Symptoms of Diverticulitis Flare Up
Diverticulitis is a common problem in the gut. It happens when small pouches form in the wall of the large intestine, also called the colon. These pouches are called diverticula. Most of the time, they do not cause trouble. But sometimes, they can get swollen or infected. This is what we call diverticulitis. When the issue gets worse suddenly, it is a flare-up. Knowing the symptoms of diverticulitis flare up can help you get help fast. This article will explain everything in simple words. We will talk about what causes it, how to spot it, and what to do next. By the end, you will feel more sure about handling this health issue.
Diverticulitis often affects people over 40 years old. It is more common in places like the United States. About half of people over 60 have diverticula. But only a few get the painful part. Learning about it can make life easier. We will use easy words so anyone can understand, like reading a story for kids.
What Is Diverticulitis?
Diverticulitis starts with diverticulosis. That means having those small pouches in the colon. The colon is the part of your body that helps turn food into poop. These pouches form because of pressure inside the gut. This pressure comes from hard poop or straining when you go to the bathroom. Over time, weak spots in the colon wall bulge out like little balloons.
When one or more of these pouches get inflamed, it turns into diverticulitis. Inflamed means red, swollen, and sore. This can happen from bacteria getting stuck inside. Or from tiny tears in the pouch. The body fights back, causing pain and other signs. A flare-up is when these signs come on strong and quick. It can last a few days or longer if not treated.
Many people do not know they have diverticula until a problem starts. It is like a hidden issue in the body. Doctors say it links to low-fiber diets. Fiber is in fruits, veggies, and whole grains. It makes poop soft and easy to pass. Without enough fiber, the gut works harder, leading to these pouches.
What Causes a Flare-Up?
A flare-up does not just happen out of nowhere. There are reasons why the pouches get upset. One big cause is infection. Bacteria in the gut can enter a pouch and grow. This makes the area swell. Another cause is blockage. Hard poop or food bits can get trapped, causing pressure.
Certain things make flare-ups more likely. Eating too little fiber is a top reason. Also, not drinking enough water. Water helps fiber do its job. Being overweight adds pressure on the gut. Smoking hurts blood flow to the colon, making it weak. Some medicines, like pain pills called NSAIDs, can irritate the gut lining.
Age plays a role too. As we get older, the colon walls get thinner. Lack of exercise slows down the gut. Even stress can make things worse by changing how the body digests food. Knowing these causes helps avoid trouble. For example, eating more apples or walking daily can keep the gut happy.
Recognizing Symptoms of Diverticulitis Flare Up
Spotting the symptoms of diverticulitis flare up early is key. The main sign is pain in the belly. It often feels sharp or like a bad cramp. Most times, it is on the lower left side. That is where the colon curves. But in some people, it can be on the right side or even the whole belly. The pain can start mild and get worse over days. Or it can hit hard all at once.
Other symptoms of diverticulitis flare up include feeling sick to your stomach. You might throw up. A fever means the body is fighting an infection. The belly can feel tender, like it hurts when touched. Changes in how you poop are common too. Some get stuck and can’t go, called constipation. Others have loose poop, or diarrhea.
Here are some common signs in a list:
- Strong belly pain that lasts.
- Feeling bloated or full of gas.
- Chills along with fever.
- Needing to pee more often.
- Seeing blood in poop, though this is less common.
These symptoms of diverticulitis flare up can make daily life hard. You might not want to eat. Or feel tired all the time. If the pain spreads to your back or legs, it could be serious. Always watch for these changes.
Severe Signs to Watch For
Not all flare-ups are the same. Some are mild and go away with rest. But others are bad and need quick help. Severe symptoms of diverticulitis flare up include a very hard belly. It might swell up big. Pain that does not stop, even when you rest. Or if the belly feels stiff like a board.
Vomiting a lot is another red flag. So is high fever over 100 degrees. Blood in the poop that is bright red or dark. These mean the pouch might have burst. That lets bad stuff into the belly, causing big infection. This is called peritonitis. It is an emergency.
If you have these severe signs, go to the doctor right away. Waiting can make it worse. Early care can stop big problems like holes in the gut or blocks.
When to See a Doctor
Do not ignore belly pain. If it lasts more than a day, call your doctor. Especially if you have fever or changes in poop. People with past diverticulitis should watch closer. A flare-up can come back.
Go to the emergency room if:
- Pain is too bad to move.
- You can’t stop throwing up.
- There is lots of blood in poop.
- Your belly is swollen and hard.
Doctors say better safe than sorry. Early check can mean simple fixes like pills, not surgery.
How Is Diverticulitis Diagnosed?
To find out if it is diverticulitis, doctors ask questions first. They want to know about your pain and poop habits. Then they touch your belly to feel for sore spots.
Tests help confirm. A blood test checks for infection. A stool test looks for blood or bugs. Imaging like a CT scan shows the pouches and swelling. Sometimes, a camera tube goes in the colon, but not during a bad flare-up. That is for later.
Diagnosis is important to rule out other issues like appendicitis or cancer. It helps plan the right care.
Treatment Options for Flare-Ups
Treatment depends on how bad the flare-up is. For mild ones, rest at home. Drink clear liquids like broth or water. Avoid solid food for a few days to let the gut heal. Take pain pills like acetaminophen. But skip aspirin or ibuprofen; they can make bleeding worse.
Doctors often give antibiotics to fight infection. These are pills you take by mouth. Finish all of them, even if you feel better.
For worse cases, you might need hospital care. There, fluids go in your vein. Stronger antibiotics too. If there is an abscess, a pus pocket, doctors drain it with a needle.
Surgery is for very bad cases. Like if the colon has a hole or keeps flaring up. Surgeons remove the sick part and join the healthy ends. Most people get better without surgery.
After treatment, ease back to normal food. Start with soft things like rice or bananas. Then add fiber slowly.
Preventing Future Flare-Ups
Good news: You can lower the chance of another flare-up. Change your habits for a healthier gut.
Eat more fiber. Aim for 25 to 30 grams a day. Good sources are:
- Fruits like apples, pears, and berries.
- Veggies such as broccoli, carrots, and spinach.
- Whole grains in bread, oatmeal, or brown rice.
- Beans, nuts, and seeds.
Drink lots of water, at least 8 cups daily. This helps fiber work. Exercise 30 minutes most days. Walking, swimming, or biking keeps the gut moving.
Keep a healthy weight. Extra pounds press on the colon. Quit smoking if you do. Limit red meat and sweets. Some say probiotics, good bacteria in yogurt, help too.
See your doctor for check-ups. They can guide you on diet or pills if needed. These steps can make symptoms of diverticulitis flare up less likely.
Living with Diverticulitis
Having diverticulitis means listening to your body. Track what foods trigger issues. Some find seeds or nuts okay, others not. But studies say they are fine for most.
Manage stress with deep breaths or yoga. Stress can upset the gut. Join support groups online to share stories.
If flare-ups happen often, talk about long-term plans. Like surgery to remove pouches. But many live well with just lifestyle changes.
Remember, diverticulitis is common but manageable. With care, you can enjoy life without worry.
Conclusion
We have covered a lot about diverticulitis. From what it is to spotting symptoms of diverticulitis flare up. We talked causes, treatment, and prevention. The key is early action and healthy choices. Eat fiber, move more, and stay hydrated. If pain comes, see a doctor fast. This knowledge can help you or loved ones stay well. Always talk to a health pro for personal advice. Stay healthy!
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