Diverticulosis and diverticulitis are conditions related to the formation of small pouches, called diverticula, in the walls of the colon.
Diverticulosis
- Definition: Diverticulosis refers to the presence of diverticula (small, bulging pouches) in the colon, usually in the lower part of the large intestine (sigmoid colon).
- Cause: This condition is primarily linked to a low-fiber diet, which can lead to increased pressure in the colon, causing the weak spots in the colon to bulge outward.
- Symptoms: Diverticulosis typically does not cause symptoms, and many people may not know they have it unless they have a colonoscopy or imaging for another reason.
- Diagnosis: It is often diagnosed incidentally during tests for other issues like colonoscopy or CT scan.
Diverticulitis
- Definition: Diverticulitis occurs when one or more of the diverticula become inflamed or infected.
- Cause: This condition can develop when a diverticulum becomes blocked by stool, bacteria, or other debris, leading to inflammation or infection.
- Symptoms: Diverticulitis can cause severe abdominal pain (often in the lower left side), fever, nausea, vomiting, constipation, or changes in bowel movements.
- Complications: If untreated, diverticulitis can lead to complications such as perforation (tears in the colon), abscesses, fistulas, or even peritonitis (infection of the abdominal cavity).
- Treatment: Mild cases are treated with antibiotics and a liquid or low-fiber diet, while more severe cases may require hospitalization or even surgery.
In summary:
- Diverticulosis is the presence of diverticula, often without symptoms.
- Diverticulitis is the inflammation or infection of these diverticula, which can cause symptoms and complications.
