Photo of fecal diverticulitis: changes in bowel movements

Diverticulitis can affect bowel movements. When stool gets trapped in the intestinal sacs (diverticula), it can cause inflammation and infection, resulting in diverticulitis. Diverticulitis can cause symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, and nausea.

This article describes how diverticulitis affects the digestive system, what changes it can cause in bowel movements, its symptoms, how to diagnose it, and how to treat it.

Identifying fecal diverticulitis

Diagnostic tests, such as an abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan, are the most accurate way to diagnose diverticulitis, but your stool may give signs that you have the condition. Symptoms of fecal diverticulitis may include:

• bright red, maroon, or tar color
• thin or pelleted
• Stronger smell than usual
• Characteristics of diarrhea and constipation

If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your health care provider.

How diverticulitis affects the digestive system

Diverticulitis begins as a chronic disease called diverticulosis. In diverticulosis, small pouches (diverticulum) or multiple pouches (diverticulum) develop and push outward through the wall of the colon (part of the large intestine), usually at weak points. In the United States, this usually occurs in the lower part of the colon, the sigmoid colon.

Diverticulitis is usually an acute condition (sudden onset over a short period of time) and occurs when these sacs become inflamed and/or infected. This can occur when feces and undigested food become trapped in these bags.

Diverticulitis can occur suddenly. Prompt treatment is important because if left untreated, diverticulitis can lead to serious complications, including:

• Abscess (pus-filled area caused by infection)
• Intestinal obstruction (partial or total obstruction that restricts or prevents the movement of stool, body fluids, food, or air through the intestines)
• Fistula (abnormal tunnel line passage between the colon and another part of the body, such as the vagina or bladder)
• perforation (hole) in the colon
• Bleeding (from the diverticulum to the rectum)
• Stenosis (narrowing of the colon, making it difficult for stool to pass)
• peritonitis (intra-abdominal infection that can be very serious)

Changes in bowel habits

Changes in bowel habits or characteristics can cause or develop from diverticulitis.

exterior

People with diverticulitis may notice blood or mucus in their stools. This is caused by the rupture of blood vessels within the diverticulum. This blood may:

• come out forcefully from the rectum
• The shape of the stool is dark mahogany in color.

If a stricture has formed, the stool may become thin or pellet-like.

odor

Diverticulitis can cause a fistula between the colon and bladder, which can cause the urine to smell bad. Similarly, a fistula between the colon and vagina can cause foul-smelling discharge.

Fistulas usually require surgery, so it’s important to talk to your health care provider if you experience these symptoms.

Consistency

Diverticulitis can cause diarrhea (loose, watery stools), constipation (hard, very hard stools), or both.

Hard stools can also be a contributing factor to the development of diverticulosis, which can lead to diverticulitis.

frequency and effort

If your stool is hard due to constipation, you may strain during defecation, which increases pressure in your colon and intestines. This can lead to the development of diverticula and diverticulosis.

A low-fiber diet can cause constipation and straining, which can cause weak areas of the colon to bulge.

Recurrent episodes of diverticulitis can lead to chronically irregular bowel movements.

Seek treatment for diverticulitis

Treatment for diverticulitis usually includes antibiotics (if there is an infection) and a restricted diet until the colon heals.

If complications from diverticulitis occur, further treatment, such as colon surgery, may be required.

Controlling diverticulosis with a high-fiber diet can help prevent the disease from developing. Aim to get 20 to 35 grams of fiber each day from foods such as grains, vegetables, and fruits. Drinking enough fluids (at least 8 glasses per day) is also important. This helps soften the stool and make it easier to pass.

Diagnosis of diverticulitis

To diagnose diverticular disease, such as diverticulosis or diverticulitis, a health care provider does the following:

• Talk about your medical history and may ask about family history
• I would like to ask you about your symptoms.
• We’ll ask about your lifestyle, including your bowel patterns, diet, and any medications you take.
• Press the abdomen to check for tenderness or a mass.
• Check heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature
• listen to stomach sounds with a stethoscope
• In some cases, a digital (finger) rectal exam may be done.
• Order tests as needed

symptoms

Symptoms of diverticulitis can be severe and appear suddenly, or they can be mild and worsen over a few days.

Symptoms include:

• constipation and/or diarrhea
• Abdominal pain, cramping, or tenderness, usually in the lower left part of the abdomen (which may change in intensity over time)
• bloating
• gas
• fever and chills
• nausea and/or vomiting
• Anorexia (not feeling hungry and/or not eating)

test

Symptoms of diverticulitis can be similar to those of other diseases, such as ovarian cysts. appendicitis, peptic ulcer, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or Crohn’s disease. It is important to receive an accurate diagnosis in order to receive appropriate treatment.

To make a proper diagnosis, your health care provider may perform tests such as:

• Blood test
• Laboratory testing of stool samples: A small sample of stool is collected and tested.
• computed tomography (CT): Image created using X-rays and a computer
• Ultrasound: An image created using sound waves
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): X-rays that create images of internal organs and soft tissues
• colonoscopy: A long, thin, flexible tube that is inserted through the rectum and has a small, lightweight camera that views the lining of the rectum and colon.

summary

Diverticulitis can affect bowel movements. Stool may become hard, loose, thin, or pellet-like. Stool may contain blood and mucus. Diarrhea or constipation may occur. Bowel movements may also be irregular.

Symptoms of diverticulitis include abdominal pain, nausea, fever, bloating, and loss of appetite.

To diagnose diverticulitis, your health care provider will take your medical history, ask you questions, and perform a physical exam. We may also perform a CT, MRI, laboratory tests, ultrasound, or colonoscopy.

Treatment for diverticulitis is necessary to prevent complications and usually includes antibiotics and dietary changes.