What is diverticulitis?

Diverticulitis is a condition that occurs when small, bulging pouches called diverticula in the digestive tract become infected or inflamed. It is often associated with diverticulosis, which is the presence of these pouches in the colon.

What are the symptoms of diverticulitis?

The symptoms of diverticulitis can vary but may include abdominal pain, especially in the lower left side, fever, nausea, vomiting, changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation, bloating, and a feeling of fullness. In some cases, complications like abscesses or fistulas may occur.

What causes diverticulitis?

The exact cause of diverticulitis is unclear, but it is believed to be related to a combination of factors, including the formation of diverticula, bacterial overgrowth in the pouches, and inflammation. A low-fiber diet, obesity, smoking, and lack of exercise are also considered risk factors.

How is diverticulitis diagnosed?

Diagnosis of diverticulitis typically involves a combination of medical history assessment, physical examination, and diagnostic tests, such as imaging studies like a CT scan or ultrasound, blood tests to check for signs of infection, and sometimes a colonoscopy to evaluate the condition of the colon.

What is the treatment for diverticulitis?

Treatment for diverticulitis may include a combination of measures such as dietary changes, antibiotics to treat infection, pain medications, and in some cases, hospitalization for more severe cases. Surgery may be necessary in certain situations, such as complications or recurrent episodes.

Can diverticulitis be prevented?

While it may not be possible to prevent diverticulitis entirely, adopting a high-fiber diet, drinking plenty of fluids, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking can help reduce the risk of developing diverticula and experiencing diverticulitis symptoms. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

Understanding Diverticulitis – Is There A Treatment?

by Rick Kaselj · Published January 4, 2021 · Updated September 20, 2024

Last updated on September 20th, 2024 at 07:18 pm

When it comes to your digestion, things can get a little hairy. And we're not talking about that super weird thing your cat does when it thinks you're not looking. Diverticulitis is a type of inflammation affecting the large intestine's wall (also known as the colon). It can strike at any age and is more common among men than women. While it isn't hazardous in most cases, diverticulitis can cause some troubling symptoms if left untreated. So let's start exploring how to recognize diverticulitis, its causes, and its treatment. This post will teach you everything you need to know about Diverticulitis Symptoms.

The digestive system comprises the gastrointestinal tract and your liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and gastrointestinal or GI tract. The GI tract is a series of hollow organs connected from your mouth to your anus. Moreover, the organs that make up your GI tract, in the order they are connected, include your mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and anus.

You may have bags anywhere in your digestive system except in your large intestine or colon. Moreover, the inner layer of your intestine can sometimes push through weak spots in the outer lining. Also, this pressure makes them bulge out, creating little pouches called diverticula. Diverticulitis is the infection or inflammation of these pouches.

Symptoms of diverticulosis can often be challenging to recognize, as the most common symptoms (abdominal pain and diarrhea) are shared with other gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), celiac disease, Crohn's Disease, and appendicitis.

Signs And Symptoms Of Diverticulitis

Pain in the lower-left side of the abdomen that lasts for several days is typical. People of Asian descent tend to experience more pain on the right side of their stomachs.
Nausea and vomiting
Fever
Abdominal pain and tenderness
Constipation or diarrhea
Urinary urgency, dysuria

To diagnose, your doctor will start with a physical exam. Women may also get a pelvic exam. Because there are so many causes of abdominal pain, your doctor will have to spend some time ruling out other potential problems.

Your Doctor May Order One Or More Additional Tests, Including:

- Blood, urine, and stool tests to look for infection
- CT scans to look for inflamed or infected diverticula
- A liver enzyme test to rule out liver problems
- Digital rectal exam
- Barium Enema

A radiographic (X-ray) examination of the lower GI tract. A barium enema is an X-ray exam that detects changes or abnormalities in the large intestine (colon). During a barium enema exam, an X-ray machine takes pictures of the colon while an enema tube is inserted in the rectum to deliver liquid barium. The procedure is also called a colon X-ray.

- Sigmoidoscopy

Sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic test used to check the sigmoid colon, the lower part of your colon.

- Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy an exam used to detect changes or abnormalities in the colon and rectum

- Angiography

Angiography is an imaging test that uses X-rays to view your body's blood vessels.

If you suffer from diverticulitis, your doctor may recommend a liquid diet to give the intestines time to heal. They might also prescribe antibiotics and pain relievers for temporary relief. However, there are patients requiring more extensive treatment who may have to stay in the hospital for intravenous antibiotics.

Diverticulitis Nutrition

Liquid Diets Typically Include:

- Broth
- Fruit juices without pulp
- Ice chips, ice pops
- Gelatin
- Water, tea, and coffee

After A Specific Healing Time, You Can Often Move To A Low Fiber Diet:

- Canned or cooked fruits and vegetables
- Eggs, fish, poultry
- Refined white bread
- Fruit and vegetable juice with no pulp
- Low fiber cereals
- Milk, yogurt, cheese

It is better to prevent your condition than cure it, and your diet may contribute to it.

To Help Avoid Flare-Ups, You Should Limit The Following:

- Barley and rye, coconut flour
- Almonds
- Red meat
- Processed and high-fat foods

Diverticulitis And Exercise

Regular physical activity indeed helps to stimulate normal bowel contractions, promotes regularity, and reduces pressure in the colon. So, aim for 30 minutes of moderate physical activity each day. Examples of moderate physical activities include:

Brisk walking
Cleaning
Light cycling
Recreational sports

Exercise has no causal effect on patients with diverticulitis.

Because there is no cure for this illness, treatment requires patience and diligence. So, if you are experiencing frequent abdominal pain or any signs we listed above, you must consult your doctor to get to the root of your condition and build a treatment plan. Furthermore, a healthy lifestyle, proper diet, and regular exercise can help you manage your condition and minimize symptoms.

Conclusion

Diverticulitis is a common but serious condition affecting the large intestine wall. Therefore, you'll need to change your lifestyle to avoid getting infections if you get diagnosed with diverticulitis. From the information we discussed above, you can see that diverticulitis is a condition you can certainly be prevented by making a few changes to your diet and lifestyle. If you have been experiencing diverticulitis symptoms, make sure to see a doctor as soon as possible! You can also use natural supplements to help treat your diverticulitis and reduce your risk of getting it again in the future.

Digestive problems can be miserable! Learn how to heal your gut safely and naturally here.

Rick Kaselj

Rick Kaselj MS, is a leading kinesiologist and injury specialist as well as co-creator of the best-selling Unlock Your Hip Flexors program. Rick creates exercise programs that help people heal injuries and eliminate pain, so they can go back to living a full, active, healthy life.