Commonly seen in people over 40 years old, diverticulitis is rarely an issue. Diverticula are small pouches that form in the lining of the digestive system, (typically in the large intestine/colon) and are usually harmless. Simply having the pouches means that you have diverticulosis. However, when the diverticula become inflamed, it can cause diverticulitis. Diverticulitis can cause a variety of symptoms, but many patients report abdominal discomfort and fever. Fortunately, there are many ways to prevent diverticulitis and it is considered a very treatable condition. Family physicians are equipped to manage and treat diverticulitis, but more complex cases may require the expertise of a gastroenterologist. Gastroenterologists have the equipment necessary to perform more complicated procedures and surgeries that you may need because of diverticulitis.
Causes of Diverticulitis
As previously mentioned, your risk for diverticulitis increases with age once you turn 40. Obesity and poor exercise habits can also increase your chances of developing diverticulitis. Like many other conditions, smoking appears to put you at a greater risk for developing diverticulitis, most likely due to the inflammatory properties that smoking can have on the body. People who have low fiber diets as well as a high animal fat diet may also be at an increased risk for diverticulitis, in addition to many other gastrointestinal disorders. There also appears to be some evidence that a lack of Vitamin D in the diet may have an effect on your chances of getting diverticulitis. Abuse of certain drugs and medications may increase your risk, as well as overuse of over the counter drugs. It's important to note that many people are genetically prone to getting diverticulitis, so there's not much that can be done on that front.
Symptoms to Look For
Unfortunately, diverticulitis shares symptoms with other illnesses which can make it difficult to receive a proper diagnosis if you don't know what you're looking for. Symptoms may appear over the course of a few days for some people, or may come on very suddenly. Most patients experience some form of abdominal pain, typically on their lower left side. However, you may experience pain on your right side or none at all. Some people notice rectal bleeding, as well as symptoms like nausea, vomiting, constipation, tenderness in the abdominal region, blood in your stool, and chills. It's important to note that while diarrhea can be a symptom, it's not very common. Typically, your doctor will have to go through a variety of tests to determine that you have diverticulitis because many of the symptoms overlap with conditions like the flu, irritable bowel syndrome, and some gynecological issues.
Treatment
Around 75 percent of patients with diverticulitis have uncomplicated cases, meaning that they can be treated at home. Typically, your primary care provider will put you on a clear liquid diet for a few days and have you avoid solid foods. Some over the counter options can also be used for pain management during this time. If your diverticulitis appears to be related to an infection, you may receive antibiotics to eliminate the germs causing your discomfort. If your case is more severe, your doctor may perform a needle drainage to remove the excess pus buildup within your large intestine. Surgery may be required if the pus cannot be drained, if you develop a fistula, or if an infection occurs within your colon. If you prefer a more natural route, some mild cases can be treated and managed with a daily dose of probiotics. However, it's important to consult with your physician prior to trying at home remedies.