Understanding Diverticulitis: Symptoms & Treatment

Key Takeaways

• Diverticula are small, bulging pouches that can form in the lining of your digestive system, inflammation can turn this into diverticulitis
• Many people get diverticulosis as they age, and it generally affects about 58% of adults in the US over the age of 60
• Diverticulitis can cause sharp pain and other symptoms
• During periods of remission, eating foods that are high in fiber and drinking at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily to prevent constipation is recommended

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Diverticula are small, bulging pouches that can form in the lining of your digestive system. They are found most often in the lower part of the large intestine (colon) and are common, especially after age 40, and seldom cause problems. They can show up anywhere in your intestines and are called diverticulosis.

When inflammation and infection occur in these bulging pouches it becomes diverticulitis. Sometimes you can have pouches form and you don’t even know it because the symptoms are so mild. Other times you may notice severe abdominal pain and fever.

Learn more about the differences, treatment, and prevention of this disease.

• What is the Difference Between Diverticulosis & Diverticulitis?
• How Common is Diverticulitis?
• What are the Symptoms & Causes of Diverticulitis?
• What is the Treatment for Diverticulitis?
• How Can Diverticulitis Be Prevented?
• Will Physical Exercise Help Lower My Risk of a Flare-Up?
• Conclusion

What is the Difference Between Diverticulosis & Diverticulitis?

Diverticulosis is simply the presence of these tiny bulges or pockets (diverticula) in your colon. They usually don’t cause any symptoms or need to be treated. However, diverticulosis can lead to diverticulitis.

Diverticulitis is inflammation (swelling) and infection in one or more diverticula. You may feel pain, nausea, fever and have other symptoms. This is a much more serious and potentially dangerous condition.²

How Common is Diverticulitis?

Diverticulosis

Most people are unaware they even have this condition and may only find out when they have a colonoscopy or an abdominal CT scan for another reason. Many people get diverticulosis as they age, and it generally affects about 58% of adults in the US over the age of 60. People who have irritable bowel syndrome, are prone to constipation and bloating, or have abdominal discomfort after eating are more likely to have it.

Diverticulitis

Of the people who have diverticulosis, only ~4% will develop diverticulitis.¹ However, diverticulitis has increased in incidence over the past few decades and represents a significant healthcare burden in western countries. In the United States, acute diverticulitis is associated with nearly 200,000 hospital admissions and 2.2 billion dollars in healthcare costs per year.¹

What are the Symptoms & Causes of Diverticulitis?

Symptoms

• Sharp and distinct pain
• May be constant and continue for several days
• Typically located on the lower left side of the abdomen
• Fever
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal tenderness
• Constipation
• Less commonly, diarrhea

Causes

A diet low in fiber can cause increased pressure in the colon, due to constipation which leads to tears in the wall of the diverticulum. Bacteria and hard fecal matter can then become lodged in the diverticulum causing inflammation and infection.

For decades, doctors advised people with diverticulosis not to eat nuts, seeds, or popcorn, which they believed could block the openings of the diverticula and lead to flare-ups of diverticulitis. Mayo Clinic points out that research has never proved that eating these foods increases the risk of developing diverticulitis, so doctors no longer warn their patients away from such foods.⁵

What is the Treatment for Diverticulitis?

Diverticulosis and diverticulitis are typically picked up during a colonoscopy. If you have an acute case of diverticulitis a CT scan or x-rays may be performed instead to protect your intestine and confirm the diagnosis.

During an acute attack of diverticulitis, mild symptoms can be treated with rest, a liquid diet, and antibiotics to fight infection. In severe cases with high fever and pain, patients are hospitalized and given intravenous antibiotics. For patients with persistent bowel obstruction, bleeding, or who are not responding to antibiotics, surgery will be needed.

If you have diverticulitis, talk to your doctor or a medical professional about the best treatment for you!

How Can Diverticulitis Be Prevented?

Once you develop diverticula, you can minimize your chances of developing an infection by modifying your diet. During periods of remission, eating foods that are high in fiber and drinking at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily to prevent constipation is recommended.

Studies⁶ have shown that:

• Women younger than 51 should aim for 25 grams of fiber daily
• Men younger than 51 should aid for 38 grams of fiber daily
• Women 51 and older should get 21 grams daily
• Men 51 years and older should get 30 grams daily

Foods such as wheat bran, whole grains and vegetables, increase stool bulk and reduce pressure on the colon.

Will Physical Exercise Help Lower My Risk of a Flare-Up?

Because diverticular disease is more prevalent among those who have sedentary occupations or lifestyles, regular exercise helps stimulate regular bowel contractions and reduces pressure in the colon.

• Aeromat Yoga Mat

Yoga is a great physical activity to help keep your bowels moving. A yoga mat keeps you comfortable during your workout. Follow along with this great video to help you improve bloating, digestion, and more.

• TheraPearl Color Changing Hot & Cold Pack

This pack can be positioned on the back or the abdomen to provide warmth to help get relief from painful stomach cramps by applying heat. Just warm it up in the microwave for quick, soothing relief!

Conclusion

The prognosis in patients with diverticulitis depends on the severity of the illness, the presence of complications and any coexisting medical problems. However, you may be able to prevent diverticulitis flare ups, if you drink plenty of water, get regular exercise, and eat a high-fiber diet. A high-fiber diet includes whole grains, beans and legumes, fresh fruits, and vegetables.

References

1. Carr, S. & Alfonso, A.L. (November 2020). Colon Diverticulitis. StatPearls. Retrieved from https://bit.ly/3BtZ0u9

2. Cleveland Clinic Medical Professional. (April 2020). Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis of the Colon. Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved from https://cle.clinic/38s0cSj

3. Khatri, M. (June 2021). Understanding Diverticulitis -- Causes and Treatment. WebMD. Retrieved from https://wb.md/3BnRmRS

4. Mayo Clinic Medical Professional. (May 2020). Diverticulitis. Mayo Clinic. Retried from https://mayocl.in/3kG6Vhm

5. Mayo Clinic Medical Professional. (May 2020). Diverticulitis. Mayo Clinic. Retried from https://mayocl.in/3yzOEac

6. Watson, S. (August 2019). Diverticulitis Diet. WebMD. Retrieved from https://wb.md/3DMwAO6

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