{"id":1143,"date":"2017-11-08T05:23:47","date_gmt":"2017-11-08T05:23:47","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=1143"},"modified":"2021-03-15T15:09:36","modified_gmt":"2021-03-15T15:09:36","slug":"10-common-diverticulitis-symptoms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/10-common-diverticulitis-symptoms\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Common Diverticulitis Symptoms"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Diverticulitis occurs when tiny sacs, known as diverticula, develop in the tissue that lines the bowels. These pockets usually occur in the large intestine, but they can also develop in the colon. When the sacs firs develop but have yet to become inflamed, the condition is known as diverticulosis. As the sacs become inflamed or infected, the condition progresses to diverticulitis. The presence of diverticula usually means that diverticulitis is imminent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s estimated that approximately 10 percent of the global population are affected by diverticulitis by the time the reach the age of 50, and about 50 percent by the age of 80. Though diverticulitis is quite common, the exact cause of the condition is unknown; however, it is believed that eating a diet that is low in fiber contributes to the development of diverticula. When the stools are hard, they place pressure on the lining of the bowels, which could cause diverticula. Once the tiny pockets develop, if fecal matter gets trapped in them, diverticulitis occurs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If are frequently constipated, eat a diet that is low in fiber, are obese or over the age of 50, you\u2019re more likely to develop diverticulitis. Symptoms of this condition include the following\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Lack of symptoms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In many cases, diverticulitis <\/a>exists for a while without presenting any symptoms. It usually isn\u2019t until complications arise that symptoms of this condition develop. The appearance of diverticula (the small pockets in the colon or large intestine that lead to diverticulitis) are fairly common. They usually don\u2019t cause pain or other health problems until they become inflamed or infected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once diverticula become inflamed or infected, pain or other health issues begin to occur. For this reason, many people who suffer from diverticulitis can have it for years without knowing that they have this common health issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Diarrhea<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you suffer from frequent bouts of diarrhea<\/a>, it could be a sign that you have developed diverticulitis. Diarrhea is marked by stools that are watery and loose, as well as an increased urge to pass the bowels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Often, the urge to pass the bowels is immediate. When the diverticula become inflamed, it can lead to marked changes in the bowel movements, such as diarrhea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Though it is a symptom that is commonly associated with other conditions, if you\u2019re experiencing diarrhea 8 of the other symptoms mentioned on this list, there\u2019s a chance that you could have diverticulitis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Constipation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Just like diverticulitis can cause diarrhea, it can also do the reverse and block the system up, resulting in constipation. This symptom usually occurs before diarrhea sets in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s actually the constipation<\/a>, which is marked by hard bowels that are difficult to pass, which weaken the walls of the intestines and lead to the development of pouches that become inflamed or infected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Constipation is a side effect of many things, such as taking an iron supplement or not eating enough fiber; however, it is also often associated with diverticulitis. If you develop constipation, diverticulitis could be in your future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Bloating in the belly<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Bloating refers to a sensation that causes you to feel as if your belly is full of fluid. It can be uncomfortable and make your clothing fit tightly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are several reasons the abdomen <\/a>can become bloated, such as an excess buildup of gas, or the accumulation of fluid; it\u2019s also a symptom that is often associated with diverticulitis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the pouches in the intestinal walls become inflamed, it\u2019s not unusual to experience belly bloat. Should you notice that your belly feels and\/or looks bloated, it could be a sign that indicates you have developed diverticulitis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>5. A fever<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In many cases of diverticulitis, patients develop a high fever<\/a>, which could reach 100 degrees F or more. Diverticulitis is often the result of an infection in the diverticula, or the small pouches that develop in the lining of the bowels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you develop any type of infection, the body tries to fight it off by raising its temperature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Doing so makes the body less habitable for the infection, thus driving it out. Should you develop a high fever, especially if you are experiencing any other symptoms on this list, it\u2019s important to contact a doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>6. Abdominal pain and tenderness<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Diverticulitis often causes pain or tenderness in the abdomen. This pain is the result of the inflammation or the infection that has developed in the pouches that have developed within the walls of the intestines<\/a>, or the diverticula.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The inflammation or infection places pressure on the abdomen, which can cause pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many patients describe this pain as being moderate to severe. It usually waxes and wanes and is most noticeable after eating something, especially nuts or foods that have seeds. If you experience pain and tenderness in your abdominal area, diverticulitis could be to blame.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>7. Gas<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Gas <\/a>and the pains that are associated with it is not uncommon for a person to experience. There are several reasons why excess gas can buildup in the abdomen; eating foods that are highly gaseous, certain medications and other medical conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome or Chron\u2019s disease. However, gas and gas pains are symptoms that are commonly associated with diverticulitis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have diverticulitis and do experience gas, you will likely notice that the pain associated with this condition will become worse. That\u2019s because gas puts more pressure on the intestinal walls, which are already inflamed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Bloody stools<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are several conditions that can cause bloody stools, such as hemorrhoids <\/a>or more severe health complications, including colon cancer; however, blood in the stools is also a symptom that can be associated with diverticulitis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If fecal matter becomes trapped in the diverticula for a long period of time, it can cause bleeding in the intestines. The blood passes out of the intestines by way of the bowels. You may notice that your stools feature bright red streaks, or that they are darker or almost black in color.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have bloody stools, contact a doctor immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>9. Nausea<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Many people who develop diverticulitis also experience nausea<\/a>, or an uneasiness or queasiness in the stomach. Nausea can also be marked by the urge to vomit, and vomiting usually does occur; however, you might also experience nausea without every vomiting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nausea can be associated with various medical conditions, including migraine headaches, motion sickness, pregnancy, food poisoning, Chron\u2019s disease and the stomach flu, as well as diverticulitis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you notice that your stomach is feeling upset and that you have an urge to vomit, especially if you are experiencing any of the other symptoms, you may be suffering from diverticulitis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>10. Loss of appetite<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Many people who develop diverticulitis often experience a loss of appetite. You might have the desire to eat less, or not at all. Other symptoms that are associated with diverticulitis, such as abdominal pain and tenderness<\/a>, as well as bloating, are often made worse when eating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As such, it stands to reason that you may not have much of a desire to eat. A poor appetite for a prolonged period of time could lead to weight loss, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your appetite has suddenly decreased and you are losing weight it could be a symptom of diverticulitis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11. Urination Problems<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Issues with your digestive tract affect every other biological system in the body. People who are suffering from diverticulitis sometimes report problems with urination<\/a>. It\u2019s common to feel an increased urge to urinate frequently throughout the day, and you may also notice a burning sensation when you pee.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

These urinary symptoms may cause you to think you have a sexually transmitted infection, such as gonorrhea, which presents similar symptoms. However, unlike gonorrhea, you won\u2019t experience any discharge.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Diverticulitis bacteria can spread from the digestive system into surrounding tissues and organs, affecting the renal system. The bacterium cause issues with your kidneys and urinary tract, and may lead to the development of a UTI. Urinary problems can also occur due to the development of a fistula between the colon and bladder.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you notice urinary issues, along with stomach pain or other related symptoms, it\u2019s probably an associated symptom of diverticulitis. Please speak to your medical professional. They can treat these secondary symptoms with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory to clear the infection and reduce swelling.<\/span><\/wp-block><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12. Fistula<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A fistula<\/a> occurs when there is an abnormal connection between two organs or the skin. Diverticulitis fistula typically connects the bladder and colon, producing symptoms of pain while urinating or abnormal vaginal discharge if it joins the bowel and vagina. Symptoms vary depending on the type of fistula.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

People who are suffering from diverticulitis fistula need surgery to remove the affected region of the colon and fistula. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are different types of fistula.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A GIF, (gastrointestinal fistula,) is an opening in your colon or intestines that allows gastric fluids to leak into the stomach lining or organs, resulting in an infection. This type of fistula may be a complication encountered after removal of the affected section of the colon through surgery. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

An extra-intestinal fistula is the most common type experienced by diverticulitis patients. In this case, the gastric fluids leak from the intestines, into other organs, such as the bladder. Fistulas require emergency surgery to remove them before they start to infect other organs and tissues in the body.<\/span><\/wp-block><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13. Risk factors<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Several risk factors increase your chances of developing diverticulitis.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Age \u2013 The likelihood of developing the condition increases with age.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cigarette smoking \u2013 the toxins in smoke affect the digestive system.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Overweight and obese individuals are more likely to develop diverticulitis.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sedentary lifestyle choices \u2013 a lack of exercise dramatically increases the chances of developing diverticulitis.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Diet –  a Diet low in fiber and high in refined carbohydrates, and trans-saturated fats play a significant role in the development of the disease.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Medications \u2013 such as opioids, corticosteroids, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs increase risk.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your risk profile depends a lot on your lifestyle choices and your diet. We recommend that you increase your intake of fruit and vegetables <\/a>to help your digestive system clear any toxins or undigested food particles from your GI tract. Gut health also plays an important role. Microbiome health is of utmost importance to prevent the development of diverticulitis.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make sure you\u2019re eating foods rich in probiotic bacteria and enzymes, such as Greek yogurt, papaya, pineapple, kefir, and kimchi.<\/span><\/wp-block><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>14. Complications<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Diverticulitis affects the digestive system, and as a result; it can raise several health complications. Around 25-percent of people who are suffering from the disease experience the development of a related condition. Some of the more common complications associated with diverticulitis include;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n