We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are the Different Types of Diverticulitis?

By Evalyn Broderick
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 9,345
Share

Diverticulitis is a disease of the digestive tract — most commonly the large intestine — in which diverticula, or pouches, that have grown in the digestive tract become inflamed and, possibly, infected. The protrusion can lead to the bowels being obstructed or punctured, causing constipation, diarrhea, abdominal cramping and other pain. There is really only one type of diverticulitis, though it can vary in intensity and may affect just about any part of the digestive tract, including the stomach, bladder and esophagus. It is one of three diseases — including diverticulosis and fistula — on a spectrum of diverticular disease. Each is a separate condition, but one can progress to another.

Diverticulosis involves the bulging out of tissue pockets, or diverticula, from the walls of the intestine, most commonly in the colon. The cause of diverticulosis is unknown, but it is believed to be related to pressure within the walls of the intestine. Some researchers and physicians speculate that this pressure results from a low-fiber diet and lack of exercise. This condition can result in rectal bleeding when a small blood vessel in a diverticulum ruptures. If this occurs, the patient should seek medical attention, because surgery is sometimes necessary to stop the bleeding.

Diverticulitis results when the diverticula caused by diverticulosis become inflamed or infected. This infection can usually be cleared by treatment with antibiotics. If the infection goes untreated and gets worse, it can lead to abscess formations in the wall of the colon.

Fistulas are abnormal connections between two organs or between an organ and the skin. This happens more commonly when damaged tissues connect during infection. Therefore, if diverticulitis causes an infection that spreads outside the colon, a fistula may develop between the colon and nearby organs such as the bladder, small intestine and skin. This can be corrected surgically but also can result in a life-long increase in urinary tract infections.

Diverticulitis can lead to scarring when infected tissue heals. This scarring sometimes causes a partial or total block of the intestine. While partial blockage will benefit from treatment but is not an emergency, total blockage is a dangerous situation that requires emergency surgery.

Patients suffering from a diverticular disease can be treated in a variety of ways, though the recommended treatment usually depends on the severity of the condition. For mild diverticulitis, a liquid or low-fiber diet is prescribed to allow the colon to rest while the obstruction resolves; antibiotics also are recommended. A high-fiber diet will be prescribed once the condition is resolved to help prevent its return. Recurrent diverticular disease may require more advanced care, including a stricter antibiotic regimen and pain relievers.

For severe diverticulitis, hospitalization and surgery may be required. A perforation or fistula will also require surgery to correct the problem. In rare, severe cases, bowel resection may be necessary.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-different-types-of-diverticulitis.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.