Diverticulitis is inflammation of the digestive system caused by small pouches forming along the lining of the intestines. Symptoms include abdominal tenderness, digestive distress, nausea, vomiting, bleeding, and bladder infections. Prompt treatment is important to avoid serious complications such as shock and death.
The most common symptoms of diverticulitis include abdominal tenderness and indigestion, including gas and nausea. Less common but more serious problems include bleeding and bladder infection. In most cases, the condition resolves on its own with time and proper treatment, and most people make a full recovery within a few days of being diagnosed. Timely care is important, though. If diverticulitis is allowed to progress out of control, it can lead to much more serious symptoms including prolonged pain and potentially even death. Those experiencing symptoms of this condition should see a doctor as soon as possible to ensure proper treatment. Regular preventive checkups will also help identify the problem early so that early medical intervention can be made.
Understand the condition in general
In its simplest sense, diverticulitis is inflammation of the digestive system, especially the intestines. Both the large and human intestines are lined with a porous, fleshy substance that can be prone to irritation. Diverticulitis occurs when small pockets or pouches, known medically as “diverticula,” form along the lining of the intestines and sometimes in the colon as well. These pouches by themselves aren’t necessarily problematic, and many people who have them have no symptoms. Symptoms most commonly occur when bacteria collect in the crevices in and around the bags, which can lead to inflammation and eventually infection.
Abdominal soreness
One of the most common symptoms of diverticulitis is abdominal tenderness. The nature of this abdominal pain or tenderness can vary between patients. It may be most severe in the morning and decrease in intensity throughout the day, or it may fluctuate throughout the day or vary in conjunction with bowel movements. The onset of pain can also vary. That is, the pain can come on quickly and severely, or it can slowly increase in intensity over the course of days or weeks. Most people are sensitive to both touch and movement, and stretching or straining often makes it worse.
digestive distress
Swelling is also very commonly reported. Usually, bloating is accompanied by related problems such as increased gas or flatulence, constipation, and intestinal cramps. Relatedly, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may be implicated. Of course, bloating alone or even bloating along with these other digestive system problems like constipation or gas aren’t necessarily indicative of diverticulitis. Many things, including diet and lifestyle, can affect digestive function. People usually don’t need to worry unless these problems persist for a number of days, particularly if they don’t respond to changes or medications.
Nausea and vomiting can also be signs of diverticulitis. In severe cases, blood may also be present in the vomit. Sometimes people may also experience fever, chills, and intense abdominal pain.
hemorrhage
A much rarer symptom of diverticulitis is bleeding. Colon and intestinal bleeding can be identified by bloody stools, although it is important to note that not all bloody stools are not necessarily a sign of bleeding in the intestines or colon. Regardless, any blood associated with bowel movements should be brought to the attention of a healthcare professional.
Bladder infections
In extreme cases patients may also experience bladder infections or difficulty urinating. Urination may be implicated in cases of diverticulitis if a fistula, or small perforation, forms and connects the diverticula to the bladder. While this is more common in men with diverticulitis than women, it can certainly occur in both genders. The result is typically a urinary tract infection that can make urinating painful or much more frequent than normal.
Importance of prompt treatment
If left untreated for a significant amount of time, diverticulitis can lead to dizziness and even shock. Shock often occurs due to a significant amount of internal blood loss and subsequent decrease in blood pressure. In severe cases, extreme shock can lead to unconsciousness or even death. Individuals who have been diagnosed with diverticulitis in the past or who believe they may currently be suffering from the condition should seek medical help as soon as possible. As with many medical conditions, the quicker the problem is diagnosed, the greater the likelihood of a favorable outcome.
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