Diverticulosis vs. Diverticulitis: What’s the Difference?
Key takeaways:
Diverticulosis is a common condition that involves pockets forming in the lining of the colon. Diverticulitis occurs when these pockets become infected.
Many people with diverticulosis have no symptoms and don’t know they have it. In most cases, it won’t lead to diverticulitis or cause any problems.
There is no treatment for diverticulosis. Diverticulitis is often treated with antibiotics and bowel rest. In severe cases, you may need urgent surgery to treat diverticulitis.
Table of contents
Diverticulosis and diverticulitis are common conditions that affect the lining of the colon (large intestine). If you find the terms confusing, you’re not alone. Because the conditions are related, it’s easy to mistake one disorder for the other.
Let’s dig deeper into this family of conditions known as diverticular disease. And then let’s discuss the differences in diverticulosis and diverticulitis, including their symptoms and treatment.
What is diverticulosis vs. diverticulitis?
A diverticulum is a pocket that forms within the lining of the colon wall. When you have more than one of these pouches throughout the colon, it’s called diverticulosis. Because these pouches can sometimes collect debris, it’s possible for them to get infected. Diverticulitis happens when an infection forms in a pocket and it becomes inflamed.
One major difference between the two conditions is the potential outcome. In general, diverticulosis is fairly benign, with no major cause for concern. But diverticulitis is a more serious condition. It can turn into a medical emergency if not treated properly.
What causes diverticulosis and diverticulitis?
Experts are not entirely sure what causes diverticular disease. But these factors may increase your risk:
Advanced age
High red meat diet
Genetics
Changes in your gut flora (normal bacteria in the digestive tract)
Smoking
Read more like this
Explore these related articles, suggested for readers like you.
What are the symptoms of diverticulosis vs. diverticulitis?
Typically, most people with diverticulosis are unaware that the colon pockets are even there. But you may have vague symptoms like:
Chronic bloating
Constipation
Blood in the stool
On the other hand, diverticulitis often has specific symptoms. You may experience:
Lower abdominal pain
Fever
Chills
Nausea or vomiting
How is diverticulosis vs. diverticulitis diagnosed?
Diverticulosis is often diagnosed by colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy. These are tests using a camera on the end of a flexible tube to look at different parts of your colon. But it’s usually discovered by accident, when getting these tests for other reasons. That’s because, in many cases, there are no symptoms of diverticulosis. Another means of diagnosis is with radiological imaging, such as a CT scan.
If you have symptoms of diverticulitis, your provider will likely recommend a CT scan to take a closer look at your colon. Using a CT scan, your provider can diagnose diverticulitis and see how serious it is for you. This will help them in forming your treatment plan.
What is the treatment for diverticulosis and diverticulitis?
Generally speaking, there is no treatment for diverticulosis. But your provider may recommend that you increase your dietary fiber for overall colon health.
Treatment for diverticulitis will vary based on how severe your condition is. For mild cases, you will likely receive either oral or intravenous (IV) antibiotics.
More serious cases are usually treated with IV antibiotics and a period of bowel rest (nothing to eat). If there is a fluid collection or abscess found on your CT scan, your provider may place a drain in your belly. This drain may need to remain in place for days to weeks to remove the infected fluid.
Severe cases of diverticulitis may need emergency surgery. During the operation, your surgeon would likely remove the part of your colon that was inflamed. Your provider may also give you a colostomy to allow your colon to heal. A colostomy is an opening created in the belly to allow you to collect stool outside of the body. This is usually temporary, but it may need to remain in place for months.
How serious is diverticular disease?
Diverticulitis can be serious if your colon develops a hole from the inflammation. This can allow for gas and stool to leak into your abdomen. If left untreated, this could lead to a severe infection and could even result in death. This is why it is important to seek medical care immediately if you have symptoms of diverticulitis.
If you have had many bouts of diverticulitis, you could develop other complications, like fistulas. Fistulas occur when a connection forms between the bowel and other body parts like the skin, bladder, or vagina. This may show up as gas or stool coming out of these unusual places.
If you have complications of diverticulitis, your surgeon may suggest surgery at a later date. This will depend on your age and how many episodes of diverticulitis you have had.
Can you have diverticulosis without having diverticulitis?
Yes, most people with diverticulosis won’t ever have diverticulitis. About 30% of U.S. adults between the ages of 50 and 59 have diverticulosis. And most are unaware that they have it. But only about 5% of people with diverticulosis will ever develop diverticulitis.
The bottom line
Diverticulosis is a common gastrointestinal (GI) disorder. It usually has no symptoms, and most people are unaware they have it. But sometimes, it can lead to diverticulitis, and this can become serious. There is no treatment for diverticulosis. But diverticulitis needs urgent treatment to prevent complications. If you have concerns about diverticular disease, talk to your provider. They can help guide you on how to keep your bowels healthy.
Why trust our experts?
References
American College of Gastroenterology. (n.d.). Diverticulosis and diverticulitis.
American College of Surgeons. (n.d.). What is a colostomy/ileostomy?
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. (n.d.). Understanding diverticulosis.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2021). Definition and facts for diverticular disease.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2021). Symptoms and causes of diverticular disease.
