Symptoms of Diverticulitis: What You Need to Know

ByAgkidzone Staff

Updated: Oct 9, 2024

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Diverticula are small pouches that form in weak areas of the colon, most often in the lower section. When this happens, it’s called diverticulosis, and in many cases, it causes no symptoms. However, if these pouches become inflamed or infected, the condition becomes diverticulitis, which can lead to more serious health problems. Recognizing the symptoms early is key to getting the right treatment and avoiding complications.

Understanding Diverticulitis

Diverticula can develop naturally as we age, especially due to factors like constipation or pressure on the colon over time. Most adults over 60 have these pouches, but they don’t always cause issues. Problems arise when a pouch gets blocked, often by stool, leading to bacteria growth, infection, and inflammation. Though the exact cause of diverticular disease isn’t entirely clear, experts believe it’s a mix of factors, including diets high in red meat, low in fiber, obesity, smoking, and certain medications like NSAIDs. These factors can increase your risk of developing diverticulitis.

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Abdominal Pain

One of the most common and early signs of diverticulitis is abdominal pain. This pain typically occurs on the lower left side but can also show up on the right side if the diverticula are located there. The pain can come on suddenly, feeling sharp and intense, but in some cases, it starts mild and worsens over time. Whether the pain is sudden or gradual, it’s a strong indicator that something is wrong in the colon and needs to be checked by a healthcare professional.

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Fever

Fever is a natural response to infection, and it’s common in cases of diverticulitis. Many people might be tempted to take over-the-counter medications like NSAIDs to reduce the fever, but it’s essential to avoid these unless directed by a doctor. NSAIDs, including aspirin, are linked to an increased risk of diverticular disease and can worsen symptoms or lead to complications like bleeding. If you’re experiencing fever with diverticulitis, it’s best to consult a doctor for the appropriate treatment.

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Bloating

Bloating is another uncomfortable symptom of diverticulitis, often caused by gas trapped in the inflamed areas of the colon. This can lead to pain that radiates throughout the abdomen and sometimes even into the back and shoulders. Passing gas or having a bowel movement may offer temporary relief, but the bloating can persist as long as the inflammation continues.

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Constipation

Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation, are common with diverticulitis. When the colon becomes inflamed, it narrows, making it more difficult to pass stool. In more chronic cases of diverticular disease, the lower part of the colon may become narrowed or even distorted, leading to long-term constipation or smaller, more infrequent stools. Doctors may recommend imaging tests to evaluate the bowel and determine the best course of action.

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Diarrhea

While constipation is common, some people experience diarrhea with diverticulitis, particularly when there is a bowel obstruction. In this case, the formed stool can’t pass, but liquid stool may still move around the blockage. If diarrhea occurs more than three times a day or contains blood, it’s a sign of a more serious complication and may require hospitalization for treatment and monitoring.

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Nausea

Nausea is often a symptom of diverticulitis, especially if the bowel becomes obstructed. When food, fluid, and gas from the small intestine can’t pass, it can back up into the stomach, leading to nausea. Even without a full blockage, the infection itself can cause feelings of nausea. If nausea is persistent, it’s essential to see a doctor to rule out other gastrointestinal conditions.

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Vomiting

Vomiting can also occur when diverticulitis causes a bowel obstruction. When the contents of the small intestine can’t pass, the body may respond by vomiting, often producing dark green bile-colored fluids. Severe abdominal pain can also trigger vomiting, and it’s usually a sign that the infection has worsened. Immediate medical attention is necessary if vomiting occurs.

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Loss of Appetite

Many people with diverticulitis lose their appetite due to the pain and discomfort caused by the infection. If the condition leads to a bowel obstruction, the loss of appetite may become more severe, resulting in weight loss and malnutrition. In these cases, intravenous fluids and nutrients may be required to ensure the body gets the nourishment it needs during recovery.

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Rectal Bleeding

Though rectal bleeding isn’t common with diverticulitis, it can happen in some cases. Diverticular bleeding occurs when blood vessels near the colon pouches break open. This type of bleeding usually doesn’t cause pain, but it can result in significant blood loss, increasing the risk of anemia. If you notice blood in your stool, it’s important to seek medical advice promptly.

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Urinary Urgency

Because the sigmoid colon, located on the lower left side of the abdomen, is close to the bladder, inflammation from diverticulitis can cause urinary urgency. This happens when the inflamed colon presses against the bladder, making you feel like you need to urinate more frequently. While this symptom can be uncomfortable, it’s usually not dangerous on its own but should be discussed with a doctor if it persists.

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Fatigue

Fatigue is a natural response as the body fights off an infection. With diverticulitis, the infection can cause extreme physical and mental exhaustion. This type of fatigue is more intense than regular tiredness and requires plenty of rest for recovery. Ensuring you get enough sleep and take it easy during a diverticulitis flare-up is crucial for the healing process.

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Back Pain

Diverticulitis-related back pain can occur due to gas and constipation, but it may also signal more severe complications. If you have back pain that worsens or becomes sudden and sharp, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. This could be a sign of a life-threatening complication like a bowel perforation, which requires emergency care.

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Mucus in Stool

In some cases, mucus in the stool may be a symptom of diverticulitis. When the colon is inflamed, solid stool may not pass easily, but liquid and mucus can still move through the bowel. While mucus in the stool alone isn’t a cause for alarm, it’s essential to monitor other symptoms and report them to a healthcare professional.

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Chills and Sweating

Chills and sweating are typical when the body is dealing with an infection. Chills help raise the body’s core temperature, while sweating helps cool it down. These symptoms often accompany a fever, which is the body’s way of fighting off the infection. If you’re experiencing these symptoms alongside other signs of diverticulitis, it’s important to get medical advice.

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Frequent UTIs

In rare cases, diverticulitis can lead to complications like a colovesical fistula, which is an abnormal connection between the colon and bladder. This can allow fecal matter to enter the bladder, leading to frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs). While this complication is rare, it’s important to recognize that it may be associated with diverticulitis, especially if UTIs are recurrent.

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