The main difference between diverticulitis and diverticulosis is how they present in a person. Diverticulosis is the presence of diverticula, or small pouches, in the wall of the large intestine and is usually asymptomatic.
Diverticulitis results when those pouches become inflamed or infected, causing symptoms such as abdominal pain and tenderness, fever, constipation, and diarrhea. Treatment for diverticulosis typically involves dietary changes such as increasing fiber intake, whereas treatment for diverticulitis often includes antibiotics and a liquid diet.
In severe cases, surgery may be required.
Which one is worse diverticulosis or diverticulitis?
It is difficult to say which one is worse between diverticulosis and diverticulitis, as both conditions can cause different levels of discomfort and serious medical complications. Diverticulosis is a condition in which small, bulging pouches form on the inner lining of the colon (large intestine).
These pouches, called diverticula, can cause abdominal pain and constipation, but generally do not cause serious health problems. Diverticulitis, however, is a more serious complication of diverticulosis, in which the diverticula become inflamed and may become infected.
This can lead to severe pain, nausea, fever, and vomiting and in some cases even require hospitalization. Therefore, while most people with diverticulosis can manage the condition with dietary and lifestyle changes, diverticulitis needs to be treated with antibiotics and, if necessary, surgery in order to reduce the risk of complications.
How serious is diverticulosis?
Diverticulosis can range from being a mild condition with no symptoms to a serious life-threatening condition with severe complications. In most cases, diverticulosis is mild and can be managed with changes in diet and lifestyle.
Although rare, severe complications such as an abscess, fistula, obstruction, and perforation can occur. Additionally, there is an increased risk of developing a complication known as diverticulitis.
Diverticulitis is an inflammation of the diverticula. Complications from diverticulitis such as infection, bleeding, fistula formation, or abscess can be very serious if not treated promptly and appropriately.
People with severe diverticulosis may require surgery to remove the affected part of the intestine or to repair the bowel. For this reason, it is important to see a healthcare provider regularly to monitor for signs and symptoms that could indicate a more serious complication.
How long can you live with diverticulosis?
Diverticulosis is a medical condition in which small pouches, or diverticula, form on the lining of the large intestine. While the condition does not cause any symptoms, it can become a more serious health issue if one of the pouches becomes infected, a condition known as diverticulitis.
This can cause complications such as pain and inflammation, bleeding, and potential tissue blockages.
Generally, the prognosis for people with diverticulosis is good. Most people with the condition do not experience any symptoms and therefore do not experience any negative effect on their long-term health or life expectancy.
However, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and complications associated with the condition to prevent them from becoming serious. Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider can help monitor any changes in your condition, and changes in diet and lifestyle are often recommended to reduce the risk of developing diverticulitis or other complications.
In the absence of any complications, people with diverticulosis should be able to live a normal life until an advanced age. Generally speaking, the life expectancy for someone living with the condition is typically the same as for someone without any illnesses.
What is worse than diverticulitis?
Diverticulitis can be a very painful and debilitating condition, but worse than diverticulitis is a complication of diverticulitis known as a perforation. A perforation is a tear in the wall of the intestine, which allows bacteria and fecal material to enter the abdominal cavity, leading to a serious and potentially life-threatening infection called peritonitis.
The infection, which is caused by the potential spread of bacteria, can occur when a diverticulum (a small pouch on the outside of the colon) becomes inflamed or infected. Symptoms include severe abdominal pain, fever, nausea, vomiting and chills.
If left untreated, the infection can cause sepsis, a serious and life-threatening blood infection that can lead to shock and, without prompt and proper medical treatment, can even cause death.
Does diverticulosis ever heal?
Diverticulosis is a condition that occurs when small pockets or bulges form in the wall of the digestive system, usually in the large intestine. The condition is often harmless, but it can lead to more serious complications like diverticulitis.
The good news is that, in most cases, diverticulosis does not need any treatment and can heal on its own.
In some cases, lifestyle changes like a high-fiber diet and regular exercise can help the condition improve. A high-fiber diet can help keep your intestines functioning normally and reduce irritation or inflammation of the digestive tract.
Additionally, regular exercise can help by keeping your body and digestive system working properly and reducing stress on your gastrointestinal tract.
In rare cases, diverticulosis may require medication or surgery. Medication therapy is typically used to reduce inflammation and reduce the symptoms, while surgery may be necessary to treat complications such as abscesses, fistulas, or intestinal obstruction.
While diverticulosis is often harmless, it is important to be aware of potential complications and take steps to manage the condition before it progresses to a more serious condition.
Can diverticulosis become cancerous?
Yes, diverticulosis can become cancerous. This is known as diverticular carcinoma, and it is a type of colorectal cancer, which forms in the part of the large intestine (colon) that has been weakened by diverticulosis.
The exact cause of diverticular carcinoma is not known, but it is possible that long-standing diverticulosis can lead to a greater risk of developing this condition. While diverticular carcinoma is still rare, it is increasing in frequency and can be deadly if not identified and treated early.
Symptoms resemble those of diverticulitis and may include abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, nausea, vomiting, and a change in bowel habits. If you accept these signs or believe you may have diverticulosis, it is important to speak to a physician for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Should I worry about diverticulosis?
Yes, you should worry about diverticulosis, as it can become very serious if left untreated. Diverticulosis is a condition in which small pouches, called diverticula, form in the walls of the intestines.
It is most common in people over the age of 40 and is often asymptomatic, meaning it doesn’t cause any symptoms. However, if the diverticulosis becomes inflamed or infected – a condition called diverticulitis – then it can cause abdominal pain, nausea, fever, and a change in bowel habits.
In serious cases, the infection can spread and lead to complications such as fistulas, abscesses, and perforations. Because of this, it’s important to seek medical treatment if you start to experience any of these symptoms.
Receiving prompt medical care can help avoid more serious complications, such as perforations in the intestine which can require immediate surgery. It’s also important to make any necessary lifestyle changes – such as quitting smoking, increasing physical activity, and eating a high-fiber diet – in order to help keep diverticulosis from worsening and becoming more serious.
Is diverticulosis caused by stress?
No, diverticulosis is not caused by stress. Diverticulosis is a condition that can occur when small pouches form in the lining of the colon, and can be caused by a combination of factors such as genetics, age, and lifestyle.
A high fat, low fiber diet is one of the main contributing factors to both diverticulosis and diverticulitis (the inflammation of the pouches). Other contributing factors include lack of physical activity, obesity, smoking, and certain medications.
There is no evidence that stress or emotional factors play a role in the development of either diverticulosis or diverticulitis.