Despite not being a household name, diverticulosis is a common illness, especially as we age. Diverticulosis is the development of tiny, balloon-like pouches in the colon, or large intestine wall. These pouches typically don’t create any issues or symptoms. The majority of diverticulosis patients are actually unaware that they have the condition.
Diverticulitis, on the other hand, can arise from swelling or infection of one of these pouches. This particular condition causes pain in the belly, fever, and other stomach issues. So basically, diverticulitis needs medical attention while driving diverticulosis on its own is generally harmless.
Process of Diverticulitis
Diverticulitis starts when the small pouches called diverticula, which have formed in the walls of the colon, become inflamed or infected. Normally, these pouches don’t cause any issues on their own, which is a condition called diverticulosis. But certain things can trigger problems within them.
Sometimes, stool (waste products), or bacteria can get trapped in these small pouches. When this happens, it puts pressure on the colon and increases the chances of irritation or infection inside them. When the diverticula become irritated, the body reacts by sending more blood and immune cells to the area to fight any potential infection. This causes the area to get red and swollen.
If bacteria multiply within a pouch, the diverticulum can become infected. This infection can lead to the buildup of pus, which causes even more pain and discomfort. If the diverticulitis is less untreated, it can lead to complications like abscesses, a tear in the colon wall, or a blockage in the colon, which will require surgery to fix.
Symptoms of Diverticulitis
- Abdominal pain (typically in the lower left quadrant)
- Fever
- Nausea and vomiting
- Changes in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea)
- Bloating and gas
- Tenderness in the abdomen
Causes of Diverticulitis
Pressure in the Large Intestine (Colon): Sometimes the colon has to push harder to move stool along. This creates pressure on the colon wall. Over time, this pressure can create weak spots where small pouches form. These pouches can sometimes trap waste, which can lead to infection.
Not Enough Fiber: Eating enough fiber helps keep the stool soft and easy to pass along the large intestine or colon. Without enough fiber, stool can become hard, making it difficult to pass. This causes the colon to work harder, creating weak spots that lead to pouch formation.
Getting Older: As people age, the walls of the colon naturally become weaker, which makes it easy for pouches to form. Aging also tends to slow down digestion, which can add extra strain on the colon.
Bacteria and Trapped Waste: Bacteria can get trapped in the pouches, where they can multiply and cause infection. Even tiny bits of food or stool getting stuck in the pouches can trigger the body to respond with swelling.
Possible Complications of Diverticulitis
Developing a pouch in the wall of the colon is natural as you age. But as discussed above, there are certain factors that make this pouch development more likely to occur in a more problematic way. With diverticulitis, once it develops, there are a few problems that can make it more serious than it already is.
Abscesses: If a pouch becomes infected, it can be filled with pus, forming an abscess. An abscess is painful and can cause more problems if it bursts, like spreading infections.
Fistulas: In severe cases, an infected pouch might connect with another part of the body, like the bladder. This connection, called a fistula, can cause infections and may need surgery to fix.
Peritonitis: If a pouch bursts, it can release bacteria and waste into the belly area, which causes a serious infection called peritonitis.
Bottom Line
Having small pouches in the large intestine (colon) usually doesn’t cause any problems. But if one of them gets infected or swollen, it turns into diverticulitis. This can cause belly pain, fever, and other stomach problems. If not treated, diverticulitis can cause serious issues like abscesses, holes in the colon, or infections in the belly.
