Diverticulitis and ulcerative colitis may have similar symptoms, but they are different diseases. One of the main differences between the two is diverticulitis and ulcerative colitis Diverticulitis is a type of diverticular disease, while ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Both conditions can affect the large intestine (colon and rectum). Diverticulitis occurs when weak areas in the lining of the colon (called diverticula) become infected.
Very Well / Zoe Hansen
Ulcerative colitis is an immune-mediated disease that causes ulcers (holes) in the large intestine. Some people have both conditions at the same time, but the causes are different.
Learn more about the differences between ulcerative colitis and diverticulitis. Always consult a medical professional to ensure proper treatment.
symptoms
Symptoms of various digestive disorders can be similar. Therefore, it is important to work with a medical professional to ensure that the cause of your symptoms is identified and properly diagnosed.
ulcerative colitis
Signs and symptoms of ulcerative colitis primarily occur in the digestive system. However, symptoms may also appear in other body systems or parts of the body. These include:
- blood in stool
- crampy abdominal pain
- diarrhea
- Malaise
- fecal incontinence
- heat
- mucus in stool
- I need to move my bowels urgently.
- use the toilet at night
- Weight loss
diverticulitis
Diverticulitis is when diverticulosis (an outward bulge in the lining of the digestive system) is made worse by an infection. Diverticulum infection can cause symptoms in the gastrointestinal tract, such as:
- abdominal cramps
- abdominal pain
- blood in stool
- Changes in bowel habits (new constipation or diarrhea)
Changes in bowel habits
Diarrhea and constipation are common but usually resolve within a few days. However, if he has stools that are too soft or too hard for more than 3 days, it may indicate a change in his bowel habits.
If these changes occur repeatedly or last for a long period of time, it may mean there is a problem that requires attention. That’s why it’s important to discuss stool with your health care professional.
cause
The causes of ulcerative colitis and diverticulitis are completely different.
ulcerative colitis
The cause of ulcerative colitis is not well understood. It is believed that he is a combination of two factors, probably heredity and environment.
More than 200 genes associated with IBD have been discovered, However, not everyone with these genes will develop ulcerative colitis or other forms of IBD, such as Crohn’s disease or atypical colitis.
Additionally, one or more external environmental factors influence the bacterial composition of the immune and gastrointestinal systems. As a result, a series of events occur in the body that cause the immune system to attack the large intestine.
diverticulitis
Constipation and a lack of dietary fiber are thought to cause diverticula in the colon. A lack of dietary fiber makes stools hard and difficult to move through the colon, causing constipation.
When you are constipated, there is excess pressure in your colon, which weakens the colon wall. When the wall weakens, bulges (diverticula) may develop in several places.
Diverticula become infected, causing diverticulitis. The exact cause of the infection is unknown, but it may be caused by bacteria normally found in stool. This bacteria can get stuck in the diverticulum and grow there.
It is also thought that in some people, inflammation may progress and cause diverticulitis, which does not improve even with treatment.
diagnosis
Although some of the tests used to diagnose ulcerative colitis or diverticulitis are the same, there are important differences.
ulcerative colitis
Colonoscopy with biopsy is usually used to diagnose all forms of IBD. A flexible tube with a light and camera at the end is inserted through the rectum and into the large intestine. Your doctor can look inside your colon and choose where to take a sample (biopsy) of a small piece of tissue. The biopsy is then tested in a laboratory.
Other tests may also be used during the diagnosis process for ulcerative colitis. These can help determine if there is another reason for your symptoms, such as a bacterial infection. These tests may include:
- Barium enema: A series of X-rays after an enema containing contrast medium.
- Computed tomography enterography (CTE): A CT scan that uses X-rays and a contrast agent to get detailed images of the digestive system.
- Magnetic resonance enterography (MRE): Detailed images taken with magnetic resonance imaging (using strong magnets rather than x-rays) and a contrast agent
- Fecal calprotectin: Tests stool samples for a protein found in inflammatory white blood cells.
- Sigmoidoscopy: A flexible tube with a camera is used to view the last third of the colon.
- Upper gastrointestinal series: An x-ray series of the esophagus, stomach, and first part of the small intestine using a contrast agent.
diverticulitis
Diverticulitis can cause symptoms that need to be investigated. Your health care provider may suspect diverticulitis if you have had diverticular disease in the past. However, tests may be done to accurately diagnose symptoms such as bleeding or abdominal pain.
Some of the tests used include:
- barium enema
- Computed tomography (CT) scan
- colonoscopy
- Sigmoidoscopy
- Stool samples to check for bacterial or parasitic infections
process
One reason a correct diagnosis is essential is because the treatments for ulcerative colitis and diverticulitis are very different.
ulcerative colitis
Treatments for ulcerative colitis include lifestyle changes, over-the-counter (OTC) medications, complementary therapies, prescription medications, and surgery. Some of the most commonly used drugs include:
- 5-aminosalicylate (5-ASA): Sulfasalazine, Asacol HD (mesalamine), etc.
- Corticosteroids: prednisone, etc.
- Biologics: Entyvio (vedolizumab), Humira (adalimumab), Omvoh (milikizumab), Remicade (infliximab), Simponi (golimumab), Stelara (ustekinumab), etc.
- Immunosuppressants: Imuran (azathioprine), Purinetol (mercaptopurine), Velcipity (etrasimod), etc.
- JAK inhibitors: Xeljanz (tofacitinib), etc.
Lifestyle changes include changing your diet and quitting smoking. Complementary therapies may include yoga, acupuncture, probiotics, and more.
Surgery to remove the intestine with ileostomy or J-pouch placement is another treatment for complicated ulcerative colitis. More types of treatments may be used to treat diseases and their effects on other parts of the body.
diverticulitis
Treatment for diverticulitis can be done at home or in the hospital. Which treatment is used depends on the severity of your symptoms. Antibiotics may be given as first-line therapy in the hospital, either by mouth or through an IV.
Diverticulitis can cause complications in approximately 12% of cases. If you have symptoms such as a high fever, inability to eat or drink, high white blood cell count, or sepsis, you may also need other treatments, such as medication or surgery.
Additional treatments are being investigated for diverticulitis, including Asacol HD (mesalamine), Xifaxan (rifaximin), and probiotics, but these have not yet been proven effective.
prevention
ulcerative colitis
The cause of ulcerative colitis is not well understood. Therefore, there is not much information on how to avoid this disease. However, for those at risk, it may be worth talking to your doctor about how to live a healthy lifestyle and avoid potential triggers.
Preventing complications from ulcerative colitis involves ensuring the disease is controlled. Following your treatment plan and seeing your gastroenterologist regularly is important to managing your symptoms.
diverticulitis
Although it may be impossible to avoid developing diverticular disease, little is known about prevention. However, if diverticula are present, a high-fiber diet may be recommended to avoid diverticulitis.
Other recommended prevention methods include drinking more water and getting an appropriate amount of exercise. Avoiding red meat intake may also be recommended.
People with diverticular disease may also be told to avoid certain drugs that are known to cause bleeding in the digestive system in some people. This may include aspirin, cyclooxygenase inhibitors (COX inhibitors), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
summary
Ulcerative colitis and diverticulitis both affect the colon and can cause abdominal pain, cramps, and bloody stools, but they are different in many ways. The causes of both are not completely understood. Colonoscopy and imaging tests may be used to diagnose each condition.
Treatment options for ulcerative colitis include medications, lifestyle changes, and sometimes surgery. Antibiotics are often used to treat acute diverticulitis.
Living with a digestive disorder may mean paying more attention to diet, stress, and medical care. It is important to see your doctor regularly to avoid recurrence of symptoms and other complications. Continuing to take your medication is also key to properly managing your symptoms and avoiding their recurrence.
Diet is important for both diverticular disease and ulcerative colitis. Changing your diet isn’t easy, so working with a nutritionist can help. Fulfilling both conditions means paying attention to maintaining the best quality of life possible.