Diverticulitisandulcerative colitismay have similar symptoms, but they are different conditions.
Both conditions can affect the large intestine (the colon and rectum).
Diverticulitis happens when bulges in weakened areas of the lining of the colon (called diverticula) become infected.
Verywell / Zoe Hansen
People have can both conditions at the same time, but they have different causes.
Learn more about the differences between ulcerative colitis and diverticulitis.
confirm to see a healthcare professional for a diagnosis so you could receive the proper treatment.
Symptoms
Symptoms of different digestive conditions can be similar.
Ulcerative Colitis
The signs and symptoms of ulcerative colitis are primarily located in the digestive system.
However, there can also be symptoms that are located in other body systems or parts of the body.
Thats why it is important to discuss stools with a healthcare professional.
Causes
The causes of ulcerative colitis and diverticulitis are quite different.
The causes of ulcerative colitis are not well understood.
It is thought to possibly be a combination of two factors: genetics and environment.
Constipation causes too much pressure in the colon, leading to a weakening of the colon wall.
Once the wall is weakened, it could lead to bulges in some spots (the diverticula).
The diverticula become infected, causing diverticulitis.
This bacteria may get caught in a diverticulum and grow there.
The biopsies are then tested in a lab.
Other tests might also be used during the process of diagnosing ulcerative colitis.
A provider may suspect diverticulitis if diverticular disease has been found in the past.
However, tests may be done to ensure that symptoms like bleeding and abdominal pain arediagnosed correctly.
Some of the mostcommonly used medicationsinclude:
Lifestyle changes can include altering your diet and quitting smoking.
Complementary therapies may include yoga, acupuncture, and probiotics.
The treatment for diverticulitis may occur eitherat homeor inthe hospital.
Which treatments are used will depend on the severity of the symptoms.
Antibiotics may be given as first-line therapy, either orally or through an IV in the hospital.
Diverticulitis canlead to complicationsin about 12% of cases.
Prevention
Its not well understood what causes ulcerative colitis.
For that reason, theres not a lot of information about how to avoid the disease.
Preventing complications from ulcerative colitis can include making sure the disease is under control.
Staying on a treatment plan and seeing a gastroenterologist on a regular basis will be important in managing symptoms.
It may not be possible to avoid developing diverticular disease, and not much is known about prevention.
However, a high-fiberdietmay be recommended once diverticula are present so you can avoid diverticulitis.
Other prevention methods that might be recommended include drinking more water and getting the right amount of exercise.
It might also be recommended to avoid eating red meat.
This may include aspirin, cyclooxygenase inhibitors (cox inhibitors), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Both have causes that are not fully determined.
A colonoscopy and imaging may be used in diagnosis for each condition.
Treatment options for ulcerative colitis include medications, lifestyle changes, and possibly surgery.
Treatment foracute diverticulitisoften includes antibiotics.
Living with digestive disease may mean paying more attention to diet, stress, and medical care.
For both diverticular disease and ulcerative colitis, diet will be important.
Changing ones diet is not easy, which is why working with a dietitian will be helpful.
Having both conditions will mean taking care to live the best quality of life possible.
Stress does not cause bowel diseases, however stress can contribute to an increase in symptoms.
Stress-relieving techniques are often recommended for people who live with a bowel disorder.
This can include mindfulness, meditation, therapy, or other lifestyle changes.
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