Understand "diverticulosis vs. diverticulitis" differences for informed insights into these gastrointestinal conditions.

1. DIVERTICULOSIS
VS
DIVERTICULITIS:
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

2. The problem with gut health is that it can be affected by a wide
range of illnesses, many of which manifest themselves much in the
same way: altered bowel patterns and abdominal pain. These may
require a colonoscopy. Diverticulitis is one of those illnesses;
nonetheless, it is occasionally mistaken for diverticulosis, a
condition that can indicate the onset of diverticulitis.
Even though the titles of these two conditions are similar and one
can cause the other, it’s crucial to know the difference between the
two. What is diverticulosis? What is diverticulitis? Let’s find out.
First things first, the conditions’ names themselves can provide
important hints: In diverticulosis, the suffix “osis” refers to sickness
or condition, whereas in diverticulitis, the suffix “itis” refers to the
presence of inflammation.

3. Little holes or pouches (diverticula) can grow in the muscle of the
colon or large intestine wall, leading to diverticulosis.
An infection or inflammation of these atypical pouches is known as
diverticulitis. Diverticular disease is the collective term for various
illnesses.
Diverticular illness is not linked to more dangerous disorders, like
bowel cancer, even though it has certain symptoms. Diverticulitis, on
the other hand, is typically a medical emergency that necessitates
prompt medical attention and, frequently, hospital admission.
Although mild episodes can be managed at home, they should
always be evaluated very carefully.

4. Diverticulosis is incredibly prevalent. Diet and advanced age may be
the main risk factors. The illness affects more than half of all
persons over the age of 70. The majority of these individuals do not
know they have diverticulosis.
Large-scale epidemiological research has been analyzed, and the
major complication of diverticular illness, diverticulitis, is less
common in those who consume more fibre overall. The kind of
dietary fibre may matter; fruits, grains, and cereals are good
sources, while eating vegetables may not be as healthy.

5. Diverticulitis is the result of inflammation or infection of one or more
diverticula in the colon wall. The American Gastroenterological
Association (AGA) states that it frequently manifests quickly and
can produce symptoms like fever, chills, stomach cramps, diarrhea
or constipation, and lower left-side abdominal pain.
According to the NIDDK, diverticulitis accounts for around 200,000
hospital admissions annually. However, diverticulitis is but one
aspect of diverticular disease, which also includes diverticular
bleeding, diverticular complications, and persistent symptoms
caused by diverticula.

6. In the colon, diverticulitis and diverticulosis can also occur.
Diverticulitis is less common, painful, and can cause consequences
whereas diverticulosis is frequent and generally goes unreported.
Diverticula—small pouches or sacs that form in the colon wall—
cause diverticulosis. It usually doesn’t show any symptoms, and it
could go unnoticed until someone has a regular imaging exam or has
a colonoscopy.
When diverticula become infected or inflammatory, diverticulitis
results. Usually, diverticulitis presents with acute, severe stomach
pain.

7. ’
Your primary concern probably isn’t to experience another flare-up
of diverticulitis, especially if your doctor has tried treating it with
antibiotics, clear liquid diet, and painkillers in the past. The following
actions are recommended by the Mayo Clinic, NIDDK, and AGA to
help avoid a recurrence:
⚬ Become a high-fibre eater: Eat more plant-based meals, such
as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, to gradually
increase your intake of fibre.

8. ⚬ Hydrate: To replenish the fluids that the fibre in your diet has
taken up, you need to drink a lot of liquids. If not, you can
become constipated.
⚬ Engage in physical activity: Intense, heart-pounding
workouts may be especially beneficial.
⚬ Give up smoking: For a number of health reasons, as well as
the fact that it is costly and no longer acceptable in society.
Canadian Place Endoscopy Clinic is well-equipped to help you
identify the illness before it becomes severe. Request an
appointment today and get proactive for your health.

9. +1 – 416 626-2100
endo.cpeclinic@gmail.com
www.endoscopyclinic.ca
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