Night Sweats and Diverticulitis - Causes and Treatments

What is Diverticulitis?

Diverticulitis occurs when small pouches (diverticula) lining the colon become inflamed or infected. This causes uncomfortable digestive symptoms and, occasionally, problems elsewhere in the body.

Causes of Diverticular Inflammation

Diverticula themselves are common, especially after age 40, occurring in more than half of older adults. However, most people with diverticula don't have issues or even notice them. In diverticulitis, infection or obstruction triggers inflammation that leads to symptoms. Contributing factors include:

• Low fiber diets
• Straining during bowel movements
• Blockages from stool, seeds, corn, etc.
• Abnormal intestinal contractions

Risk Factors for Developing Diverticulitis

People with certain characteristics have elevated chances of experiencing problematic diverticular inflammation:

• Over 50 years old
• Obese or overweight
• Don't exercise
• Use NSAIDs or opiate pain medications
• Smoke tobacco
• Consume red meat and diets low in vegetables, fruits and fiber

Common Signs and Symptoms

Diverticulitis causes digestive symptoms like:

• Abdominal pain - Usually the first noticeable symptom, ranging from mild tenderness to intense cramping. Typically occurs in the lower left side.
• Constipation and diarrhea - Taking turns, due to colonic inflammation. Stools may contain blood or pus.
• Nausea and vomiting - Inability to keep food down accompanies more severe cases.
• Fever - Low-grade fever commonly coincides with infection and swelling in the colon.
• Bloating and gas - Due to difficulty moving bowels and properly absorbing nutrients.

When to Seek Emergency Care for Diverticulitis

In advanced diverticulitis cases, severe complications can be life-threatening. Prompt emergency treatment is crucial if experiencing:

• Diffuse pain and abdominal tenderness
• Inability to maintain liquids down
• Fever over 101 F
• Dizziness, weakness or fatigue
• Bleeding rectally

These indicate possible development of peritonitis, sepsis, fistulas, perforations or bowel obstructions - emergencies requiring surgery or ICU care.

How Night Sweats Relate to Diverticulitis

Research shows nearly 40% of diverticulitis patients experience night sweats as part of their condition. Doctors remain unsure why this symptom specifically presents itself.

Possible Explanations for Night Sweats

A few theories attempt to explain the night sweat and diverticulitis connection:

• Low-grade infections Abscesses and localized peritonitis near inflamed diverticula may trigger immune responses and fever at night.
• Medications Antibiotics or other diverticulitis drugs can list excessive sweating as a side effect.
• Hormone or thyroid issues These conditions sometimes accompany digestive diseases and also cause unpleasant night sweats.

Tips to Manage Night Sweats with Diverticulitis

Coping strategies to handle night sweats related to diverticulitis flares include:

• Wear loose, moisture-wicking pajamas
• Use lightweight, breathable bedding
• Keep bedroom cooler with AC or fans
• Avoid spicy foods and hot drinks before bed
• Change soaked sleepwear and bedsheets promptly

If natural relief methods come up short, talk to your doctor about supplementary treatments to control excessive sweating issues.

How Doctors Diagnose Diverticulitis

Since diverticulitis symptoms often mimic other gastrointestinal conditions, doctors use exams and tests to pinpoint diagnoses:

Physical Exam

Pressing on the abdomen reveals intestinal tenderness and swelling. Doctors also check for fever, nausea and rectal bleeding signs.

Medical History Discussions

Conversations focus on risk factors, family history of diverticulitis or colon issues, medications, diet, bowel movement habits and changes.

Blood Tests

High white blood cell counts indicate infection or inflammation present. Blood in stools points to diverticulitis or irritated hemorrhoids instead of IBS.

Computerized Tomography (CT) Scans

CT imaging shows intestinal pouches, thickening of colon walls and abscess presence. Contrast liquid and enemas help highlight diverticula.

Colonoscopy

A camera scope inserted in the rectum examines inflammation and infection severity inside the colon. However, this test usually happens after infection resolves, due to perforation risks.

In straightforward cases, combination of exams, scans and consultations successfully confirms diverticulitis. Recurrent or unresolved episodes usually require colonoscopy for deeper investigation into possible alternate disorders.

Recovering from a Diverticulitis Flare-Up

Diverticulitis recovery aims to rest the colon and prevent complications. Hospitalization for IV antibiotics, pain relief and liquid nutrition occurs for severe cases. More moderate bouts can be managed at home with:

• Clear liquid diets - Allows colon to rest. Recommendations include water, broth, gelatin, juices without pulp, black coffee, sports drinks.
• Oral antibiotics - 10-14 day courses to eliminate infection.
• Probiotics - Restore intestinal bacteria balance disturbed by infection and antibiotics.
• Anti-inflammatories -Over-the-counter NSAIDs or prescription drugs help relieve swelling and pain.

With treatment following an acute episode, 70-85% of patients see diverticulitis improve within 2-4 weeks. But permanent changes to diet and lifestyle are usually necessary to prevent repeat occurrences.

Preventing Recurring Diverticular Inflammation

After a bout of diverticulitis, 30% have another within 5 years. Strategies to lower risks of repeat episodes center on:

• Consuming 30+ grams fiber daily
• Avoiding foods that can block diverticula
• Exercising regularly
• Managing weight
• Minimizing alcohol and quitting smoking
• Reducing NSAID, opioid and steroid medications where possible

Even with prevention efforts in place, some patients still struggle with recurrent diverticulitis or creeping complications. In those cases, manual removal of affected colon sections through surgery becomes necessary to resolve health issues.

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.