Are you or a loved one dealing with diverticulitis? Today, we will provide an overview of diverticulitis, answering questions like “what is diverticulitis,” “what triggers a diverticulitis flare up,” and “how do you settle a diverticulitis flare-up?” Stay tuned to learn more and don’t forget to seek immediate medical attention if you are in acute pain.
What Is Diverticulitis?
Diverticulitis is a digestive condition that affects the colon, specifically the small pouches called diverticula that form along its walls. While diverticulosis refers to the presence of these pouches, diverticulitis occurs when these diverticula become inflamed or infected.
Diverticulitis Symptoms
We cover the signs and symptoms of diverticulitis in a previous blog; however a quick recap might be useful, as well. Since diverticulitis occurs when the diverticula become inflamed or infected, this leads to a range of symptoms, including:
Abdominal pain
A change in bowel habits
Nausea and/or vomiting
Fever and/or chills
Diverticulitis Risk Factors
Again, we’ve covered the risk factors of diverticulitis in more detail before. However, for a quick summary, what causes diverticulitis is still unknown. We do, however, know that there are some factors that may increase one’s risk of developing this condition, such as:
A diet low in fiber
Genetic factors (such as PCOS)
Having diverticular disease
Smoking
Being obese and/or physically inactive
Taking certain medications like NSAIDS, opiates, and steroids
Having an unbalanced gut microbiome
Treating Diverticulitis
Treatment for diverticulitis depends on the severity of the condition. Mild cases can often be managed with conservative measures, including rest, clear liquids, antibiotics, and pain medication. In more severe cases, hospitalization and additional interventions may be required. These can include intravenous antibiotics, bowel rest through a tube, or in some cases, surgery to remove the affected portion of the colon.
Common Questions About Diverticulitis:
What Happens if You Don’t Treat Diverticulitis?
If left untreated, diverticulitis can lead to various complications, such as:
Abscess formation
Perforation (a serious medical emergency)
Fistula formation
What Other Conditions Can Look Like Diverticulitis?
While diverticulitis presents with specific symptoms, there are other conditions that can mimic its signs and symptoms. It is important to consider these alternative conditions to ensure an accurate diagnosis. Here are a few conditions that can resemble diverticulitis:
Irritable bowel syndrome
Inflammatory bowel disease
Stomach flu
Colorectal cancer
Urinary tract infection
What Triggers a Diverticulitis Flare-Up?
As mentioned above, medical professionals aren’t sure what causes diverticulitis and flare-ups associated with it. That being said, you can minimize your risk by eating high-fiber foods, taking supplements like fiber and probiotics, and staying active.
How Do You Settle a Diverticulitis Flare-Up?
Keep in mind that you should always gauge your discomfort and react accordingly. All medical professionals will tell you that if your discomfort is enough to keep you from doing things around the house or your pain is enough to induce vomiting, you should seek medical attention right away. You should also seek medical attention immediately if you have a fever, chills, or disorientation associated with your flare-up.
Otherwise, rest, clear fluids, and pain meds can help you recover. And remember, if you’re dealing with what you think might be diverticulitis, you’ll need a diagnosis before you can move forward with treatment. Contact the team at the Colorectal Clinic of Tampa Bay today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Itriago.