Knowing the signs allows you to take immediate steps to treat symptoms and prevent recurrence.
Illustration by Tara Anand for Verywell Health
What Is Diverticulitis?
While each is related, they are not the same thing.
Illustration by Tara Anand for Verywell Health
These pouches are typically benign and cause no problems.
Most develop in thesigmoid colon, the lowest part of the colon adjacent to the rectum.
Diverticular disease triggers when the diverticula suddenly becomes inflamed, a condition known as diverticulitis.
Among people with diverticulosis, between 4% and 15% will go on to experience diverticulitis.
Is Diverticulitis Common?
All told, around 5% of the U.S. population will experience diverticulitis at some point in their lives.
Over 200,000 are hospitalized for treatment each year.
What Does a Diverticulitis Flare-Up Feel Like?
Can Diverticulitis Cause Right-Sided Pain?
Differences in diets are thought to account for the disparity.
What Can Trigger a Diverticulitis Flare-Up?
What Doesn’t Cause Diverticulosis?
In fact, nuts and grains are today considered protective against the development of diverticulosis and diverticulitis.
Because of this, additional tests may be ordered to exclude possible causes.
This ensures the right treatment is dispensed.
If symptoms are severe, oral antibiotics may be prescribed.
These are generally reserved for uncomplicated cases where conservative measures fall short.
Diverticulitis surgery typically involves a bowel resectionalso known as acolectomyto remove the diseased portion of the colon.
Most people only need an ileostomy for several months while the large intestine heals.
Even so, certain lifestyle adjustments can greatly reduce the risk.
These include:
Summary
Diverticular disease is common and doesnt usually cause any symptoms.
When diverticula become inflamed, they can cause left-sided abdominal pain, fever, cramping, and diarrhea.
This is a diverticulitis flare-up.
Changes in diet, heat pads, and Tylenol may be enough to manage the symptoms.
In severe cases, hospitalization, antibiotics, and surgery may be needed.
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