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Reviewed by

Dr. Gurbakhshish Singh Sidhu

Senior Consultant - Medical Gastroenterology

Manipal Hospitals, Patiala

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Diverticulitis: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Reviewed by:

Diverticulitis is a common gastrointestinal condition that affects the colon, specifically the small, bulging pouches called diverticula. When these pouches become inflamed or infected, it leads to diverticulitis. This condition can cause significant discomfort and requires proper medical attention. This blog will explore the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for diverticulitis.

Aspect	Details
Condition	Diverticulitis
Affected Area	Colon (specifically diverticula)
Symptoms	Abdominal pain, fever, nausea, changes in bowel habits, bloating
Causes	Low-fibre diet, ageing, obesity, lack of exercise, smoking, certain medications
Diagnosis	Physical exam, CT scan, blood tests, colonoscopy
Treatment	Antibiotics, liquid diet, pain relievers, surgery (in severe cases)
Prevention	A high-fibre diet, regular exercise, adequate hydration, avoiding smoking

Synopsis

Understanding Diverticulitis
Symptoms of Diverticulitis
Causes of Diverticulitis
Diagnosis of Diverticulitis
Treatment Options for Diverticulitis
Complications of Diverticulitis
Dietary Guidelines for Diverticulitis
Latest Research and Innovations in Diverticulitis Treatment
Long-Term Management and Recurrence Prevention
Talk to our Experts

Understanding Diverticulitis

Diverticulosis is the condition where these diverticula form in the colon. It is quite common, especially in older adults, and often does not cause any symptoms. However, when one or more of these pouches become inflamed or infected, it results in diverticulitis. The inflammation can cause severe pain and other symptoms, necessitating medical intervention.

Symptoms of Diverticulitis

The diverticulitis symptoms can vary but often include:

Abdominal Pain: The most common symptom is sudden and severe pain, usually on the lower left side of the abdomen. This pain can last for several hours or days and can sometimes be severe enough to require hospitalization.
Fever and Chills: Infection can cause fever and chills, indicating that the body is fighting an infection.
Nausea and Vomiting: These common symptoms can accompany abdominal pain, making the patient feel generally unwell.
Bloating and Gas: Many patients experience bloating and excessive gas, which can add to the discomfort.
Changes in Bowel Habits: This can include constipation, diarrhoea, or a combination of both, disrupting the normal bowel routine.
Rectal Bleeding: In some cases, there may be blood in the stool, which can be alarming and requires immediate medical attention.

Consult our gastroenterologist in Patiala if you are experiencing diverticulitis symptoms.

Causes of Diverticulitis

The exact cause of diverticulitis is not fully understood, but several factors are believed to contribute to its development:

Low Fiber Diet: A diet low in fibre can lead to constipation, which increases pressure in the colon and can cause diverticula to form. Fibre helps to keep stools soft and bulky, making them easier to pass.

Sample High-Fiber Diet Plan

Meal	Day1	Day2	Day3
Breakfast	Real Green Smoothie (12g fibre)	Apple Cinnamon Chia Pudding (10g fibre)	Avocado Toast with Burrata (10g fibre)
A.M. Snack	1 Clementine (1g fibre)	Baked Banana-Nut Oatmeal Cups (3g fiber)	1 Clementine (1g fibre)
Lunch	White Bean & Avocado Toast with a small pear (16g fibre)	Brussels Sprouts Salad with Crunchy Chickpeas (13g fibre)	Brussels Sprouts Salad with Crunchy Chickpeas (13g fibre)
P.M. Snack	8 Walnut halves (2g fiber)	1 Small Apple (3g fibre)	20 Dry-Roasted, Unsalted Almonds (3g fiber)
Dinner	Roasted Chicken & Winter Squash over Mixed Greens (7g fibre)	Hearty Chickpea & Spinach Stew (13g fibre)	Chicken Fajita Bowls with Guacamole (15g fibre)
Daily Total	38g fiber	42g fiber	42g fiber

Age: The risk of developing diverticulitis increases with age. As people age, the walls of the colon may weaken, making it easier for diverticula to form.
Genetics: There may be a genetic predisposition to developing diverticulitis. If a close family member has diverticulitis, you may be at higher risk.
Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, obesity, and lack of physical activity can increase the risk. These factors can affect overall digestive health and increase the likelihood of developing diverticulitis.

Diagnosis of Diverticulitis

Diagnosing diverticulitis typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests:

Medical History and Physical Examination: The doctor will ask about symptoms and perform a physical exam to check for tenderness in the abdomen.
Imaging Tests: Tests such as a CT scan, MRI, or ultrasound can help confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity of the condition. CT scans are particularly useful in identifying the location and extent of inflammation or infection.
Blood Tests: These can help detect infection or inflammation. Elevated white blood cell counts can indicate the presence of an infection.

Treatment Options for Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis treatment depends on the severity of the condition:

Dietary Changes: For mild cases, a clear liquid diet may be recommended to allow the colon to rest. Gradually, high-fiber foods can be reintroduced to help prevent future episodes.
Antibiotics: If an infection is present, antibiotics may be prescribed to treat it. These antibiotics help to clear the infection and reduce inflammation.
Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage the pain associated with diverticulitis. In some cases, stronger pain medications may be necessary.
Hospitalization: Severe cases may require hospitalization for intravenous antibiotics and fluids. This is necessary when oral antibiotics and home treatment are not sufficient.
Surgery: In cases where complications arise or if diverticulitis becomes chronic, surgery may be necessary to remove the affected portion of the colon. Surgical options can include minimally invasive procedures or more extensive surgeries depending on the severity and location of the affected area.

Complications of Diverticulitis

Untreated or severe diverticulitis can lead to several complications:

Abscess formation: Pockets of pus that can develop in the colon.
Perforation of the colon: A tear in the colon wall.
Fistulas: Abnormal connections between the colon and other organs.
Intestinal obstruction: Blockage of the colon.
Peritonitis: Infection of the abdominal cavity, a medical emergency

Dietary Guidelines for Diverticulitis

Diet plays a crucial role in both the management and prevention of diverticulitis:

During recovery: A low-fiber diet is recommended during flare-ups to reduce irritation.
Transitioning to prevention: Gradually increase fibre intake to prevent future episodes. High-fiber foods include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
Foods to avoid: During flare-ups, avoid nuts, seeds, and popcorn, which can irritate the colon. For long-term management, limit red meat and processed foods

Latest Research and Innovations in Diverticulitis Treatment

Recent advancements in the treatment of diverticulitis include:

Minimally invasive surgical techniques: Such as laparoscopic surgery.
Improved diagnostic tools: Enhanced imaging methods for better detection.
Clinical trials: Ongoing research into new medications and therapies.

Consult our gastroenterology hospital in Patiala if you need diverticulitis treatment.

Long-Term Management and Recurrence Prevention

Preventing future episodes involves lifestyle changes and regular medical check-ups:

Regular exercise: Helps maintain bowel health.
High-fiber diet: Essential for preventing constipation.
Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids to aid digestion.
Avoid smoking and limit alcohol: Both can increase the risk of diverticulitis.

Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and improve quality of life. Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider today to discuss your symptoms and explore the best treatment options for you.

Talk to our Experts

For expert care and comprehensive treatment, visit Manipal Hospitals Patiala. Our team of experienced gastroenterologists is dedicated to providing personalized care to help you manage and overcome diverticulitis. Stay informed, stay healthy, and take proactive steps to manage your digestive health.