Diverticulitis

Diverticula are small abnormal swellings in the colon, and they’re often asymptomatic, but in the case of diverticulitis, other complications might occur.

Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis is the inflammation of the small pockets that are developed inside the colon. In most of the cases, diverticula can be a simple asymptomatic condition that occurs with aging, but in the case of diverticulitis, the symptoms start emerging.

Diverticulitis is an uncommon condition; it occurs in about 4% of people with diverticula.

Diverticulitis can be classified in two ways: acute (comes suddenly and goes without treatment) and chronic (comes as recurrent episodes), or uncomplicated (in most of the cases it doesn’t cause other problems) and complicated (it leads to other complications).

Causes and risk factors leading to diverticulitis

There isn’t a specific cause for the formations of diverticula and their inflammation, but it’s thought that diverticula can result from pressure on the colon due to spasms or straining. Diverticula are a suitable place for bacteria to gather, which leads to diverticulitis. Moreover, diverticula might tear up due to some reason, and that makes it more susceptible to inflammation.

Some factors that increase the risk of diverticulitis:

• Smoking.
• Obesity.
• Low fiber intake and high red meat intake.
• Low vitamin D levels.
• Lack of exercise.
• Heavy alcohol consumption.
• Some drugs, such as steroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories.

Symptoms of diverticulitis

• Abdominal pain, especially in the lower left.
• Distended abdomen.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Fever.
• Rectal bleeding.
• Constipation, and sometimes diarrhea.

Complications of diverticulitis

• Colon blockage.
• Fistulas, which are abnormal growths between the colon and the surrounded organs.
• Heavy rectal bleeding.
• Abscesses, which are pockets filled with pus.
• Peritonitis (inflammation of the abdominal lining), which results from a tear in the colon wall that makes the waste spill out.
• Gastrointestinal perforation due to a teat in a diverticulum.

Diagnosis of diverticulitis

• Blood tests.
• Urine and stool tests.
• Imaging tests.

Treatment of diverticulitis

• If the symptoms are mild and the diverticulitis is uncomplicated, then the treatment is following a special diet. This condition usually resolves on its own.
• If the symptoms are severe and the diverticulitis is complicated, then the treatment is taking specific medications, and some cases might require hospitalization.
• In some severe cases, surgery might be required.