Diverticulitis vs. Diverticulosis
Diverticulitis and diverticulosis may sound the same, but there are key differences that set each condition apart. Diverticulitis is a condition brought on by infection or rupture of diverticula, which are bulges forming in the lower part of the large intestine or colon. The risk of developing diverticula is usually higher for people over 40. Diverticula themselves do not cause many problems, but once the condition progresses into diverticulitis, it can be quite severe, leading to pain, nausea, and changes to bowels.
Mild diverticulitis can be easily treated with a proper diet. However, in cases of recurring and severe diverticulitis, surgery may be required.
Diverticulosis, on the other hand, is the presence of multiple diverticula in the colon, resulting from long-time consumption of low-fiber diet. Similar to diverticulitis, diverticulosis is mainly seen in persons over the age of 40 and becomes far more common with age.
Medical treatments for diverticulitis include antibiotics to treat infection, liquid diet to allow bowels to heal, and over-the-counter pain relievers. In complicated cases of diverticulitis, surgery may be required, such as primary bowel resection, where the affected part of the intestine is removed and the rest of it is reconnected. Another option is bowel resection with colostomy if it is impossible to reconnect the colon to the rectum due to inflammation.
If diverticulitis is causing pain, there are home remedies you can try for relief. To reduce muscle cramping caused by diverticulitis, you can apply heat to the abdomen. Meditation, too, may be beneficial in managing the associated pain. Lastly, if you need to opt for a pain reliever, stay away from ibuprofen (Advil) and instead reach for acetaminophen (Tylenol).
There are also some preventative measures you can try to lower your risk of developing diverticulitis.
Regular exercise, in particular, is beneficial for preventing diverticulitis because it helps keep bowels regular and reduce pressure on the colon. Added pressure on the colon can result in the formation of diverticula.
Fiber, too, is essential for bowel regularity. And in this vein, staying hydrated helps. Although fiber can help you stay regular, without enough fluids it can have the opposite effect. Staying hydrated improves bodily functions, so it’s important to drink enough water.
The best method to treat diverticulosis is through a healthy diet and constipation relief to avoid complications. The treatment methods, exercise, and diet, suggested for diverticulitis can also be used in diverticulosis to prevent its progression into diverticulitis. Therefore, you should bulk up on your fiber, increase your physical activity, and reduce your intake of animal fats and processed food.
By practicing healthy habits, such as eating a balanced diet, exercising, and not smoking, you can reduce your risk of developing diverticulitis and diverticulosis. Although you can’t control aging or turn back the time, you can control these conditions – and it’s as simple as living well.
Sources:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diverticulitis/basics/risk-factors/con-20033495
http://www.rightdiagnosis.com/d/diverticular_disease/stats.htm
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