symptoms. While meatballs and meaty spaghetti sauces are not advised, plain, white pasta is allowed.
Can you eat peanut butter with diverticulitis?
As long as you are not currently experiencing a diverticulitis flare-up, high-fiber foods like peanut butter and nuts are safe to consume.
Can you eat oatmeal with diverticulitis?
Oatmeal is a great source of fiber – which is important for patients with diverticulitis or diverticulosis. But be sure to avoid eating high-fiber foods while experiencing a flare-up or abdominal discomfort.
Does gluten affect diverticulitis?
Honestly, the answer is complicated.
Diagnosing a gluten intolerance can be difficult, especially because many GI conditions and diseases present similar symptoms – like gas, bloating and diarrhea. For instance, Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome, lactose intolerance, diverticulitis, and inflammatory bowel disease share symptoms with gluten intolerance. That is why it is important to consult a board-certified gastroenterologist, like the ones you’ll find at Charleston GI!
Can I eat tomato sauce?
Tomato puree or tomato sauce is fine, as long as it does not have any added meat, mushrooms or chunks that may disrupt digestion. Watch for pips, the small, hard pieces of the tomato, and stick to smooth sauces.
Is salad bad for diverticulitis?
Salads are great and adding other high fiber veggies, beans and corn can make your diet with diverticulitis even better. We recommend adding other high fibers slowly and staying hydrated with water, seltzer, club soda, and herbal teas.
Are scrambled eggs good?
Yes, eggs and other lean proteins like shredded chicken, baked fish, and ground beef are usually easy to digest and a great nutritional option for those with diverticulitis.
Can I eat blueberries with diverticulitis?
While it was once believed that the seeds in fruits and berries should be avoided in diverticulitis patients. This guidance has been updated, and it is now considered safe to consume blueberries and other fruits.
Are bananas safe?
Absolutely! Bananas are a great nutritional source within a healthier diet for diverticulitis.
Is it safe to take aspirin?
Painkillers like aspirin or ibuprofen should be avoided due to the increased risk of internal bleeding. These medications may also upset your stomach. For pain relief, acetaminophen is recommended.
What is a diverticulitis flare up?
Diverticulitis (flare-up) occurs when your intestines have little pouches called diverticula. These pouches get all inflamed and infected, that's a flare-up of diverticulitis. Then, comes symptoms like constant diarrhea, cramping, and overall bowel fussiness. Symptoms can range from intense pain and abdominal cramps to bleeding, bloating, and fever.
How long does a flare-up of diverticulitis last?
Honestly, recovering from diverticulitis might take up to two weeks. In the initial days of recuperating from straightforward diverticulitis in the comfort of your home, you'll be on a liquid diet, taking it easy, and using the prescribed medications for pain relief.
Can diverticulitis cause chest pain?
The most common symptom associated with diverticulitis is a sharp, cramp-like pain in the lower abdomen. The pain may occur suddenly and last for days. If you are experiencing this type of pain, contact your GI specialist today.
How long does it take for the colon to heal after diverticulitis?
According to study in National Library of Medicine, in about a week, 95% of people with uncomplicated diverticulitis can heal on their own. For the remaining 5% of patients, if symptoms persist, treatment is needed. Surgery is rarely necessary.
How is severe diverticulitis treated?
On average, medical studies show 80% of people with severe diverticulitis recover within a few weeks after treatment with antibiotics. Furthermore, about 20% of people require surgery.
Can diverticulitis be transmitted?
Not at all! Diverticulitis is not contagious or cancerous. It occurs when food waste moves too slowly through the colon, causing pressure and the formation of weak spots and sacs.
What can I expect if I have this condition?
Know that you will likely be okay. Most people with diverticulitis, even when it’s complicated, recover fully with treatment.
It’s quite rare for it to last a lifetime; only in limited cases of bowel perforation or ruptured abscesses would there be a risk of life-threatening complications.
What should I do if diverticulitis keeps coming back?
First and foremost, you should speak with your primary care physician as soon as possible.
If the lifestyle changes suggested did not prevent recurrent diverticulitis, there may be other health factors that need to be examined. Speak with a board-certified gastroenterologist or primary care doctor for a proper examination and additional treatment options specifically for your health needs.
What does a diverticulitis attack feel like?
Truthfully, studies have found that the most common symptom individuals endure is abdominal pain. The abdominal pain is often on the left side of the lower belly. If there is an infection, there may be symptoms like fever, nausea, vomiting, chills, cramping, and constipation.
What is the life expectancy with diverticulitis?
Fortunately, diverticulitis resolves quickly and completely with treatment. It is uncommon for diverticulitis to affect your entire life expectancy, except in rare cases of severe complications like bowel perforation or ruptured abscesses.
What drugs should be avoided with diverticulitis?
For individuals with diverticulitis, please speak with your health provider directly for all health recommendations to avoid your medical condition. Often, a medical professional will inform the diverticulitis patient to avoid NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and naproxen sodium (Aleve) as they can increase the risk of bleeding. Please speak with a board certified gastroenterologist or your primary care doctor directly for proper medical advice.
Can diverticulitis go away on its own?
It depends.
For mild and uncomplicated diverticulitis, it can go away on its own. However, it must be noted that the most important way to determine the status of your diverticulitis is with the expertise of your healthcare provider. Do not self-evaluate or procrastinate when you notice signs and symptoms.
What is the difference between diverticulosis vs diverticulitis?
Diverticulosis occurs when small defects in the muscle of the wall of the large intestine or colon allow small pouches to develop. Diverticulitis, a more serious condition, occurs when the small pouches become inflamed or infected.
How do you pronounce diverticulitis?
The proper pronunciation for diverticulitis is dai·vr·ti·kyuh·lai·tuhs.
Why do you need bed rest with diverticulitis?
Diverticulitis is often treated with diet/lifestyle changes, antibiotics, and for more severe cases, surgery. To treat mild diverticulitis, your GI specialist may recommend bed rest, a liquid diet, stool softeners, antibiotics, and possibly antispasmodic drugs.
Can diverticulitis cause liver problems?
Diverticulitis mainly affects the large intestine. But in rare cases, liver issues can occur due to Pyogenic liver abscesses – a potentially life-threatening complication. To learn more about liver problems associated with diverticulitis, contact your GI doctor today.
Can I claim disability benefits for diverticulitis?
If you suffer from severe diverticulitis that has not responded well to treatment and prevented you from working, you may be eligible for disability benefits. Check with your local Social Security office to learn more about eligibility or to claim benefits.
Can a GI doctor see diverticulitis with an X-ray?
While standard X-rays do not typically show diverticulitis, a left-sided pelvic mass, localized ileus, or partial bowel obstruction may be visible. For complicated diverticulitis cases, your stomach doctor may also notice pneumoperitoneum, portal venous gas, and extraluminal air-fluid levels.
Can diverticulitis cause pregnancy issues?
Proven studies have show, if left untreated, the body’s inflammatory response to diverticulitis may cause preterm labor. Cases of diverticulitis are rare in pregnant women, so there are no specific protocols for treatment. If you are pregnant and suffering from diverticulitis symptoms, schedule an appointment with one of our GI doctors.
Can diverticulitis occur after giving birth?
After a vagin*l delivery, fistulas may occur. This is more likely if a large tear occurred during delivery, but is still uncommon.
Can I have diverticulitis and a sex life?
Because masses on the urethra or an infection of the glands surrounding it can cause pain during intercourse, it is best to consult your gastroenterologist. Your GI doctor will consider the severity of your diverticulitis before making a recommendation involving sexual intercourse.
What is the difference between IBS and diverticulitis symptoms?
Both GI conditions involve abdominal pain, but the pain associated with IBS is often described as a cramping sensation – and is typically relieved with elimination. The pain from diverticular disease, in contrast, is constant and usually focused in the left lower quadrant of the abdomen.
Can diverticulitis cause urinary problems?
Patients may experience urinary symptoms, like an increased urge to urinate or urinary urgency. They may also notice a change in bowel habits, including constipation or diarrhea.
Sources: MedicinePlus, National Institutes of Diabetes Digestive and Kidney Disease & National Library of Medicine.
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