What is Diverticulitis?
Diverticulitis is a digestive condition that affects the diverticula in the colon. Diverticula are small pouches or sacs that can form in the lining of the colon, often when weak spots in the colon wall push outward.
These pouches are common, especially in older adults, and most of the time they don’t cause any symptoms or issues. However, when they become inflamed or infected, it leads to the condition known as diverticulitis.
Diverticulitis causes pain and tenderness in the lower left side of the abdomen. It can come on slowly over several days or start suddenly and severely. Attacks of diverticulitis can range from mild to severe.
Symptoms of Diverticulitis
Some of the most common signs and symptoms of diverticulitis include:
- Abdominal pain, usually in the lower left quadrant, that may be severe
- Abdominal tenderness, especially around the left side
- Constipation or, less often, diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever
- Chills
- Bloating and gas
- Loss of appetite
- Feeling generally unwell
The symptoms of diverticulitis can be similar to other digestive issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). That’s why it’s important to see your doctor if you have any persistent digestive problems.
What Causes Diverticulitis?
Researchers aren’t entirely sure what causes diverticula to form in the colon. It’s believed that a low-fiber diet and chronic constipation contribute to their development.
When stools are hard and difficult to pass, it causes pressure to build up in the colon. This pressure can push out tiny pouches in weak areas of the colon lining.
Diverticula themselves usually don’t cause any problems. However, they can become infected or inflamed. Common causes of diverticulitis include:
- Low fiber diets
- Obesity
- Lack of exercise
- Food getting trapped and causing infection
- Certain medications like steroids or painkillers
- Smoking
Once diverticula form, any food particles or waste that get trapped in them can allow bacteria to multiply and cause infection and swelling. This leads to the diverticulitis.
Risk Factors for Diverticulitis
Several factors can raise your chances of developing diverticula that may become inflamed and turn into diverticulitis. These risk factors include:
- Age over 40 years old
- Diet low in fiber
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Lack of exercise
- Certain medications like opioid painkillers, steroids, and some antidepressants
- Connective tissue disorders
Diverticulitis is very rare in under age 40. Your risk goes up as you get older. About half of all people over age 60 have diverticula in their colon, although only about 4% develop diverticulitis.
Diagnosing Diverticulitis
If you have abdominal pain and digestive issues, your doctor will take your medical history and perform a physical exam. Be ready to describe your symptoms and any other health conditions you have.
Your doctor will likely press on various areas of your abdomen to check for tenderness, swelling, or masses. This can help determine if you may have diverticulitis or another issue like appendicitis.
If your doctor suspects diverticulitis, some tests they may order include:
- Blood tests. A complete blood count (CBC) can show signs of infection or inflammation. Blood tests may also check kidney function.
- CT scan. This gives a detailed view of the colon to look for diverticula and signs of infection or blockage.
- Ultrasound. Soundwaves produce images of the colon. Ultrasound can help diagnose diverticulitis and rule out other issues like ovarian cysts.
- Colonoscopy. Once the acute attack has resolved, your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy to examine the colon.
Based on your test results and exam findings, your doctor will determine a diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.
Diverticulitis Diet and Prevention
Adjusting your diet is often the first line of treatment for diverticulitis. With the right diet changes, many people can manage their condition and prevent future flare ups.
High Fiber Diet
Getting more fiber in your diet is key for both treating diverticulitis and preventing it. Fiber helps form soft, bulky stool that can pass through the colon more easily. This helps lower pressure in the colon so that diverticula are less likely to form.
When you have diverticulosis or are recovering from diverticulitis, aim for at least 25-30 grams of fiber per day. Great high fiber foods include:
- Whole grains like oats, brown rice, whole wheat bread
- Fruits like apples, pears, bananas, berries
- Vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, squash, sweet potatoes
- Beans and lentils
- Nuts and seeds
Be sure to add high fiber foods gradually over a few weeks. This allows your digestive system time to adjust and helps prevent gas or bloating. Drink plenty of fluids as you increase fiber.
Avoid Trigger Foods
When you have an acute diverticulitis flare up, you’ll likely need to stick to a clear liquid diet at first. As symptoms improve, your doctor can guide you in slowly adding low fiber foods back into your diet.
Avoid any foods that seem to aggravate your diverticulitis symptoms. Common trigger foods include:
- Nuts and seeds
- Red meat
- Fatty and fried food
- Refined grains like white bread, white rice
- Popcorn
Everyone has different trigger foods that may be best to limit or avoid. Your doctor can provide a personalized diverticulitis diet plan.
Lifestyle Changes
Other important lifestyle habits for preventing diverticulitis flare ups include:
- Drinking lots of fluids like water
- Getting regular exercise
- Managing stress
- Quitting smoking
- Maintaining a healthy weight
Making diet and lifestyle adjustments can help you manage diverticulitis over the long-term.
Medications for Diverticulitis
Along with diet changes, your doctor may prescribe certain medications to treat diverticulitis attacks and prevent recurrence. Commonly prescribed medications include:
Antibiotics
Antibiotics treat infection and help resolve acute inflammation. For uncomplicated diverticulitis, oral antibiotics are often prescribed for 7-10 days. Hospitalized patients receive intravenous antibiotics.
Common antibiotics used for diverticulitis include ciprofloxacin, metronidazole, amoxicillin, and rifaximin.
Pain Medications
Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibup
FAQs
What are the most common symptoms of diverticulitis?
The most common symptoms of diverticulitis include: abdominal pain, usually around the lower left side; abdominal tenderness or sensitivity to touch; constipation or diarrhea; nausea and vomiting; fever; chills; bloating and gas; loss of appetite.
What foods should you avoid with diverticulitis?
Foods to avoid during a diverticulitis flare up include: nuts, seeds, popcorn, red meat, fatty and fried foods, and refined grains like white flour. These foods can aggravate diverticulitis symptoms.
How do doctors diagnose diverticulitis?
Doctors use exams, blood tests, CT scans, ultrasounds and colonoscopies to diagnose diverticulitis. These tests help confirm inflammation in the colon from diverticula.
What is the best diet for preventing diverticulitis?
Eating a high fiber diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans and lentils can help prevent diverticulitis. Fiber creates bulky stool that reduces pressure in the colon.
Can diverticulitis cause acid reflux?
Diverticulitis itself does not directly cause acid reflux. However, a diet high in fiber from fruits and vegetables may help reduce acid reflux symptoms for some people with diverticulitis.
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.
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