Both are known asdiverticular diseases.
Diverticulitis causes persistent pain, usually in the lower left abdomen.
This article explains the difference between diverticulosis and diverticulitis.
Illustration by Theresa Chiechi for Verywell Health
Illustration by Theresa Chiechi for Verywell Health
What Causes Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis?
As people get older, the wall of the colon (large intestine) might weaken in some spots.
This is a normal, common occurrence that can cause pockets to form in the colon wall.
These pockets bulge outward through the wall of the colon.
A single one of these pockets is called a diverticulum; more than one is called diverticula.
The condition of having diverticula is called diverticulosis.
Diverticula can occur anywhere in the small or large intestines.
The exact cause of diverticulosis is unclear.
Inflammation and Infection
Diverticulitis is a complication of diverticulosis.
Stool normally contains a certain amount of bacteria.
One theory is that the stool, and the bacteria in it, may enter into the diverticula.
Once there, the bacteria may lead to an infection.
A second theory is that diverticulitis is an inflammatory condition.
Inflammation in the diverticula may lead to the symptoms.
A small percentage of patients have what is known assmoldering diverticulitis.
Their symptoms dont respond to treatments and cause ongoing problems.
Risk Factors
Research suggests genes may play a role in the development of diverticular disease.
Lifestyle factors that may increase your risk include:
Having diverticulosis is the primary risk factor for developing diverticulitis.
Other factors include:
Diverticulosis vs. Diverticulitis: Symptoms
Diverticulosis is typically asymptomatic.
Symptoms of diverticulitis tend to come on suddenly and include:
Diverticulitis pain is typically acute and severe.
However, in some people, the pain is mild at first and worsens over several days.
Diverticulosis that doesnt cause any symptoms isnt considered to be serious.
However, diverticulitis can have symptoms that range from troublesome to so severe that you require hospitalization.
Complications
About 12% of people with diverticular disease developcomplications in the intestinal tract.
Luckily, most people with diverticulosis wont develop diverticulitis or other complications.
When to Seek Emergency Treatment
The following symptoms can indicate complications of diverticulitis.
How Are Diverticulitis and Diverticulosis Diagnosed?
Since diverticulosis does not usually cause symptoms, it often goes undiagnosed.
Sometimes diverticulosis is found during tests for another condition or during a routine colonoscopy.
Treating Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis
Diverticulosis is not usually treated because there are no symptoms.
If found, your doctor may recommend somechanges to your diet to avoid constipation.
In some cases, prescription medications may be needed.
Can You Prevent Diverticulitis or Diverticulosis?
Diverticular disease is common.
It may or may not be avoidable.
Preventing constipation and straining while having a bowel movement may help prevent diverticulosis and diverticulitis.
This helps bowel movements pass more easily.
Some may find that certain foods may cause symptoms.
This might be discovered through a process of trial and error.
Avoiding Diverticulitis
These same methods are used to prevent diverticulosis from becoming diverticulitis.
People with diverticulosis are also advised to avoid red meat, which research shows increases the risk of diverticulitis.
Do I Have to Avoid Nuts and Seeds?
However, there is a lack of evidence to support this advice.
People with diverticular disease should avoid medications associated with digestive tract bleeding.
These include:
Summary
Diverticulosis is a condition of having pouches in the wall of the colon.
If these pouches become inflamed, it becomes diverticulitis.
Diverticulosis may not have any symptoms, while diverticulitis could cause pain and blood in the stool.
The causes of both are unclear.
Treatment often isn’t needed for diverticulosis, although a diet higher in fiber is recommended to prevent constipation.
Diverticulitis may require treatment with antibiotics.
It can lead to several complications.
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