What are Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis?

Diverticulosis vs Diverticulitis: What You Need to Know

Diverticulosis and diverticulitis are health conditions that are part of a common gastrointestinal disorder known as diverticular disease. Patients with these conditions suffer from abdominal pain and digestive issues that do not go away easily. Diverticular diseases are most common in adults over 50, though they can occur in younger individuals with risk factors like obesity or a low-fiber diet.

While they may sound similar, diverticulosis and diverticulitis are different diseases. Diverticulosis develops when small bulging pouches form on the colon's lining (a part of the large intestine). Once these pouches become inflamed or infected, they progress to a more severe condition called diverticulitis.

Read ahead to understand the differences between these diverticular diseases, their causes, and how they are treated.

What is Diverticulosis?

In diverticulosis, small bulging pouches called diverticula develop on the inner lining of the intestines. They form when the inner layer bulges through the weak points in the outer wall of the colon (large intestine). Progress is gradual, and conditions tend to worsen over time.

As digested food moves through the colon, it puts pressure on the wall linings. The pressure builds up mainly in the weaker areas, forcing the pouches outwards. The diverticula typically form in the sigmoid colon part of the large intestine.

Diverticulosis is usually asymptomatic but can lead to complications like diverticulitis (inflammation) or bleeding in some cases.

What is Diverticulitis?

Diverticulitis is a severe form of diverticulosis. This condition develops when small pouches along the colon lining become infected or inflamed. They can be classified in 4 ways, including:

1. Acute: This type of diverticulitis develops suddenly. However, it resolves on its own with proper medication. Chronic episodes of inflammation can occur, suggesting that the condition has not recovered or that there is another chronic complication in the colon.
2. Chronic: In chronic cases, swelling recurs over time. It happens if the earlier situation has not recovered, or you have another chronic colon condition.
3. Uncomplicated: It is the type of diverticulitis that resolves with the proper treatment (most common).
4. Complicated: Diverticulitis becomes complicated when inflammations start causing problems. Severe infections or inflammations can rupture the diverticula, resulting in scarring.

What is Diverticular Disease Caused By?

Diverticular diseases result from the gradual growth of pouches (diverticula) on the colon lining. Doctors are not sure about its underlying cause yet. However, its occurrence is linked to certain factors, such as:

• Consumption of low-fibre and high amounts of red meat.
• Diverticular diseases are sometimes hereditary in families.
• A sedentary lifestyle (lack of physical activity)
• Being overweight or obese.
• Smoking
• Being on medications such as steroids, opioids, and NSAIDs.
• Connective tissue problems in the large intestine.
• An imbalance in gut bacteria can contribute to infections and complications.

How To Treat Diverticular Disease?

Diverticular diseases are treated based on the symptoms, age, overall health, and severity of the condition. Here are some of the treatment options to consider:

• Balancing Diet: For long-term management, doctors recommend a high-fibre diet (20 to 35 g daily). Such foods include:
• Whole-grain breads, cereals, and grains
• High-fibre fruits such as apples, peaches, and berries
• Broccoli, spinach, cabbage, etc.
• Legumes, including beans and lentils
• A clear, liquid diet and rest to heal your body gradually
• Taking Medications: Pain medications for discomfort, antibiotics to fight infections, medication for muscle spasms
• Surgical Intervention (If Required): Surgery is suggested only if no other treatment works. The affected part of the colon is removed surgically. In case of an abscess, a drainage tube is placed to remove the infected fluid.

What is the Difference Between Diverticulitis and Coeliac Disease?

Diverticulitis and coeliac disease are somewhat similar in various ways; however, some significant differences separate them. The table below represents the differences between the two in detail:

Based on

• Diverticulitis
• Coeliac Disease

Location

• Colon (large intestine)
• Gut (small intestine)

Because

• When diverticula (small pouches) on the large intestine get infected
• Inflammation can happen due to irritation or infection.
• An autoimmune disease. The occurrence of digestive problems after consuming gluten.
• The immune system has a reaction to gluten, causing inflammation in the small intestine.

Symptoms

• Severe abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Fever
• Bloating
• Constipation or Diarrhoea
• Fresh blood in stools (rare)
• Stomach pain and bloating
• Constipation or diarrhoea
• Fatty stools
• Weakness
• Pale complexion
• Weight loss
• Delayed growth in children
• Tooth defects
• Difficulty in getting pregnant

Diagnosis

• Blood, stool, or urine test to check for infections
• CT (computed tomography) scan of the colon to look for inflamed diverticula
• A liver enzyme test is prescribed to check for liver issues.

(The diagnosis of diverticulitis involves eliminating signs of other diseases with similar symptoms.)

• Blood test to check for antibodies to gluten
• Perform a biopsy on a small tissue sample collected from the small intestine.
• The doctor may perform an endoscopy to inspect the inside of the small intestine.

Treatment

• For mild cases, treatments include rest and a liquid diet.
• In severe cases, hospitalisation becomes necessary. Medicine is passed through IV, and surgery may be performed to remove the infected pouches or a section of the infected colon.
• Stop consuming gluten. A strict gluten-free diet is mandatory.

Additional treatments include:

1. Medications for nutritional deficiencies.
2. Medications to treat dermatitis herpetiformis.
3. Corticosteroids are used if the body does not respond to diet.
4. Continuous follow-up

While diverticular diseases may sound threatening, they can be managed with proper information and medical advice. A healthy lifestyle and a balanced, fibre-rich diet can make a difference. If you are experiencing abdominal pain or related symptoms, check with your doctor immediately.

It is also advised to have health insurance to secure your health and finances during critical times. At Star Health, we offer comprehensive coverage for various health conditions under our tailored insurance plans. We also provide hassle-free claim settlements with reduced turnaround time across over 14,000 network hospitals in India.