Those who suffer from Diverticular Disease and Diverticulitis have a number of symptoms. Some of the symptoms include pain, a loss of appetite, and fatigue. Fortunately, there are a number of treatments available. Read on to learn more.
Symptoms
Symptoms of diverticular disease and diverticulitis vary depending on the type of diverticula and the severity of the infection. In some cases, patients may need to receive intravenous antibiotics and hydration. In other cases, patients may have surgery to remove the infected portion of the colon.
If the infection is severe, patients may require hospitalization. They may have changes in their blood pressure, heart rate, and white blood cell count. They may also require intravenous feeding and hydration.
Patients may have a fever. Patients with a fever are at a higher risk of developing complications. They may need to be admitted to the hospital to receive intravenous antibiotics and fluids. They may also be given pain medicines.
Patients with diverticular disease may also experience bleeding from the bowel. Bleeding may be light or heavy. In most cases, the bleeding will stop with supportive care in the hospital. However, if there is a lot of bleeding, it may require surgery. Alternatively, it may require a blood transfusion.
People with diverticular disease may also develop a fistula, which is an abnormal connection between an organ or organs. Fistulas are most commonly formed in the colon. They may also be formed between the bowel and the bladder or the vagina. They can also be formed between the uterus and the colon. Fistulas can be a life-threatening condition. If there is a fistula, patients may need surgery to remove the fistula.
The risk of developing a fistula is higher in patients who smoke or who have a low-fiber diet. A low-fiber diet reduces the number of feces that are passed through the large bowel. It also increases the amount of soft waste material in the colon.
If the infection has spread to the abdominal cavity, the patient may develop peritonitis. Peritonitis is a serious condition that can be life-threatening. This is caused by an abscess forming in the abdominal cavity. This abscess contains bacteria and white blood cells. This condition may require surgery or a colostomy.
Patients with severe diverticulitis may require intravenous antibiotics, surgery, or hospitalization. People with diverticulitis may also be treated with pain medicines.
Causes
Symptoms of diverticular disease and diverticulitis include lower abdominal pain, blood in the stool, nausea, bloating, and diarrhea. If you have these symptoms, visit your doctor. You may need to take antibiotics, antispasmodics, and pain medications.
If you have severe diverticulitis, you may need to be hospitalized. You may also need to receive intravenous fluids and antibiotics. You may also have to undergo surgery. This surgery may involve cutting the affected colon or creating a colostomy. If your symptoms are mild, you may be able to treat them at home.
In many cases, the causes of diverticular disease and diverticulitis are unknown. A lack of dietary fiber is thought to be one of the factors. When a person does not eat enough fiber, the colon must work harder to move its contents along. This can lead to irritability and pressure.
Some people may have a fistula, a weakened passageway between organs. A fistula can form between the colon and the bladder or between the colon and the vagina. In some cases, a fistula can even connect to the skin. A fistula does not close on its own and may need to be repaired.
Some people may have several pouches on the left side of the colon. This may happen because the inner layer of the colon pushes through the weak spots. These pouches may rupture into the abdominal cavity, causing an abscess. When an abscess develops, it may need to be surgically drained.
Another common symptom of diverticular disease and diverticulitis is a foul-smelling discharge from the vagina. This may happen because the colon is infected. This can lead to peritonitis, a serious infection that can lead to death.
Other symptoms may include fever, blood in the stool, constipation, and intermittent lower abdominal pain. If you experience these symptoms, see a doctor as soon as possible.
If your symptoms are mild, you may be treated at home with over-the-counter pain medications or antibiotics. You may be encouraged to start a diet that includes more fiber.
If you have severe diverticular disease or diverticulitis, you may need to have surgery or receive hospital care. This treatment will depend on the severity of the disease and your medical history.
Treatment
Generally, the treatment of diverticular disease and diverticulitis involves a number of different strategies. This may involve the use of antibiotics, painkillers, a change in diet, or a number of other techniques.
In some cases, the condition can be very serious. If you experience bleeding or severe pain, you should contact your GP or your local out-of-hours service right away.
A severe episode of diverticulitis may require hospitalization. You may need to receive intravenous (IV) fluids, antibiotics, and pain relievers. You may also be required to undergo surgery.
In some cases, the condition can develop into a more severe condition called complicated diverticulitis. This is when an abscess forms within your colon. This abscess is infected with white blood cells and bacteria. Depending on the size of the abscess, surgery may be needed.
Symptoms of complicated diverticulitis include abdominal pain, fever, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Usually, a CT scan is used to diagnose this condition. The results will determine whether there is an abscess, how large it is, and whether it has spread.
Depending on the severity of your diverticulitis, your doctor may recommend a series of antibiotics and antispasmodics. You may also be encouraged to eat more foods that contain fiber. This may help relieve symptoms of diverticulitis and prevent further diverticula from developing.
You should also drink enough water to prevent dehydration. A lack of dietary fiber is thought to be a common cause of diverticulosis.
In some cases, you may also need to undergo surgery to repair a stricture that forms. A stricture is an abnormal passageway that can connect the colon to other organs. The passageway can be difficult to clean, and may not close on its own. It is also possible for the colon to connect to the skin or the vagina. Depending on the severity of the infection, it may be necessary to remove the colon.
A CT scan may also be performed to assess the extent of the infection. Typically, these tests are performed after the patient receives contrast material to show the colon.
In some cases, surgery may be needed to clean the abs. This is usually performed after an abscess develops around the colon. If the inflammation is not severe, the colon can be repaired and joined back together later.
Complications
Various complications of diverticular disease and diverticulitis can occur, such as abscess, perforation, fistula, peritonitis, and urinary tract infection. These complications can result in hospitalization and may require surgery to fix the problem. These complications are also more common in women than men. Fortunately, these complications are treatable and can be avoided.
In general, the risk of recurrent diverticulitis is determined by the severity of the initial disease. Old age and diet may also play a role. The risk of recurrent attacks can range from 1.4% to 18%.
A patient who has had two or more attacks of diverticulitis is at an increased risk of requiring surgery. Typically, this means a colostomy, which is a permanent device that diverts the bowel through an opening in the tummy. It is important to note that the benefits of surgery may outweigh the risks.
An abscess is a localized infection of the diverticula. This infection can be severe and cause a perforation in the colon. If left untreated, this can lead to peritonitis, which is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. If the abscess is severe, it may cause obstruction of the bowel, which can be painful and uncomfortable. A CT scan may also show signs of a fistula, which is a passageway from the colon to the bladder or uterus.
If a patient has an abscess, they may be given antibiotics. These antibiotics will help to clear up the infection. If the infection is severe, it may cause a perforation in the colon and require surgery.
A fistula is a passageway that connects the colon to the bladder, uterus, skin, or another organ. The risk of this complication is higher in people with chronic diverticulitis. Symptoms include bleeding, cramping, and abdominal pain. These symptoms may improve after the stool has passed.
Other complications include a high white blood cell count, changes in blood pressure, and changes in heart rate. A high white blood cell count may indicate an infection. If a patient has a high white blood cell count, they may need antibiotics to clear up the infection.
If a patient experiences blood clots or other complications after surgery, they may be kept hydrated through an intravenous drip. They may also be injected with antibiotics. They may also be kept on a high-fiber diet to help relieve symptoms.
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