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Difference between ulcerative colitis and diverticulitis: Ulcerative Colitis vs. Diverticulitis: How They Differ

by alexxlab

Ulcerative Colitis vs. Diverticulitis: How They Differ

Ulcerative colitis and diverticulitis are both conditions that affect your digestive system. Although they have some common symptoms, they are entirely different conditions, with unique causes and treatment plans.

Both ulcerative colitis and diverticulitis are digestive conditions that can cause uncomfortable symptoms like stomach pain, diarrhea, and blood in your stool. But there are key differences between the two.

Diverticulitis is a condition characterized by the development of small, bulging sacs in the colon (large intestine). On the other hand, ulcerative colitis is a chronic condition where the inner lining of the colon becomes inflamed and causes ulcers to develop.

Diverticulitis and ulcerative colitis require different treatment plans, which is why it’s important that you visit your healthcare professional if you have symptoms of either condition.

Let’s take a look at the differences and similarities between ulcerative colitis and diverticulitis, as well as how to get a diagnosis and treatment.

While both conditions affect your digestive system and have several overlapping symptoms, ulcerative colitis and diverticulitis are two distinct conditions with unique causes and symptoms. Here’s what to know about each condition.

Ulcerative colitis: Causes and symptoms

Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). People with ulcerative colitis develop inflammation and ulcers in their large intestine. It’s considered chronic, meaning that people who have the condition have it for life. Still, with the right treatment, many people are able to effectively manage their symptoms.

It’s not known exactly what causes ulcerative colitis. Medical experts believe the following factors may play a role:

  • Your genes: If your parents or grandparents had ulcerative colitis, you may have inherited certain genes that make you more prone to developing it too.
  • Unusual immune reactions: It’s thought that ulcerative colitis may be triggered by abnormal reactions in the immune system.
  • Microbiome differences: Certain bacteria, viruses, and fungi in your digestive tract (known as your microbiome) may play a role in triggering ulcerative colitis.
  • Environmental factors: Experts believe that your surroundings may play a role in causing ulcerative colitis, especially if you have other risk factors.

Ulcerative colitis symptoms can vary a lot from person to person. Some of the most common symptoms include:

  • diarrhea
  • stomach pain
  • blood in stool
  • decreased appetite
  • weight loss
  • fatigue
  • malnutrition, such as anemia
  • decreased growth (in children)

Diverticulitis: Causes and symptoms

Diverticulitis is a condition where small pouches or sacs develop in the lining of your colon (large intestine). These pouches in the wall of your colon can become infected or inflamed, causing a diverticulitis flare-up.

Although there’s no single cause of diverticulitis, it does become more common as you age. There are several other factors that can increase your risk of developing diverticulitis, such as:

  • a family history of diverticulitis
  • a diet that’s low in fiber
  • a diet that’s high in red meat
  • having obesity
  • a sedentary lifestyle
  • smoking
  • decreased immune function
  • certain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and steroids.

Symptoms of diverticulitis are mainly digestive in nature, and may be moderate to more severe. Typical symptoms of diverticulitis include:

  • stomach pain, usually on the left side
  • abdominal bloating
  • constipation
  • diarrhea
  • vomiting
  • nausea
  • fever
  • chills

Because both ulcerative colitis and diverticulitis have digestive symptoms — and many symptoms that overlap — it’s not possible to tell which condition you have from symptoms alone. That’s why it’s vital to talk with your doctor if you have symptoms of either condition.

The type of physician that diagnoses these conditions is called a gastroenterologist. Many people visit their primary care provider (PCP) first with digestive symptoms, and then get a referral to a gastroenterologist if their PCP thinks a full workup and diagnosis is necessary.

Many of the tests used to help diagnose ulcerative colitis and diverticulitis are the same. Testing may include:

  • blood tests to look for nutritional deficiencies and signs of infections
  • stool tests
  • a colonoscopy, to visualize the lining of the rectum and colon

If your doctor thinks you may have diverticulitis, you may also have imaging tests, such as an MRI, CT scan, or an ultrasound.

If ulcerative colitis is suspected, your doctor may also order a flexible sigmoidoscopy, which is used to view and analyze the lining of the rectum and lower colon. An ulcerative colitis diagnosis often also involves a biopsy of the large intestine.

Ulcerative colitis and diverticulitis have different treatment plans and treatment durations. Again, this is why it’s imperative to get a proper diagnosis so that your treatment plan is geared toward the correct condition.

Treatment for diverticulitis

Typically, treatment for diverticulitis has involved antibiotics to treat infections, along with dietary changes like increased fiber or fiber supplements. However, more recently, experts recommend preserving antibiotics for the most complicated cases of diverticulitis.

Sometimes medications are prescribed to decrease inflammation, and pain relievers are often used to reduce pain and discomfort as the infection clears.

Treatment for ulcerative colitis

Treatment for ulcerative colitis involves a combination of medication and dietary changes, and less commonly, surgery.

Most medications prescribed for ulcerative colitis aim to reduce inflammation in the colon. The type of medicine that’s prescribed will depend on the severity of the disease. Common medications include:

  • Aminosalicylates: Recommended for people with mild to moderate ulcerative colitis, this type of medication (also known as 5-ASA drugs), helps ease symptoms by decreasing inflammation in the colon.
  • Corticosteroids: Used for mild to moderate ulcerative colitis, corticosteroids help decrease your body’s overall immune system response, which reduces inflammation. This medication is usually prescribed for people who don’t get symptom relief from aminosalicylates.
  • Immunosuppressants: Prescribed for people with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis, immunosuppressants decrease your body’s response to its own immune system.
  • Biologics: Developed in a lab from a living organism, these drugs prevent specific proteins in your body from causing inflammation. Biologic drugs are usually used to treat moderate to severe ulcerative colitis.

Surgery is usually only recommended when patients don’t respond to other medical treatments.

Both ulcerative colitis and diverticulitis can be serious, especially if untreated. While most people recover after an acute episode of diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis requires lifelong treatment.

If left untreated, ulcerative colitis can be severe. Complications may lead to:

  • a perforated colon (hole in the wall of the large intestine)
  • fulminant colitis (swelling and distention of the colon)
  • toxic megacolon (abnormal and severe dilation of the colon)
  • severe dehydration

Treatment of ulcerative colitis is usually effective and long periods of remission are possible. However, having ulcerative colitis may increase your risk of colorectal cancer, especially if the condition is more severe, starts at a younger age, or involves a larger portion of your intestine.

Complications of diverticulitis can include:

  • an abscess in the intestine
  • phlegmon (a reaction where the body tries to contain an infection)
  • a fistula (an unnatural connection between one structure and another, for instance an opening between the bladder and colon)
  • a perforated colon
  • bowel obstruction (a blockage in the colon)
  • secondary bouts of diverticulitis

Although treatment of diverticulitis is usually effective, about 20% to 50% of people will have recurrent symptoms. Diverticulitis is rarely fatal, though some studies have found that the condition slightly increases your chance of colorectal cancer.

Yes, it’s possible to have both ulcerative colitis and diverticulitis at the same time. While there’s not a lot of research about this phenomenon, it’s considered a rare occurrence.

If you have any symptoms of diverticulitis or ulcerative colitis, it’s important to get a proper diagnosis to determine if you have one or the other condition, or both at the same time.

Ulcerative colitis and diverticulitis are both conditions that affect your digestive system. They have some symptoms in common, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and blood in the stool. However, they are entirely different conditions, with different diagnoses and treatment plans.

If you have symptoms of either condition, it’s important to see your doctor to determine whether you have either of these conditions. Without the right treatment, both ulcerative colitis and diverticulitis can get worse and lead to potentially serious complications.

Ulcerative Colitis vs. Diverticulitis: How They Differ

Ulcerative colitis and diverticulitis are both conditions that affect your digestive system. Although they have some common symptoms, they are entirely different conditions, with unique causes and treatment plans.

Both ulcerative colitis and diverticulitis are digestive conditions that can cause uncomfortable symptoms like stomach pain, diarrhea, and blood in your stool. But there are key differences between the two.

Diverticulitis is a condition characterized by the development of small, bulging sacs in the colon (large intestine). On the other hand, ulcerative colitis is a chronic condition where the inner lining of the colon becomes inflamed and causes ulcers to develop.

Diverticulitis and ulcerative colitis require different treatment plans, which is why it’s important that you visit your healthcare professional if you have symptoms of either condition.

Let’s take a look at the differences and similarities between ulcerative colitis and diverticulitis, as well as how to get a diagnosis and treatment.

While both conditions affect your digestive system and have several overlapping symptoms, ulcerative colitis and diverticulitis are two distinct conditions with unique causes and symptoms. Here’s what to know about each condition.

Ulcerative colitis: Causes and symptoms

Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). People with ulcerative colitis develop inflammation and ulcers in their large intestine. It’s considered chronic, meaning that people who have the condition have it for life. Still, with the right treatment, many people are able to effectively manage their symptoms.

It’s not known exactly what causes ulcerative colitis. Medical experts believe the following factors may play a role:

  • Your genes: If your parents or grandparents had ulcerative colitis, you may have inherited certain genes that make you more prone to developing it too.
  • Unusual immune reactions: It’s thought that ulcerative colitis may be triggered by abnormal reactions in the immune system.
  • Microbiome differences: Certain bacteria, viruses, and fungi in your digestive tract (known as your microbiome) may play a role in triggering ulcerative colitis.
  • Environmental factors: Experts believe that your surroundings may play a role in causing ulcerative colitis, especially if you have other risk factors.

Ulcerative colitis symptoms can vary a lot from person to person. Some of the most common symptoms include:

  • diarrhea
  • stomach pain
  • blood in stool
  • decreased appetite
  • weight loss
  • fatigue
  • malnutrition, such as anemia
  • decreased growth (in children)

Diverticulitis: Causes and symptoms

Diverticulitis is a condition where small pouches or sacs develop in the lining of your colon (large intestine). These pouches in the wall of your colon can become infected or inflamed, causing a diverticulitis flare-up.

Although there’s no single cause of diverticulitis, it does become more common as you age. There are several other factors that can increase your risk of developing diverticulitis, such as:

  • a family history of diverticulitis
  • a diet that’s low in fiber
  • a diet that’s high in red meat
  • having obesity
  • a sedentary lifestyle
  • smoking
  • decreased immune function
  • certain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and steroids.

Symptoms of diverticulitis are mainly digestive in nature, and may be moderate to more severe. Typical symptoms of diverticulitis include:

  • stomach pain, usually on the left side
  • abdominal bloating
  • constipation
  • diarrhea
  • vomiting
  • nausea
  • fever
  • chills

Because both ulcerative colitis and diverticulitis have digestive symptoms — and many symptoms that overlap — it’s not possible to tell which condition you have from symptoms alone. That’s why it’s vital to talk with your doctor if you have symptoms of either condition.

The type of physician that diagnoses these conditions is called a gastroenterologist. Many people visit their primary care provider (PCP) first with digestive symptoms, and then get a referral to a gastroenterologist if their PCP thinks a full workup and diagnosis is necessary.

Many of the tests used to help diagnose ulcerative colitis and diverticulitis are the same. Testing may include:

  • blood tests to look for nutritional deficiencies and signs of infections
  • stool tests
  • a colonoscopy, to visualize the lining of the rectum and colon

If your doctor thinks you may have diverticulitis, you may also have imaging tests, such as an MRI, CT scan, or an ultrasound.

If ulcerative colitis is suspected, your doctor may also order a flexible sigmoidoscopy, which is used to view and analyze the lining of the rectum and lower colon. An ulcerative colitis diagnosis often also involves a biopsy of the large intestine.

Ulcerative colitis and diverticulitis have different treatment plans and treatment durations. Again, this is why it’s imperative to get a proper diagnosis so that your treatment plan is geared toward the correct condition.

Treatment for diverticulitis

Typically, treatment for diverticulitis has involved antibiotics to treat infections, along with dietary changes like increased fiber or fiber supplements. However, more recently, experts recommend preserving antibiotics for the most complicated cases of diverticulitis.

Sometimes medications are prescribed to decrease inflammation, and pain relievers are often used to reduce pain and discomfort as the infection clears.

Treatment for ulcerative colitis

Treatment for ulcerative colitis involves a combination of medication and dietary changes, and less commonly, surgery.

Most medications prescribed for ulcerative colitis aim to reduce inflammation in the colon. The type of medicine that’s prescribed will depend on the severity of the disease. Common medications include:

  • Aminosalicylates: Recommended for people with mild to moderate ulcerative colitis, this type of medication (also known as 5-ASA drugs), helps ease symptoms by decreasing inflammation in the colon.
  • Corticosteroids: Used for mild to moderate ulcerative colitis, corticosteroids help decrease your body’s overall immune system response, which reduces inflammation. This medication is usually prescribed for people who don’t get symptom relief from aminosalicylates.
  • Immunosuppressants: Prescribed for people with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis, immunosuppressants decrease your body’s response to its own immune system.
  • Biologics: Developed in a lab from a living organism, these drugs prevent specific proteins in your body from causing inflammation. Biologic drugs are usually used to treat moderate to severe ulcerative colitis.

Surgery is usually only recommended when patients don’t respond to other medical treatments.

Both ulcerative colitis and diverticulitis can be serious, especially if untreated. While most people recover after an acute episode of diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis requires lifelong treatment.

If left untreated, ulcerative colitis can be severe. Complications may lead to:

  • a perforated colon (hole in the wall of the large intestine)
  • fulminant colitis (swelling and distention of the colon)
  • toxic megacolon (abnormal and severe dilation of the colon)
  • severe dehydration

Treatment of ulcerative colitis is usually effective and long periods of remission are possible. However, having ulcerative colitis may increase your risk of colorectal cancer, especially if the condition is more severe, starts at a younger age, or involves a larger portion of your intestine.

Complications of diverticulitis can include:

  • an abscess in the intestine
  • phlegmon (a reaction where the body tries to contain an infection)
  • a fistula (an unnatural connection between one structure and another, for instance an opening between the bladder and colon)
  • a perforated colon
  • bowel obstruction (a blockage in the colon)
  • secondary bouts of diverticulitis

Although treatment of diverticulitis is usually effective, about 20% to 50% of people will have recurrent symptoms. Diverticulitis is rarely fatal, though some studies have found that the condition slightly increases your chance of colorectal cancer.

Yes, it’s possible to have both ulcerative colitis and diverticulitis at the same time. While there’s not a lot of research about this phenomenon, it’s considered a rare occurrence.

If you have any symptoms of diverticulitis or ulcerative colitis, it’s important to get a proper diagnosis to determine if you have one or the other condition, or both at the same time.

Ulcerative colitis and diverticulitis are both conditions that affect your digestive system. They have some symptoms in common, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and blood in the stool. However, they are entirely different conditions, with different diagnoses and treatment plans.

If you have symptoms of either condition, it’s important to see your doctor to determine whether you have either of these conditions. Without the right treatment, both ulcerative colitis and diverticulitis can get worse and lead to potentially serious complications.

Diagnosis of ulcerative colitis – Health Clinic 365 Yekaterinburg

Your doctor will most likely be able to diagnose ulcerative colitis only after ruling out other diseases that cause similar symptoms, including Crohn’s disease, ischemic colitis, irritable bowel syndrome ( IBS), diverticulitis, and colon cancer. To confirm or refute the diagnosis of non-specific ulcerative colitis, you will have to undergo several tests:

Blood tests . Your doctor may suggest doing a complete blood count to look for anemia (a condition in which there are not enough red blood cells, the cells that carry oxygen to tissues) or to check for signs of infection. Test; looking for β-antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies can sometimes help determine what type of inflammatory bowel disease you have. But not all people with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis have elevated levels of these antibodies.

Ulcerative colitis may present with the following non-specific symptoms:

  • Thrombocytosis (increase in blood platelets >350*10 9 /l)
  • Increased ESR and CRP (C-reactive protein) >100 mg/l). An increase in both indicators indicates the activation of the inflammatory process.
  • Hypoalbuminemia (decrease in blood albumin less than <35 g/l)
  • Hypokalemia (decreased serum potassium <3.5 mEq/l)
  • Hypomagnesemia (decrease in serum magnesium <1.5 mg/dL)

    • Fecal analysis . The presence of white blood cells in the stool indicates the presence of inflammatory bowel disease, possibly ulcerative colitis. Calprotectin is a protein produced in leukocytes, its concentration in feces is directly proportional to the number of leukocytes in the intestine. Thus, determining the amount of calprotectin in feces is a study that allows diagnosing inflammatory bowel diseases. A stool test will also help rule out other causes of bowel problems, such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Your doctor may also order a stool culture to rule out bacteria in the gut that are often found in people with ulcerative colitis.

    Colonoscopy . Colonoscopy is a diagnostic study that allows the doctor to examine the colonic mucosa using a thin, flexible, illuminated tube with a built-in video camera. During the procedure, the doctor may also remove small pieces of tissue (biopsy) for examination under a microscope to help confirm the diagnosis.

    Sigmoidoscopy . During sigmoidoscopy, the doctor examines the sigmoid colon (the last section of the colon) using a special rectoscope device.

    Colon x-ray with contrast . This study is usually performed in cases where a colonoscopy is not possible. Before an x-ray examination, the patient is given an enema with a contrast agent containing barium. Sometimes, air is also introduced into the intestine. Barium settles on the walls of the intestines, creating a silhouette of the rectum and large intestine, its image can be seen on x-rays.

    Plain abdominal x-ray . If the patient has symptoms suggestive of toxic megacolon or bowel perforation, x-rays may be indicated.

    Computed tomography (CT) . In some cases, your doctor may order you to have a CT scan of your abdomen, a special x-ray that provides a more accurate image than regular x-rays.

    Ulcerative colitis – UC treatment and diagnosis in a coloproctology clinic

    UC occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the colon and rectum, resulting in inflammation and ulcers. The exact cause remains unknown, but genetics, environmental factors, and an overactive immune system are thought to contribute to the development of the disease. The disease affects both men and women, usually between the ages of 15 and 30, and if left untreated can lead to complications such as anemia, malnutrition and colon cancer.

    Symptoms of ulcerative colitis

    Symptoms vary from person to person and can range from mild to severe. Common features include:

    • abdominal pain,
    • diarrhea mixed with blood or pus,
    • urge to defecate,
    • fatigue,
    • weight loss,
    • fever.

    Depending on the frequency and intensity of symptoms, the severity of the disease is divided into mild, moderate and severe. It is very important to see a doctor if you suspect you have UC, as early diagnosis and treatment can help you manage the disease effectively.

    Methods of diagnosis

    Diagnosis begins with a thorough history and physical examination. The following tests may be done to confirm the diagnosis:

    • Blood tests: help detect anemia, inflammation, and other markers of UC.
    • Stool test: to check for infection or blood in the stool.
    • Imaging studies: x-ray, ultrasound, CT or MRI to visualize the colon and evaluate its condition.
    • Endoscopic procedures: Colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy with biopsy can help determine the extent of inflammation and rule out other conditions.

    Modern treatments

    The main goals in the treatment of UC are to reduce inflammation, relieve symptoms and prevent complications. Treatment approaches may vary depending on the severity of the disease and individual characteristics. When ulcerative colitis is first diagnosed, symptoms are usually mild, and doctors often choose conservative treatment. This approach can provide positive results over the long term, helping to prevent flare-ups and prolong remission.

    Conservative therapy

    Anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics. The physician will determine the most appropriate treatment based on the clinical presentation. Usually a combination of anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics is prescribed in the required doses.

    Corticosteroids. In advanced or difficult cases, treatment may be supplemented with corticosteroids, such as prednisone. These drugs should be prescribed in courses, since continuous use is undesirable.

    Food. A sparing diet, excluding too spicy, salty and acidic foods, with regular meals is also crucial for treatment.

    Immunomodulatory drugs

    If long-term therapy with anti-inflammatory drugs such as aminosalicylates does not work well, the gastroenterologist may prescribe immunomodulatory drugs such as 6-mercaptopurine and azathioprine as part of the treatment plan.

    Long-term conservative therapy and exacerbations

    Medical therapy for UC can be carried out for many years. During periods of exacerbation and deterioration of the condition, the dose of drugs may be increased. In especially severe cases, intravenous administration of hormonal drugs may be prescribed to achieve a quick effect.

    Additional symptomatic treatment and hospitalization

    Sometimes additional symptomatic treatment may be required. Exacerbations of UC during pregnancy or treatment of ulcerative colitis in children may require hospitalization to ensure better monitoring, proper nutrition, and timely medication.

    Surgery

    Surgery may be required for patients with severe disease or complications. There are two main types of surgery:

    • Proctocolectomy with ileostomy: This operation involves the removal of the entire colon and rectum and the creation of an ileostomy (opening in the abdomen) to remove waste.
    • Proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA): This operation also removes the colon and rectum, but creates an internal bag to collect waste, which is then expelled through the anus.

    Surgical risks include infection, bleeding, and anesthesia-related complications. Postoperative care includes monitoring for complications, adapting to lifestyle changes, and maintaining a healthy diet.
    Recovery and long-term care

    Living with ulcerative colitis requires adapting to the physical and emotional challenges associated with the disease. Regular monitoring of disease progression and complications is critical. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, moderate exercise, and managing stress, can improve long-term outcomes. Support from friends, family, and healthcare professionals plays a vital role in recovery.

    We help manage the physical and emotional impacts of ulcerative colitis by supporting open communication between patients and their health care team to resolve problems and find effective coping strategies.

    Monitoring disease progression and complications is important: regular check-ups and communication with healthcare professionals are essential for the treatment of ulcerative colitis. Patients should be vigilant and report any change in symptoms or new health problems.

    For long-term wellness, we recommend rethinking your lifestyle: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, along with regular exercise, can help reduce inflammation and improve overall health. Avoiding triggers such as alcohol, caffeine, and high-fat foods can also help manage symptoms. Quitting smoking is essential for overall health and can reduce the risk of complications.

    Important

    Our clinic in Moscow offers modern treatment for ulcerative colitis in accordance with the latest international standards. We prioritize operations that preserve the natural function of defecation and strive to minimize the use of hormonal and anti-inflammatory therapy. Our team has achieved exceptional results in total coloproctomy with the formation of a reservoir of the small intestine and its anastomosis with the anus.

    We are proud to be the first department in Russia with significant experience in performing various types of operations, both open and laparoscopic. After these interventions, our patients’ quality of life improves significantly.

    If you are considering an operation consultation at our clinic, you can make an initial appointment with the doctor by telephone. In addition, you can use the appointment form below or the online appointment function in the header of the site.