Strawberry Shaped Stool and Diverticulitis Connection

Understanding the Significance of Strawberry Shaped Stool

While passing stool that resembles whole strawberries may seem mildly amusing, this unusual appearance can indicate an underlying gastrointestinal issue. Specifically, strawberry-like stool is most commonly associated with diverticulitis.

Diverticulitis causes small pouches called diverticula to form in the wall of the colon. During diverticulitis flare ups, these pouches become inflamed and trap stool, resulting in the memorable berry-dotted image.

Let’s explore the critical connections between strawberry stool and diverticulitis closer, including common symptoms, diagnostic testing and effective treatment options.

Common Causes of Strawberry BM Appearance

While closely resembling seeds or berries, the small dots embedded within stringy stool are actually undigested food particles or fecal matter trapped within intestinal diverticula.

Diverticula themselves develop when weak spots in the colon bulge outward from increased pressure. Contributing factors for diverticula formation include:

• Low fiber diets
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Lack of exercise
• Certain medications
• Genetic factors

Understanding Diverticulitis as the Main Cause

Diverticulosis occurs when diverticula are present but not inflamed, affecting over 50% of older adults. Adding inflammation causes diverticulitis, which happens in 10-25% of those with diverticula.

During bouts of diverticulitis, bacteria become trapped in diverticula which swell and may bleed or perforate. Passing stool then squeezes the infected diverticula, releasing pus and blood that mixes with feces.

This causes the red berry-like blobs and stringy texture characteristic of strawberry BM, especially if severe inflammation causes narrowed stool.

Recognizing Diverticulitis Symptoms

Alongside stools resembling strawberry pips, several other key symptoms can indicate possible diverticulitis:

Severe Abdominal Pain

Intense cramping or tenderness localizes in the lower left quadrant of the abdomen, where sigmoid colon diverticula most commonly develop. Pain severity varies but typically intensifies over 24-48 hours if left untreated.

Constipation and Diarrhea

Bowel movement habits often fluctuate with diverticulitis flares. Passing small, hard stools is common as inflammation narrows the colon. But some also experience loose stools if bacteria leak into the abdominal cavity.

Bloating and Gas

Trapped gas and difficulty fully emptying the bowel also cause uncomfortable bloating. Pressure against the bladder may also increase urinary frequency or urgency.

Fever and Chills

Spiking a fever signals infection and inflammation in the colon or peritoneum, while chills indicate diverticulitis has progressed to a serious stage.

Nausea and Vomiting

When severe colon inflammation triggers system-wide symptoms, persistent nausea and vomiting may result. This requires prompt medical attention to avoid dehydration.

Tenderness and Pain When Touching Abdomen

Any pressure placed against the abdomen significantly aggravates the diverticula inflammation. Touching the area elicits noticeable discomfort and recoiling.

Getting a Diverticulitis Diagnosis

To move beyond just suspicions of diverticulitis raised by stool containing seeds or berry shapes, various diagnostic tests can provide definitive answers.

Physical Exam

After reviewing symptoms and medical history, the physician will gently examine the patient’s abdomen by lightly pressing and feeling for rigidity, guarding, masses, swelling and painful reactions.

Blood Tests

Blood work helps rule out other conditions while assessing infection risk factors. Elevated white blood cell counts and c-reactive protein indicate active inflammation from diverticulitis.

Urinalysis

A UTI or kidney issues rather than diverticulitis can cause abdominal symptoms, so urinalysis eliminates differential diagnoses involving the urinary tract.

Stool Tests

Sending stool samples to the lab allows technicians to detect blood confirm digestion issues. Certain pathogenic bacteria may also undergo culture and sensitivity testing.

CT Scan

This specialized x-ray provides detailed cross-sectional imaging of intestinal structures. CT scans definitively diagnose diverticulitis by revealing swollen and ruptured diverticula in the colon wall.

Colonoscopy

If swelling obscures CT scan results, inserting a tiny camera on a flexible tube into the rectum allows direct visualization of diverticula inflammation. However, colonoscopy is not commonly performed during active infections.

Treating Diverticulitis Causing Strawberry Stools

Various medical therapies exist for addressing diverticulitis, ranging from outpatient to inpatient interventions tailored to severity.

Antibiotics

Oral or intravenous antibiotics treat bacterial diverticulitis infection for 7-10 days by targeting gram negative rods and anaerobic species. Common choices include ciprofloxacin, metronidazole, amoxicillin or cephalosporins.

Pain Medications

Over-the-counter NSAIDs or prescription pain relievers bring significant relief from disabling diverticulitis abdominal cramping.

Low Fiber Diet

Temporarily restricting high fiber foods prevents irritation until swelling diminishes, while focusing on low residue choices that are gentle and easily digestible.

Bowel Rest

During hospitalization, bowel rest with IV fluids avoids stimulating colon contractions while preventing dehydration and electrolyte imbalances if vomiting persists.

Surgery

For recurrent bouts of diverticulitis or cases involving abscesses, fistulas, perforations or peritonitis, surgery removes the affected portion of colon. This may require a colostomy bag for post-surgical fecal diversion.

Preventing Strawberry Stool Diverticulitis Recurrence

Following effective treatment for an initial diverticulitis episode, implementing key lifestyle interventions reduces recurrence likelihood long-term:

Add More Fiber

Consuming 25-40g of fiber daily from fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds prevents small, hard stools associated with diverticula inflammation risk.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking ample fluids softens stools and allows bowel contents to pass easier through the colon without excess straining during defecation.

Exercise

Regular physical activity accelerates colon motility to reduces waste transit times. This minimizes periods when bacteria have opportunities to infiltrate vulnerable diverticula.

Lose Excess Weight

Carrying less abdominal fat eases pressure on intestinal wall weak spots so less diverticula form over time.

Avoid Constipation

OTC stool softeners, probiotics and herbal laxatives help those prone to constipation associated with diverticulitis episodes pass stools easier without pushing or straining.

Knowing When to Seek Emergency Care

While most mild diverticulitis cases clear up with antibiotics and at-home care, promptly seek emergency treatment for:

• Intense and worsening abdominal pain
• Inability to keep down liquids
• Signs of shock like rapid heart rate, confusion or fainting
• High fever with stiff abdominal muscles
• Bloody stool with dizziness

Catching complications like perforations, strictures or peritonitis early vastly improves outcomes and prevents further episodes of strawberry appearing stool from diverticulitis down the line.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.