Diverticulitis
Diverticula are tiny, protruding pouches that can develop in the stomach lining. The bottom portion of the big intestine is where they are most frequently found (colon). Diverticula are frequent and rarely problematic, especially after the age of forty.
Diverticulosis is the term for the condition caused by diverticula (die-vur-tik-yoo-LOE-sis). Diverticulitis is the term for the condition that results from inflammation and, in some circumstances, infection of one or more of the pouches (die-vur-tik-yoo-LIE-tis). Severe stomach discomfort, fever, nausea, and a noticeable alteration in bowel habits are all possible symptoms of diverticulitis.
Antibiotics, dietary modifications, and rest are all effective treatments for mild diverticulitis. Surgery might be necessary for diverticulitis that is severe or recurrent.
Signs and symptoms
Diverticulitis symptoms and indicators include:
Pain that may last for several days and be continuous. Usually, the lower left side of the abdomen is where the pain is felt. However, the right side of the abdomen might occasionally hurt more, particularly in those who identify as Asian.
- vomiting as well as nausea.
- High temperature.
- stomach sensitivity.
- diarrhea or, less frequently, constipation.
When to visit a physician
If you experience persistent, unexplained stomach pain, see a doctor. This is especially important if you also have a fever, constipation, or diarrhea.
Reasons
Diverticula typically form when your colon’s naturally weak spots buckle under pressure. As a result, marble-sized pockets poke through the wall of the colon.
When diverticula rupture, irritation and perhaps infection follow, leading to diverticulitis.
Factors at risk
Diverticulitis may be more likely to occur if you have certain factors:
- growing older. Diverticulitis is more common as people age.
- Being overweight. Your risk of diverticulitis increases if you are significantly overweight.
- Individuals who smoke have a higher risk of diverticulitis compared to nonsmokers.
- insufficient exercise. Exercise that is vigorous seems to reduce the incidence of diverticulitis.
- diet deficient in fiber and heavy in animal fat. It appears that a low-fiber diet plus a high animal fat intake increases risk, while it’s unclear how low fiber works on its own.
- certain drugs. Diverticulitis is linked to a number of medications, including steroids, opioids, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like naproxen sodium (Aleve) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, and others).
Complications
About 25% of patients with acute diverticulitis experience after-effects. These could include:
- An abscess is the result of pus building up in the pouch.
- an intestinal obstruction brought on by scarring.
- a fistula, or aberrant passageway, connecting the bowel with other organs or between portions of the bowel.
- If the inflamed or infected pouch bursts and spills intestinal contents into your abdominal cavity, you may develop peritonitis. As a medical emergency, peritonitis needs to be treated right away.
Avoidance
To lessen the risk of diverticulitis:
- Engage in regular exercise. Exercise lowers intestinal pressure and encourages regular bowel movements. Try to get in at least 30 minutes of activity most days.
- Consume more fiber. Diverticulitis risk is reduced by eating a diet high in fiber. Fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and other meals high in fiber help soften waste and speed up its passage through your colon. There is no link between eating nuts and seeds and getting diverticulitis.
- Make sure to stay hydrated. Fiber increases the amount of soft, bulky waste in your colon by absorbing water. However, fiber might cause constipation if you don’t drink enough water to replace what you absorb.
- Steer clear of smoking. Diverticulitis is linked to a higher risk of smoking.
