Almost 50% of Americans have some symptoms of diverticulitis before they hit 60, yet only a very small percentage of individuals recognise that they are in fact, symptoms of diverticulitis.
Diverticulitis is a term that is used to describe pockets, called diverticula, that form in the colon wall. Identified as diverticulitis when they become inflamed or infected, and called symptoms of diverticulitis once the below list of symptoms are recognised.
Many individuals with diverticular disease will experience no symptoms of diverticulitis. In these cases, these individuals are in the inactive phase of the (diverticulosis. However for those individuals with symptoms of diverticulitis, the active phase of the diverticulitis, they might experience any of the following symptoms:
Common symptoms of diverticulitis
1. Diarrhea: Loose and free flowing bowels
2. Constipation: Dry, hard and small stools that happen less than 3 times per week.
3. Stomach pain or Cramps: These are the two most common diverticulitis symptoms. It is very difficult to gage the seriousness based on pain. A mild condition may be very painful, while a more serious condition may only cause mild pain.
4. Abdominal bloating: Feeling of tightness, and fullness in the abdomen.
5. Steatorrhoea: Excess amounts of fat in the stool. Bulky, light colored stools that float.
6. Nausea: Due to inflammation of the diverticula and infection.
7. Vomiting: Expulsion of food or liquid from the stomach.
8. Fever: Elevation of the body’s internal temperature
9. Flatulence and distention: Bloating and excessive passing of gas.
10. Polyuria, Dysuria, & Pyuiria
Polyuria: Increased urination
Dysuria: Painful urination
Pyuiria: Pus or white blood cells in the urine. The urine may take on a cloudy appearance. These 3 symptoms occur when the bladder or ureters are irritated because of diverticula that are inflamed.
Symptoms of diverticulitis can be cured by antibiotics
The severity of the symptoms of diverticulitis are dependent upon how much inflammation and infection have occurred. These symptoms may also be indicative of other gastro-intestinal disorders. In many cases, antibiotics and a liquid diet will be prescribed until the diverticula are no longer inflamed. There are also specific diet guidelines that will help decrease the amount of flare ups. If you see any of these symptoms of diverticulitis, please go to see a doctor.
Symptoms of diverticulitis cannot be self-diagnosed by surfing the web, as there are multiple reasons for cramps or urinary problems. Only a doctor can assess the factors invoved in your symptoms of diverticulitis, to correctly diagnose.