How do ulcerative colitis and diverticulitis differ. What are the main symptoms of each condition. How are these digestive disorders diagnosed and treated. What lifestyle changes can help manage ulcerative colitis and diverticulitis.

Understanding Ulcerative Colitis and Diverticulitis: An Overview

Ulcerative colitis and diverticulitis are two distinct digestive conditions that can cause significant discomfort and health issues. While they share some common symptoms, these disorders have different underlying causes, affect different parts of the digestive system, and require unique approaches to treatment and management.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the key differences between ulcerative colitis and diverticulitis, delve into their respective causes and symptoms, and discuss the various diagnostic methods and treatment options available for each condition.

Ulcerative Colitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Risk Factors

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that primarily affects the large intestine (colon) and rectum. It is characterized by inflammation and ulcers in the inner lining of these organs, leading to a range of uncomfortable and potentially severe symptoms.

What causes ulcerative colitis?

The exact cause of ulcerative colitis remains unknown, but researchers believe that several factors may contribute to its development:

• Genetic predisposition
• Abnormal immune system responses
• Alterations in the gut microbiome
• Environmental triggers

These factors may interact in complex ways, leading to the onset of ulcerative colitis in susceptible individuals.

Common symptoms of ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis can manifest with a variety of symptoms, which may vary in severity from person to person. The most common symptoms include:

• Persistent diarrhea, often with blood or mucus
• Abdominal pain and cramping
• Rectal pain and bleeding
• Urgency to defecate
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Reduced appetite

In some cases, ulcerative colitis can also lead to complications outside the digestive system, such as joint pain, skin problems, and eye inflammation.

Risk factors for ulcerative colitis

While anyone can develop ulcerative colitis, certain factors may increase the risk:

• Age: Most cases are diagnosed before the age of 30
• Family history: Having a close relative with the condition increases risk
• Ethnicity: White people and those of Ashkenazi Jewish descent have a higher risk
• Geographical location: The condition is more common in developed countries

Diverticulitis: Understanding the Condition and Its Symptoms

Diverticulitis is a condition that occurs when small, bulging pouches (diverticula) that form in the lining of the digestive system become inflamed or infected. These pouches most commonly develop in the colon, particularly in the lower part known as the sigmoid colon.

What causes diverticulitis?

The exact cause of diverticulitis is not fully understood, but several factors are believed to contribute to its development:

• Low-fiber diet
• Aging
• Obesity
• Lack of physical activity
• Smoking
• Certain medications (e.g., NSAIDs and steroids)

When diverticula become inflamed or infected, it leads to diverticulitis, which can cause acute symptoms and complications.

Recognizing the symptoms of diverticulitis

The symptoms of diverticulitis can range from mild to severe and may include:

• Persistent abdominal pain, typically on the lower left side
• Fever and chills
• Nausea and vomiting
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Bloating and gas
• Changes in bowel habits
• Rectal bleeding (in some cases)

Is diverticulitis a chronic condition? Unlike ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis is not inherently chronic. However, some individuals may experience recurrent episodes, which can lead to complications if left untreated.

Diagnosing Ulcerative Colitis and Diverticulitis: Key Differences

Given the overlap in symptoms between ulcerative colitis and diverticulitis, accurate diagnosis is crucial for proper treatment. Healthcare providers use a combination of methods to differentiate between these conditions.

Diagnostic approaches for ulcerative colitis

Diagnosing ulcerative colitis typically involves:

1. Medical history and physical examination
2. Blood tests to check for anemia, inflammation markers, and nutritional deficiencies
3. Stool tests to rule out infections and check for inflammation
4. Colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy to visualize the colon and rectum
5. Biopsy of colon tissue for microscopic examination
6. Imaging tests such as CT scans or MRI to assess the extent of inflammation

Diagnostic methods for diverticulitis

The diagnosis of diverticulitis often includes:

1. Physical examination and medical history
2. Blood tests to check for signs of infection and inflammation
3. CT scan, which is the gold standard for diagnosing diverticulitis
4. Ultrasound, particularly useful in pregnant patients
5. Colonoscopy, usually performed after the acute episode has resolved

How do doctors differentiate between ulcerative colitis and diverticulitis? The key lies in the pattern of inflammation and the presence of diverticula. Ulcerative colitis shows continuous inflammation starting from the rectum, while diverticulitis presents with localized inflammation around diverticula, typically in the sigmoid colon.

Treatment Approaches: Managing Ulcerative Colitis and Diverticulitis

The treatment strategies for ulcerative colitis and diverticulitis differ significantly due to the distinct nature of these conditions.

Treating ulcerative colitis

The primary goals of ulcerative colitis treatment are to reduce inflammation, alleviate symptoms, and maintain remission. Treatment options include:

• Medications:
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., 5-aminosalicylates, corticosteroids)
  • Immunosuppressants
  • Biologics
  • Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors
• Dietary modifications
• Stress management techniques
• Surgery (in severe cases or when medications are ineffective)

Managing diverticulitis

Treatment for diverticulitis depends on the severity of the condition:

• Mild cases:
  • Oral antibiotics
  • Temporary liquid diet
  • Pain relief medications
• Severe cases:
  • Hospitalization
  • Intravenous antibiotics
  • Bowel rest (nothing by mouth)
  • Surgery (in cases of complications or recurrent episodes)

Can lifestyle changes help manage both conditions? Yes, certain lifestyle modifications can be beneficial for both ulcerative colitis and diverticulitis, including maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, stress management, and avoiding tobacco use.

Long-term Outlook and Complications: Ulcerative Colitis vs Diverticulitis

Understanding the potential long-term effects and complications of ulcerative colitis and diverticulitis is crucial for patients and healthcare providers alike.

Ulcerative colitis: Long-term considerations

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management. Potential long-term issues include:

• Increased risk of colorectal cancer
• Osteoporosis due to long-term steroid use
• Primary sclerosing cholangitis (liver disease)
• Extraintestinal manifestations (e.g., joint problems, skin conditions)
• Psychological impacts (e.g., depression, anxiety)

Regular check-ups and colonoscopies are essential for monitoring disease progression and screening for complications.

Diverticulitis: Long-term outlook

While diverticulitis is not inherently chronic, it can have long-term implications:

• Recurrent episodes in some individuals
• Potential complications such as abscesses, fistulas, or bowel obstruction
• Need for surgery in severe or recurrent cases
• Ongoing dietary modifications to prevent future episodes

What is the recurrence rate for diverticulitis? Studies suggest that about 20% of people who have had one episode of diverticulitis will experience a recurrence.

Preventive Measures and Lifestyle Modifications

While ulcerative colitis and diverticulitis have different causes, certain lifestyle changes can help manage both conditions and potentially reduce the risk of flare-ups or complications.

Dietary considerations

For both conditions, dietary modifications can play a crucial role:

• Ulcerative colitis:
  • Identify and avoid trigger foods
  • Eat smaller, more frequent meals
  • Stay hydrated
  • Consider probiotics (under medical guidance)
• Diverticulitis:
  • Increase fiber intake gradually
  • Stay well-hydrated
  • Limit red meat consumption
  • Avoid foods that may get trapped in diverticula (e.g., seeds, nuts) during flare-ups

Exercise and stress management

Regular physical activity and stress reduction techniques can benefit both conditions:

• Engage in moderate exercise regularly
• Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga
• Ensure adequate sleep
• Seek psychological support if needed

How does stress affect digestive health? Stress can exacerbate symptoms in both ulcerative colitis and diverticulitis, making stress management an essential component of overall treatment.

Recent Advances in Research and Treatment

The field of gastroenterology is continually evolving, with new research shedding light on the mechanisms behind ulcerative colitis and diverticulitis and paving the way for innovative treatments.

Ulcerative colitis research developments

Recent advances in ulcerative colitis research include:

• New biologic therapies targeting specific inflammatory pathways
• Gut microbiome research and potential microbiome-based treatments
• Gene therapy approaches
• Improved diagnostic techniques using artificial intelligence

Diverticulitis research progress

For diverticulitis, recent research has focused on:

• Understanding the role of the gut microbiome in diverticular disease
• Developing new antibiotics and treatment protocols
• Investigating the potential of mesenchymal stem cell therapy
• Improving minimally invasive surgical techniques

What promising new treatments are on the horizon for these conditions? While research is ongoing, potential future treatments include personalized medicine approaches based on genetic profiles, novel biologics, and microbiome-based therapies for both ulcerative colitis and diverticulitis.

In conclusion, while ulcerative colitis and diverticulitis share some similar symptoms, they are distinct conditions with different causes, diagnostic approaches, and treatment strategies. Understanding these differences is crucial for proper management and improved quality of life for those affected by these digestive disorders. As research continues to advance, we can look forward to more targeted and effective treatments for both conditions in the future.

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.

Diverticulitis vs. ulcerative colitis: A comparison

Diverticulitis refers to inflammation of the diverticula, which are small pouches that form in the colon lining. Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) where people develop inflammation and ulcers in the lining of the large intestine.

In this article, we compare symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, complications, and outlook of both conditions.

A note about sex and gender

Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.

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Small pouches called diverticula can form in the colon lining and push out through weak spots in the outer wall of the colon. If a person has diverticula in their colon, they have what health experts refer to as diverticulosis.

Diverticulitis is a condition where the diverticula become inflamed. Around 10–25% of individuals with diverticulosis may have diverticulitis.

People may also use the term “diverticular disease” for diverticulitis or diverticular bleeding or if diverticula cause chronic symptoms.

UC is an IBD where an overreactive immune system causes inflammation and ulcers to develop in the lining of the large intestine.

UC is a chronic condition, and people may go through periods of remission, when they experience no symptoms of UC.

In the table below, we compare the two conditions:

	Diverticulitis	UC
Definition	Diverticulitis is a condition where small pouches form in the intestinal lining and become inflamed.	UC is a type of IBD where an overactive immune response causes inflammation and ulcers in the intestinal lining.
Symptoms	Symptoms can include: • abdominal pain on one side • constipation • diarrhea • nausea • vomiting • fever • chills • rectal bleeding	Symptoms can include: • diarrhea • an urgent need for bowel movements • blood or mucus in stool • abdominal pain and cramping
Causes	There is no known cause, but the following may play a part: • genetics • diet low in fiber and high in red meat • immune system problems • changes in the microbiome • bacteria trapped in the diverticula	There is no known cause, but the following may play a role: • genetics • unusual immune system reactions • microbiomes in the digestive tract • environmental factors
Triggers	Low fiber consumption and high red meat intake may increase the risk of diverticulitis and complications.	Certain foods, such as spicy foods, lactose, and sugary foods, may trigger UC flares.
Treatment	Treatment options include: • antibiotics • a temporary clear liquid diet • pain relief medication • surgery to remove part of the colon, in some cases	Treatment can include medications to reduce inflammation, and, in some cases, surgery to remove the colon and rectum.
Cancer risk	There may be a slightly increased risk of colorectal cancer, with older adults and those with complicated diverticulitis being at higher risk.	There is an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer.
Complications	Complications can include: • pelvic abscess • intestinal perforation • fistulas • peritonitis • bowel obstruction • sepsis • rectal bleeding	Complications can include: • rectal bleeding • iron deficiency anemia • expansion or tears in the colon • blood clots • primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) • toxic megacolon • intestinal perforation
Outlook	The outlook depends on a person’s age and overall health and the severity of diverticulitis. Treatment may result in none to mild symptoms in two-thirds of people.	UC requires long-term management. Treatment can help people maintain remission and live a relatively normal life.

In the sections below, we outline the symptoms of diverticulitis and UC.

Diverticulitis

Symptoms of diverticulitis may include:

• abdominal pain
• constipation or diarrhea
• fever
• chills
• nausea or vomiting
• increased urgency, frequency, or discomfort when urinating, if an inflamed part of the colon comes into contact with the wall of the bladder
• rectal bleeding

People with diverticulitis usually experience severe and sudden abdominal pain, but they may also have mild pain that worsens over several days. The pain may be constant or come and go. Also, over time, the pain intensity may vary.

UC

Symptoms of UC can be mild to severe and can include:

• persistent diarrhea
• rectal bleeding or blood in stool
• cramping or abdominal pain
• mucus or pus in stool
• an urgent need to have a bowel movement
• a persistent urge to have a bowel movement, even if bowels are empty

UC symptoms can come on suddenly or start gradually and then worsen over time.

Most people with UC have flares, which is when symptoms are present, and periods of remission, which is when no symptoms occur. Remission may last for weeks or years.

Healthcare professionals do not know the exact cause of either condition. However, they are aware of factors that can increase the likelihood of developing diverticulitis or UC.

Diverticulitis

There is no known cause of diverticulitis. Certain factors, however, may increase the risk of diverticular disease or cause its development. These include:

• genetics
• stool or bacteria becoming trapped in a pouch in the colon
• a change to the microbiome in the intestines
• issues with muscles, nerves, or connective tissue in the colon
• issues with the immune system

Lifestyle factors may also play a role, including:

• following a low fiber diet
• eating a diet high in red meat
• not engaging in physical activity
• taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and steroids
• having obesity
• smoking

Diverticulitis affects both males and females. It is more common in males under the age of 50 years and in females aged 50–70 years. In people over 70 years, diverticulitis is more common in females.

UC

Health experts do not know the exact cause of UC. They think, however, that the following may play a role:

• Genetics: UC can run in families, so having certain genes may increase the risk of developing UC.
• Overactive immune system: The immune system creates temporary inflammation to help protect and heal the body from infection or illness. With UC, inflammation continues for longer than necessary, leading to chronic inflammation and ulcers in the intestinal lining.
• Microbiome: There may be differences between the microbiomes in the digestive tract of people with IBD and individuals without IBD.
• Environment: External factors and surroundings may affect a person’s genes, immune system, and microbiome, potentially playing a role in IBD.

People with UC or diverticulitis need to be careful about their dietary choices.

Diverticulitis

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), a diet low in fiber and high in red meat may increase the risk of diverticulitis.

Consuming more fiber and reducing red meat intake may lower the risk of diverticulitis and complications.

There is no evidence to suggest a link between eating nuts, seeds, or popcorn and an increased risk of diverticulitis or diverticular bleeding.

Learn more about the best foods for diverticulitis here.

UC

People may find that certain foods can trigger or worsen symptoms of UC.

Although different for each person, the following foods may trigger symptoms in some individuals:

• insoluble fiber, such as raw cruciferous vegetables, whole nuts, and whole grains
• lactose
• sugary foods
• high fat, fried, or greasy foods
• alcohol and caffeine
• spicy foods

Learn more about foods to eat and avoid with UC here.

Healthcare professionals may recommend the following treatment options:

Diverticulitis

Treatment for diverticulitis may include:

• antibiotics
• a temporary clear liquid diet, to allow the colon to rest
• pain relief medication, such as acetaminophen

In severe cases, people may require surgery to remove a section of the colon.

UC

Treatment for UC may include long-term use of medications to control inflammation, such as:

• immunosuppressants
• biologics
• corticosteroids
• aminosalicylates

A person may require surgery to remove the colon and rectum if their symptoms do not improve or if they have colorectal cancer or any serious complications.

Surgeons may also perform an ileostomy. They will attach the end of the ileum, which is a part of the small intestine, to an opening in the abdomen called a stoma. This allows the body to store and remove stools in an alternative way.

To diagnose each of the two conditions, doctors may carry out a physical examination and order the following:

• blood tests
• stool tests
• imaging tests, such as a CT scan, an MRI scan, and an ultrasound
• colonoscopy

A healthcare professional may order a colonoscopy to help diagnose diverticulitis and an endoscopy to diagnose UC.

Diverticulitis and UC can cause the following complications:

Diverticulitis

Complications of diverticulitis may include:

• a pelvic abscess, when an infection causes a pus-filled pocket in the pelvic area
• an intestinal perforation, which is a hole in the wall of the intestine
• a fistula, which is an abnormal opening that allows contents to leak out
• peritonitis, an infection in the lining of the abdomen
• a blockage in the intestines
• sepsis
• rectal bleeding

According to a 2020 meta-analysis, there is a small risk of colorectal cancer with diverticulitis. Older adults and those with complicated diverticulitis have a higher risk of developing this type of cancer.

UC

Complications of UC may include:

• rectal bleeding
• iron deficiency anemia
• expansion or tears in the colon
• blood clots
• PSC

Moreover, toxic megacolon and perforation are potential complications that may warrant emergency surgery and colectomy.

In long-term cases of UC, there is an increased risk of precancerous changes and colorectal cancer. PSC can also increase the risk of bile duct cancer.

People can take the following steps to help prevent UC and diverticulitis from developing:

Diverticulitis

Factors that may help lower the risk of developing diverticulitis include:

• eating a diet high in fiber and low in red meat
• engaging in regular physical activity
• avoiding smoking
• reaching or maintaining a moderate body weight

If people have diverticulitis without any complications, a doctor may suggest surgery to remove part of the colon to prevent diverticulitis from reoccurring.

UC

Preventive measures for UC include:

• avoiding smoking
• getting regular exercise
• eating a balanced diet
• avoiding trigger foods

The outlook for each condition can depend on a variety of factors.

Diverticulitis

The outlook for people with diverticulitis can depend on a range of factors, including:

• severity of the condition
• a person’s age and overall health
• any coexisting conditions

Most people with uncomplicated diverticulitis will have a positive response to treatment. Around 15% of people may require surgery to treat diverticulitis. After successful treatment, one-third of people will not have any symptoms, one-third will experience mild symptoms, and one-third will have recurrent diverticulitis.

UC

UC is a chronic condition that a person will need to manage throughout their life.

Managing flare-ups and uncomfortable symptoms can be difficult for some individuals, but effective treatment can help people lead a relatively normal life.

By managing their condition, some individuals with UC may experience remission for weeks or even years.

Diverticulitis is a condition where small pouches form in the intestinal lining and become inflamed. UC is a type of IBD in which an overactive immune response causes inflammation and ulcers in the large intestine.

Medication and lifestyle factors can help manage both conditions, which in turn may help a person relieve symptoms or maintain remission.

In severe cases, people may require surgery to remove part of the colon or rectum.

Diverticulosis – a disease of civilization

“I have intestinal diverticulosis. Recently I had an operation – they removed the rectum. Let your doctors tell you about this disease – what is diverticulosis, what causes it and why is it dangerous? All the time I think: was it possible to do without surgical intervention in my case?

Address: Ilyina Maria Evdokimovna, 664006 Irkutsk region, Zapadny township, s. Khomutovo, st. Deputatskaya, 11.

Hernial sacs

Let’s try to imagine the large intestine. It looks like a tube, or rather, a hose for irrigation – long, flexible and has a fairly thick wall, consisting of several layers. The inner layer is the mucous and submucosal membranes; the middle and strongest layer is the muscular membrane; outer – serous membrane. It’s like the layered structure of a soccer ball – tough and hard leather on the outside and a soft but supple rubber bladder on the inside.

Now imagine that a hole, a hole, is formed in the outer hard shell of this ball. What will happen then? The high pressure inside the ball will push part of the soft and elastic inner rubber chamber outward: a pocket protruding outward is formed. This can be compared with a hernia on the abdomen – the contents stick out through a defect in the muscles. Approximately the same thing happens with the colon with diverticulosis. If the pressure inside the intestinal lumen is large, and there are holes in the muscle layer, then the inner lining of the intestine tends outward through these holes, forming protrusions in the form of sacs. They are called diverticula. A condition where there are many diverticula in the colon is called diverticulosis. If diverticula begin to become inflamed or other complications appear, then diverticulosis turns into a more serious form of the disease – diverticulitis.

Diverticulosis is often discovered incidentally. For example, when a person has a diagnostic colonoscopy, a bowel x-ray, or a CT scan of the abdomen for some other reason.

Our ancestors did not know such a disease

Everyone has holes in the muscular layer of the intestine – both in children and adults. These are numerous places through which small branches of vessels pass. They carry blood to the inner layer of the intestinal wall. However, diverticula sacs do not form in all people. What causes them to appear?

First of all, this is facilitated by high pressure inside the intestinal lumen. The colon works best when soft, loose contents pass through. If the stool is hard, then the intestine is desperately trying to push it to the exit. At the same time, it is strongly compressed, and the pressure inside it increases significantly: favorable conditions are created for the formation of diverticula.

The second reason is the weak muscular wall of the intestine. When the holes in the muscle layer expand, even a slight increase in pressure inside the intestine is enough to form diverticula.

Initially, diverticulosis and diverticulitis were detected mainly in elderly people over 60-70 years old, in whom, due to the general aging of the body, the wall of the large intestine also weakens. Now, these conditions are often found in fairly young men and women who eat refined foods and have very little physical activity. Deficiency of vegetables and fruits, lack of liquid and excess of starchy foods and sweets – the so-called “Western” type of diet – often leads to constipation, which, in turn, can provoke the early development of diverticulosis.

The disease rapidly became younger, because our ancestors did not know what diverticulosis was at all. The indigenous peoples of Africa, Australia and Oceania, who eat mainly plant foods, do not know about this disease. Diverticulosis and diverticulitis became a common disease in Western countries in the middle of the 20th century precisely because of the increased availability of refined foods, foods high in sugar, a decrease in the amount of dietary fiber (bran, fruits, vegetables) in the diet of people.

Be on the lookout

A person may not even guess about the formation of diverticula for a long time. The very name of the condition “diverticulosis” suggests that diverticula do not manifest themselves in any way. Until small particles of intestinal contents get into these sacs and can not come out back. In such a situation, an inflammatory process can begin inside the diverticulum or several diverticula, and this condition is already called “diverticulitis”. A person with inflamed diverticula feels pain in the abdomen, which may be aching or even shooting. Most often it hurts in the left side of the abdomen. The pain may subside after taking antispasmodics, which relax the intestinal wall and help empty the diverticula. If the inflammation is serious, then a person’s body temperature may rise, general malaise may occur, and abdominal pain intensifies.

If a person knows that he has diverticula of the large intestine, then in case of pain in the abdomen, an increase in body temperature, you should consult a doctor, preferably immediately a surgeon or a coloproctologist. The doctor will diagnose, prescribe special research methods with which it will be possible to determine if there is inflammation of the diverticula (diverticulitis), if there is, how serious it is and how best to treat it. Inflammation of diverticula is a very dangerous condition. The wall of the diverticulum is very thin, and if pus accumulates inside it, then, breaking through the intestinal wall, it will go straight into the abdominal cavity. And this is already peritonitis – a life-threatening condition, and if a person is not urgently helped, everything can end in death.

Often, inflammation of diverticula leads to the formation of inflammatory thickening of the intestinal wall (infiltrates) or the formation of purulent cavities that can turn into fistulas (channels), connecting the intestinal lumen with other internal organs, such as the bladder. And although diverticula themselves do not have the ability to malignant degeneration, but a chronic inflammatory process in the intestinal wall can contribute to the appearance of cancer cells in the area of ​​inflammation and, as a result, the formation of a colon tumor.

Is surgery necessary?

In most cases, diverticulitis is treated on an outpatient basis. A special diet is prescribed that normalizes the stool, as well as antispasmodics (duspatalin), dietary fiber (mucofalk or phytomucil), probiotics – drugs that combine different types of beneficial bacteria (bifidumbacterin, bifiform, linex). Sometimes antibiotics are prescribed.

But if the patient’s condition is severe – the temperature rises, there is a large diverticular infiltrate (compaction) or there is a suspicion of diverticulum rupture, the patient is hospitalized and treated in the clinic under the supervision of a doctor. Treatment begins with intravenous administration of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory drugs. If the inflammation does not subside or complications arise, then they resort to surgical treatment – the removal of the diseased part of the colon. These operations can be performed openly, i.e. through a large incision in the abdomen, or laparoscopically through small punctures using long instruments under the control of a video camera.

If the diverticulitis is advanced – a large infiltrate or abscess has formed in the abdominal cavity, an emergency operation may be required to save the person’s life. Often, during such operations, after removing part of the intestine, its ends are not sutured, since it is likely that holes will form in these sutures due to inflammation and the intestinal contents will again enter the abdominal cavity. Then the end of the intestine is removed in the left half of the abdominal wall in the form of a colostomy – an opening for the removal of feces. In this case, the feces are collected in a special bag, which is glued at the place where the intestine comes out. With a favorable postoperative course, a second operation can be performed after a few months in order to stitch the colon, restoring the normal course of the intestine and emptying through the anal canal.

For some people who have diverticula without inflammation, a coloproctologist may suggest prophylactic surgery. If a person has suffered several attacks of diverticulitis, but they have passed against the background of conservative treatment, then in order not to wait for the development of more serious complications, it is possible to remove the diseased part of the intestine as a preventive measure. Such operations are much easier to tolerate than those that are performed for urgent indications in conditions of serious inflammation. In addition to removing the part of the intestine with existing diverticula, during preventive operations, the coloproctologist also removes the narrowest part of the intestine, thus preventing an increase in pressure inside the intestine in the future. This is an additional measure to prevent the development of diverticula. Of course, any operation in itself carries certain risks, but for some patients it can be a good alternative to possible serious complications.

symptoms, diagnosis, treatment of diverticulitis – Department of the State Hospital NCC No. 2 (CCH RAS)

Diverticula are areas of the intestine in which protrusion of tissues is observed. When inflammation of these areas occurs, intestinal diverticulitis begins. Inflammation is provoked by fecal masses that enter the diverticula and accumulate in them, irritating the walls and leading to the development of infection. Long-term malnutrition is considered the main cause of the onset of the disease. Adult patients usually suffer from diverticulitis – it develops in women and men over 60 years of age.

Causes of disease

The main factor that provokes the disease is malnutrition. This refers to the use of a large number of semi-finished products, low-quality food rich in fat and refined foods. Also, malnutrition includes reduced fiber intake. It is fiber in food that helps the proper movement of the masses through the intestines.

Localization of diverticulitis

The disease can affect different parts of the intestine:

• Diverticulitis of the small intestine – multiple protrusions of the mucosa through weak places in the walls. In this zone, diverticula appear much less frequently than in the colon. The cause is believed to be a failure of peristalsis.
• Diverticulitis of the large intestine – masses up to two centimeters, often affecting elderly patients. The reason is malnutrition, the predominance of animal food over plant food.
• Diverticulitis of the sigmoid colon – a degenerative tissue disorder that appears as a result of a violation of peristalsis and vascular pathologies.

Symptoms of diverticulitis

When the disease begins, its symptoms in most cases are absent. Only when the disease passes into the chronic stage, there are signs by which it can be identified. Among the warning signs that indicate the presence of problems:

• Bloating, excessive flatulence.
• Traces of blood in the stool.
• Increased body temperature.
• Pain in the lower abdomen and back.
• Nausea, vomiting.
• Decreased appetite.
• Cold sweat.

Disease diagnosis

This serious complication requires immediate diagnosis, analysis of symptoms and treatment. The initial task of the doctor is to distinguish diverticulitis from stomach ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome. It all starts with a patient interview, a medical history, and an initial examination. Diagnostic methods that are used for suspected diverticulitis:

• Colonoscopy
• Sigmoidoscopy
• Irrigoscopy
• Computed tomography of the intestine
• X-ray of the intestines
• ultrasound
• Clinical analysis of urine and blood

Treatment of disease

There is a resolution of diverticulitis without special treatment due to the normalization of nutrition and diet. With a serious stage of the disease, how to treat it is determined individually and often in a hospital. In this case, the patient is given antibiotics and other supportive drugs. The operation is performed in order to separate the affected part of the intestine. Such a measure is required quite rarely:

• If the disease is severely advanced. There are fistulas, perforations, abscesses.
• When antibiotics do not help get rid of the problem.