Diverticulitis

This might be kind of hard to follow because there are some many layers to just having Diverticulitis. First, Diverticulitis falls under Diverticular disease, which basically creates small pouches in the wall of the colon.

What It Is

Diverticulitis is the state where there is an inflammation, or diverticula, in some of the pouches that were formed. Common symptoms for this condition can be abdominal pain and a fever. According to the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS), a more severe case of symptoms that could cause complications if not treated are bleeding, trouble passing stool and the emergence of the tract to either the skin or other organs.

The emergencies are called Fistula and it happens when a connection is made by two body cavities (like the genitals and rectum) as well as a body cavity connecting to the skin. When this happens, that could mean that there is an abscess, a pocket in the body that is made out of pus.

Fistula is rare and must get treated if you have it. In the case of Diverticulitis, the colon and bladder become connected.   

When I talk about inflammatory bowel diseases, I’ll talk more about what Fistula is and how it treated (it’s connected together).

Cause

There is only theory on what causes the pouches to form in the colon. One theory is a continuing pressure is formed as food moves through the bowel and it could lead to infection due to the digested food or stool that became trapped, says Swedish Medicine.

Another theory is that because of a low fiber rational to the high consummation of red meat; it causes pressure on the colon and weak areas along the walls will form, says the ASCRS.

 Diagnosed

I said earlier that the most common symptoms are abdominal pain and a fever, but this condition is sneaky sometimes. Tests like screening colonoscopy and a CT scan could detect if you have Diverticulitis.

The people who mostly get affect are people who are over 40-50 years old. Dr. Axe says 10 percent of Americans over the age of 40 will have this and could be a problem as you start getting older. Other factors to consider are obesity and smoking.

Treatment

There are different types of treatment, but the ultimate goals for healing Diverticulitis is stop the infection, rest the bowel and no complications.

Medications like antibiotics and pain medication can be given. Fluids like water are the best to drink for 2-3 days and make sure to increase your fiber intake. Avoid laxatives, enemas and opioids medications.

If your condition is super serious, please go to the doctors. You’ll either be admitted for a couple days or you could have surgery for removal of the bowel that has pouches.