What Is Diverticulitis?
Diverticulitis is associated with the formation of diverticula, which are pouch-shaped formations that occur along your digestive tract. Diverticula most often occur in the colon, i.e., the large intestine. These pouches are a result of weak spots in the intestinal walls that tend to blow outward. The pouches (diverticula) can become inflamed or infected by bacteria, thus causing diverticulitis. Diverticula are harmless unless they are inflamed or infected. If you have developed diverticula that are not infected or inflamed, the condition is known as diverticulosis. Let’s take a quick look a the major differences between diverticulitis and diverticulosis.
Diverticulitis Vs. Diverticulosis
Diverticulitis
It is associated with the formation of pouches called diverticula that become inflamed or infected. There is a chance of recurrence. Diverticulitis can also turn chronic in some people. The risk of developing diverticulitis increases with age.
Diverticulosis
Diverticulosis is associated with the formation of pouches called diverticula that are not infected or inflamed. It usually doesn’t exhibit any symptoms, and if the condition actually does cause symptoms, it is referred to as symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease (SUDD). In rare cases, diverticulosis can result in the development of diverticulitis. As in the cases of diverticulitis, the risk of developing diverticulosis increases with age.
Unlike diverticulosis, diverticulitis can cause mild to severe symptoms that can occur all of a sudden or gradually over a few days.
Signs And Symptoms
The common signs and symptoms associated with diverticulitis are:
Abdominal pain that typically occurs in the lower left side Nausea Vomiting Fever Increased urinary frequency Diarrhea Constipation Blood in the stool
Diverticulitis is caused by a combination of factors that are discussed below.
Causes And Risk Factors
The root cause of diverticulitis is the blockage of the opening diverticula. This blockage is usually triggered by the accumulation of fecal matter that leads to inflammation and subsequent infections. Other factors associated with an increased risk of diverticulitis are:
A diet low in fiber Heredity: A family history of the condition A sedentary lifestyle Obesity Smoking Regular use of certain nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications like aspirin A deficiency in vitamin D Sex: In those aged 50 or younger, diverticulitis is more common in men, whereas, in those aged above 50, it is more common in women. Advancing age
Since the symptoms of diverticulitis are similar to those of many other health conditions, your doctor may need to carry out one or more of the following tests to diagnose your condition.
How Is Diverticulitis Diagnosed?
You may be asked about your symptoms, medical history, and the medications you are on. Other diagnostic tests may include:
A physical exam to check the abdomen for tenderness A digital rectal exam to look for symptoms of pain, bleeding, masses, or other problems
Other diagnostic tests that may need to be carried out include:
Blood tests to look for inflammation, anemiai XA medical condition characterized by a lack of sufficient healthy red blood cells in the body. , or other medical conditions like kidney or liver problems Imaging tests like an abdominal ultrasound or CT scan Urine test to look for different types of infections Stool test to check GI infectionsi XBacterial, viral, or parasitic infections that cause inflammation in the intestines or the stomach. Pelvic examination to rule out gynecological problems Women may have to take a pregnancy test to rule out pregnancy
Once your condition is diagnosed, your doctor may prescribe treatments depending on the severity of the symptoms.
Treatments For Diverticulitis
The treatment options for diverticulitis may include:
A clear liquid diet A low-fiber diet Medications for diverticulitis including antibiotics like Metronidazole, Ciprofloxacin, or Amoxicillin Follow-up medical appointment to check if your symptoms have improved Surgery for severe cases of diverticulitis
The symptoms of diverticulitis can usually be managed right at home in the initial stages. However, in rare cases, it can lead to complications, and those suffering from acute cases may need to be admitted in a hospital for treatment. The home remedies that can help in managing the symptoms of diverticulitis are listed below.
How To Manage The Symptoms Of Diverticulitis Naturally
Home Remedies To Ease The Pain Of Diverticulitis
1. Slippery Elm
2 teaspoons of slippery elm 1 glass of water, fruit juice, or tea
You can drink this mixture 1 to 2 times per day. Slippery elm has demulcent properties that can help in relieving inflammation of the diverticula in your intestine (2). Take your doctor’s advice before consuming this.
2. Aloe Vera Juice
1-2 tablespoons of fresh aloe vera juice Drink one to two tablespoons of fresh aloe vera juice daily. Make sure you drink it only once daily. Aloe vera is used to treat various health conditions due to its healing and anti-inflammatory properties (3). These properties can help in soothing the inflamed and irritated diverticula along the digestive tract.
3. Vitamin D
25-100 mcg of vitamin D You can do this on a daily basis. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increased risk of developing diverticulitis. Hence, maintaining optimal levels of serum vitamin D can also help you deal with the condition (4).
4. Licorice Root
1-2 teaspoons of dried licorice root 1 cup of hot water
You can drink licorice tea 1 to 2 times daily. Licorice is widely used to treat spasms and inflammation, especially those of the gastrointestinal tracti XThe digestive passage leading from the mouth to the anus, containing all major organs of the digestive system. (5). Hence, it can definitely work wonders when it comes to soothing the inflamed diverticula.
5. Grapefruit Seed Extract
8-12 drops of standardized and chemical-free grapefruit seed extract 1 glass of water
You may drink this mixture once daily. Grapefruit seed extract is a powerful antibacterial agent that can help in treating infected diverticula (6).
6. Ginger
1-2 inches of sliced ginger root 1 cup of water
You can drink ginger tea 1-2 times daily. The rich composition of ginger makes it a beneficial remedy in treating various medical conditions. Its anti-inflammatory properties can soothe an inflamed digestive tract and relax the muscles of the gut (7).
7. Garlic
1 teaspoon of garlic juice Honey (optional)
You can do this once daily to combat diverticulitis. Garlic possesses impressive anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties (8), (9). These activities might be helpful in treating diverticulitis and its symptoms.
8. Turmeric
1 teaspoon of turmeric powder 1 glass of hot milk
Do this at least once daily. Curcumin, the active compound of turmeric, possesses powerful anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties (11), (12). These can help in reducing the inflammation and infection associated with diverticulitis.
9. Apple Cider Vinegar
1-2 teaspoons of raw apple cider vinegar 1 glass of warm water
You can drink this concoction 1 to 2 times daily. ACV has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can be helpful in the treatment of diverticulitis (13). These remedies will help in managing the symptoms of diverticulitis and lessen the pain. You must also pay attention to your diet as it has a major role to play in your recovery from diverticulitis.
How Does Your Diet Affect Diverticulitis?
A diverticulitis diet is usually a temporary measure that gives your digestive system some rest. Oral intake of eatables is usually reduced until the symptoms of bleeding and diarrhea subside. Your doctor might prescribe you a clear liquid diet that includes the following.
Fruit juices without pulp Broths and soups Ice chips Ice popsicles without fruit pulps Water Gelatin Tea Coffee without cream
Once your symptoms start improving, your doctor may ask you to begin intake of low-fiber foods gradually They include:
Peeled fruits without seeds that are cooked or canned Canned or cooked peeled vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, and beans Poultry Fish Eggs Fruit and vegetable juices (without pulp) Low fiber cereals Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt White rice, pasta, and noodles
You also need to restrict your intake of certain foods if you are suffering from diverticulitis. These are foods that are difficult to digest.
Nuts Corn Popcorn Seeds
By now, you must have understood that one of the best ways to prevent diverticulitis from worsening is to modify your diet and lifestyle. Listed below are a few additional tips that can prevent the recurrence of diverticulitis.
Prevention Tips
Increase your intake of fiber-rich foods gradually once your symptoms begin improving. Drink a lot of fluids. Avoid consuming refined foods like white rice, white pasta, etc. Avoid getting constipated. Using over-the-counter laxativesi XDrugs or medicines that help loosen up stool and relieve constipation. or stool softeners may help. Exercise regularly. Quit smoking. Manage your weight.
When to see a doctor for diverticulitis? Check out the infographic below to learn more about the top home remedies you can follow to ease some of the symptoms of this condition. If you feel that you are exhibiting any of the symptoms associated with diverticulitis, see a doctor and avail medical treatment immediately. What does the pain that surfaces diverticulitis feel like? The symptoms of diverticulitis can last anywhere from a few hours to days. Its most prominent symptom is severe pain (cramp) that is often felt on the lower left side of the abdomen. How long does diverticulitis pain last? The symptoms of diverticulitis, such as pain and cramps that occur in the lower left quadrant of the abdomen, can last for hours or even days. Does diverticulitis cause diarrhea? The inflammation of the diverticula that forms along the digestive tract can cause many symptoms and hardly subsides completely. This inflammation can cause constipation, diarrhea, bloating, abdominal pain, and bloating. Are bananas good for diverticulitis? Possibly. Bananas are rich in fiber and potassium that are thought to aid in recovery. However, more information is needed in this regard. Does drinking water help diverticulitis? Yes, drinking water can help with diverticulitis and also prevent constipation. What happens if you let diverticulitis go untreated? Diverticulitis, if left untreated, may cause severe pain and accumulation of pus (also called an abscess) outside the colon wall. It may even cause a generalized infection in the lining of the abdominal cavity. Can diverticulitis be caused by stress? Yes, environmental stress plays a role in the development of diverticulitis. Even stress on the digestive system, caused due to low-fiber or high-fat diets, can cause diverticulitis. What tea is best for diverticulitis? Green tea is best for diverticulitis as it has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and antiviral properties that may reduce inflammation and slow down the associated infection.
