{"id":2624,"date":"2023-10-05T00:43:04","date_gmt":"2023-10-05T00:43:04","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/drhimanshuyadav.com\/what-is-the-difference-between-diverticulitis-and-diverticulosis\/"},"modified":"2023-10-05T00:43:04","modified_gmt":"2023-10-05T00:43:04","slug":"what-is-the-difference-between-diverticulitis-and-diverticulosis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/drhimanshuyadav.com\/blog\/what-is-the-difference-between-diverticulitis-and-diverticulosis\/","title":{"rendered":"What is the difference between diverticulitis and diverticulosis?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\ndiverticulosis<\/span> A condition in which small bulging sacs (diverticula) develop in the lining of the intestine. diverticulitis<\/span> It occurs when these sacs become inflamed or infected. Both are known as diverticular disease.\n<\/p>\n

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The main difference between diverticulosis and diverticulitis is that diverticulosis usually does not cause symptoms or require treatment other than dietary changes. Diverticulitis usually causes persistent pain in the lower left quadrant. It can also cause nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, and fever, and treatment depends on its severity.\n<\/p>\n

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This article explains the difference between diverticulosis and diverticulitis. We also explain how to diagnose and treat both, and how to prevent diverticulitis from becoming diverticulitis.\n<\/p>\n

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Illustration by Theresa Chiechi from Verywell Health<\/p>\n

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What causes diverticulosis and diverticulitis? <\/span> <\/h2>\n

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As you get older, the walls of your colon (large intestine) may weaken in some areas. This is a normal and common phenomenon and can cause pockets to form in the colon wall. These pockets bulge outward through the wall of the colon.\n<\/p>\n

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One of these pockets is called a diverticulum. Multiple diverticula are called diverticula. The condition in which diverticula form is called diverticulosis. Diverticula can occur anywhere in the small or large intestine.\n<\/p>\n

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The exact cause of diverticulosis is unknown.\n<\/p>\n

low fiber diet <\/span> <\/h3>\n

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A popular theory is that a low-fiber diet can lead to the formation of diverticula.\n<\/p>\n

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  1. A low-fiber diet can cause constipation, which is when stools are difficult to pass or occur infrequently.<\/li>\n
  2. Constipation can put too much pressure on your intestinal walls.<\/li>\n
  3. The tension weakens parts of the colon, forming pockets (diverticula).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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    In general, regular, soft, easy-to-pass bowel movements (at least once every few days) are ideal for your health and for avoiding complications of diverticular disease.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

    inflammation and infection <\/span> <\/h3>\n

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    Diverticulitis is a complication of diverticulosis. This occurs when one or more diverticula become infected or inflamed.<\/p>\n

    We don’t really understand why this happens. Stool usually contains a certain amount of bacteria. One theory is that the stool and the bacteria in it can enter the diverticulum. Once bacteria gets there, it can cause an infection.\n<\/p>\n

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    The second theory is that diverticulitis is an inflammatory condition. Inflammation of the diverticulum can cause symptoms.A small proportion of patients have so-called smoldering diverticulitis<\/strong>. Their symptoms do not respond to treatment and cause ongoing problems.\n<\/p>\n

    Risk factor <\/span> <\/h3>\n

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    Research suggests that genes may play a role in the development of diverticular disease. Lifestyle factors that can increase your risk include:\n<\/p>\n

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    • Eat a diet low in fiber and high in red meat<\/li>\n
    • lack of physical activity<\/li>\n
    • obesity<\/li>\n
    • smoking<\/li>\n
    • Taking anti-inflammatory drugs such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and steroids<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

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      Having diverticulosis is a major risk factor for developing diverticulitis. Other factors include:\n<\/p>\n

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      • autoimmune disease<\/li>\n
      • Bacteria and feces become trapped in the diverticulum<\/li>\n
      • Changes in the gut microbiome<\/li>\n
      • Problems with connective tissue, muscles, or nerves in the colon<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

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        Diverticulosis vs. Diverticulitis: Symptoms <\/span> <\/h2>\n

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        Diverticulosis is usually asymptomatic. However, patients with diverticulosis may experience mild and chronic symptoms, including:\n<\/p>\n

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        On the other hand, the symptoms of diverticulitis can be severe. Symptoms of diverticulitis tend to appear suddenly and may include:<\/p>\n

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        • abdominal cramps<\/li>\n
        • abdominal pain<\/li>\n
        • blood in stool<\/li>\n
        • Changes in bowel habits<\/li>\n
        • constipation<\/li>\n
        • diarrhea<\/li>\n
        • fever and chills<\/li>\n
        • nausea<\/li>\n
        • vomiting<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

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          Diverticulitis pain is usually acute and severe. However, for some people, the pain may be mild at first and worsen over a few days. <\/p>\n

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          Diverticulosis that does not cause symptoms is not considered serious. However, symptoms of diverticulitis can range from bothersome to severe enough to require hospitalization.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

          complications <\/span> <\/h3>\n

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          Approximately 12% of people with diverticular disease develop complications in their intestinal tract. These include:<\/p>\n

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          Diverticulitis can also cause complications outside the colon, including: leukocytosis<\/span> (increased white blood cell count) and sepsis (systemic response to infection).\n<\/p>\n

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          Fortunately, most people with diverticulosis do not develop diverticulitis or other complications.\n<\/p>\n

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          If you require emergency treatment<\/h3>\n

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          The following symptoms may indicate complications of diverticulitis. These require immediate medical attention.<\/p>\n