What Is The Difference Between Diverticulitis and Diverticular?
DIVERTICULOSIS AND DIVERTICULITIS
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DIVERTICULOSIS AND DIVERTICULITIS?
Diverticula are pockets that develop in the colon wall.
These small pockets/pouches bulge outward through weak spots in the colon wall.
This condition is called diverticulosis.
If the Diverticulosis becomes inflamed and infected then Diverticulitis occurs.
To sum it up the following is the good way to remember the differences between diverticulosis and diverticulitis:
Diverticulosis = Small pockets on the colon wall
Diverticulitis = Inflammation of the Diverticulosis
DIVERTICULITIS SYMPTOMS
Diverticulitis Symptoms May Include:
- Pain in the Abdomen
- Tenderness of the Abdomen- usually the lower left side but the pain may occur on either side
- Fever
- Chills
- Feeling Bloated
- Abdominal Swelling
- Gas
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of Appetite
The symptoms of diverticulitis may last from a couple hours to a few days.
DIVERTICULITIS TESTS
Diverticulitis can be diagnosed with:
- Barium X-rays
- Sigmoidoscopy
- Colonoscopy
- CT Scan
Complications if diverticulitis is left untreated:
- Surgery may be required to remove abscesses around infected diverticula
- Peritonitis, a fatal infection if left untreated
- Scarring or blockage of the intestine
- Infection may spread to kidneys
- Blood transfusion may be required
- Perforated Colon
DIVERTICULITIS AND DIVERTICULAR TREATMENT
Mild diverticulitis can often be treated at home.
Your doctor most likely will prescribe antibiotics for the infection and paracetamol for the pain.
DIVERTICULITIS DIET
Your help with your diverticulitis your doctor may recommend a clear liquid diet.
Your doctor may also suggest a low fiber diet until you are recovered from diverticulitis flare.
Severe diverticulitis may need hospital treatment.
You may need to go to the hospital with severe diverticulitis if:
- If your pain is not controlled using paracetamol
- You are unable to keep yourself hydrated
- Your immune system is weak
- You are unable to take antibiotics by mouth
DIVERTICULITIS TREATMENT
After a diverticulitis recovery your doctor may recommend:
- May include high fiber diet
- Antispasmodic drugs
- Your doctor may suggest that you eat certain types of foods that may help prevent diverticulitis flares
The food items to prevent diverticulitis flares include fruits and vegetables, legumes, and whole grains.
The medical field suggests that people with diverticulitis avoid eating seeds, nuts, and corn.
You can find shortcuts to living with a chronic illness on the HypoGal Blog.
Resources:
http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/tc/diverticulitis-symptoms
http://www.medicinenet.com/diverticulosis/article.htm
http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/understanding-diverticulitis-basics
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Diverticular-disease-and-diverticulitis/Pages/Treatment.aspx
Click here to read about my health experience with Diverticulitis and recovering from a perforated colon.
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