In contrast withdiverticulitis, acute diverticulitis can go through periods of worsening or improving inflammation.
Sometimes, they can push through, causingperforationorabscesses(a collection of pus).
Like chronic diverticulitis, the acute version can be mild or severe depending on whether a person develops complications.
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This article discusses the symptoms, causes, and risk factors associated with acute diverticulitis.
However, whensigns do develop, they can include:
What Does Acute Diverticulitis Pain Feel Like?
The pain associated with diverticulitis is often sharp and cramping.
Causes and Risk Factors
The direct cause of acute diverticulitis isnt well known.
However, research surrounding the disease has found many risk factors at play.
Similar Conditions
The symptoms of acute diverticulitis are similar to other conditions that affect the abdomen.
Complications
There are several complications associated with diverticulitis.
While not everyone will experience them, they are a risk.
Treatment
Most people with acute diverticulitis can betreatedoutside the hospital usingantibioticsand aliquid diet.
This will give the intestines a break while the antibiotics help to heal them.
In the worst cases, people will have to undergo surgery.
How Long Does It Last?
With proper treatment based on a persons symptoms, the time it takes to recover varies.
Typically, people who have undergone outpatient treatment can expect to feel better within a week.
Summary
Acute diverticulitis is a form of condition that comes and goes.
For example, a person may develop acute diverticulitis once or twice and never again.
The symptoms associated with the condition can vary depending on the person.
The most notable is abdominal pain which tends to stem from the lower right side of the abdomen.
People experiencing acute diverticulitis must undergo several tests and exams to reach a proper diagnosis.
By doing so quickly, they can get treated before any severe or life-threatening complications arise.
Acute diverticulitis isn’t always serious and can be treated effectively in a relatively short amount of time.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of diverticular disease.
