Medical Author: John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP
Medically Reviewed on 9/30/2021
Doctor's Notes on Diverticulitis vs. IBS
Diverticular disease (diverticulitis) is a condition in which small pouches (diverticula) in the wall of the digestive tract become inflamed or infected. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder that describes a group of symptoms. IBS is not the same as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which is a more serious condition.
Symptoms of diverticular disease (diverticulitis) include
- abdominal pain, usually on the lower left side;
- bleeding, bright red or maroon blood in the stool,
- in the toilet (a symptom of rectal bleeding), or on toilet paper; f
- ever,
- nausea,
- vomiting,
- chills,
- constipation, and
- less often, diarrhea.
Symptoms of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) include
- abdominal discomfort or pain,
- abdominal cramping and pain that is relieved with bowel movements, and
- alternating periods of diarrhea and constipation.
IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D) symptoms include
- sudden urges to have bowel movements,
- loose stools,
- frequent stools,
- abdominal pain and discomfort,
- gas, and
- the feeling of being unable to completely empty the bowels.
What is the treatment for diverticulitis and IBS?
The treatment for diverticulitis typically involves antibiotics and a liquid diet while the intestine heals.
- In severe cases, intravenous antibiotics may be required.
- Surgery is generally reserved for those with complicated or recurrent diverticulitis.
The treatment for IBS involves dietary changes and medications. Types of medications that may be used include
- anti-diarrheal medications,
- fiber supplements, and other laxatives,
- medications to reduce bowel spasms, and
- antidepressants, which have been shown to be helpful in some people with IBS.
- There are also newer medications specifically designed to treat certain people with IBS.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) : Test Your Medical IQ Quiz
QuestionWhat is irritable bowel syndrome or IBS?
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Colon Cancer vs. IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
Colon cancer (colorectal cancer) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have common symptoms and signs, for example, constipation, the feeling of still having to go to the bathroom after a bowel movement, and changes in bowel movements. Colon cancer causes rectal bleeding while IBS does not. Other signs and symptoms of colon cancer that do not occur in IBS include anemia due to blood loss, fatigue, pale skin, unexplained weight loss, and rectal pain. Signs and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome that do not occur with colon cancer include abdominal cramping and pain that is relieved with bowel movements. Alternating periods of constipation (IBS-C) and diarrhea (IBS-D), intestinal gas, passing mucous from the rectum, bloating, and abdominal distension. Many people with IBS have indigestion, however, it is not a symptom of IBS. Colon cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow in the colon. If these abnormal cells spread through the colon wall the cancer can spread to other areas of the body (metastasize). IBS is a functional disorder of the digestive tract. Irritable bowel syndrome is not contagious and does not cause colon cancer. -
Colon Polyps and Diverticulitis
Colon polyps and diverticulitis are not the same thing. Diverticulitis occurs when a diverticulum ruptures and becomes infected, and colon polyps are growths on the inner lining of the colon. Diverticulitis is not caused by colon polyps; however, if you have diverticulitis you may be at higher risk of getting colon cancer. Moreover, approximately 1% of colon polyps may turn into cancer. There are differences between the symptoms and signs of colon polyps vs. diverticulitis. Colon polyps symptoms that usually do not occur with diverticulitis include black stools, changes in the shape of stools, and anemia. Symptoms of diverticulitis that do not occur with colon polyps include painful urination, persistent fever, inflammation, and constipation from the infection. Call your doctor if you have symptoms of diverticulitis, for example, persistent abdominal pain that usually is in the lower-left abdominal area, constant unexplained fevers, diarrhea, or vomiting, recurring urinary tract infections (UTIs), and rectal bleeding. If you have a lot of blood or a steady flow of blood coming from your rectum, call 911 or go to the nearest Urgent Care or hospital Emergency Department. -
Diverticular Disease (Diverticulitis) vs. Ulcerative Colitis (UC)
Diverticulosis is a condition that describes small pouches in the wall of the digestive tract that occur when the inner layer of the digestive tract bulges through weak spots in the outer layer. When these diverticula become inflamed or infected, diverticulitis can develop. Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an acute or chronic inflammation of the membrane that lines the colon (the large intestine or large bowel). -
Diverticulitis (Diverticulosis)
Diverticulitis is an inflammation of the diverticula in the colon. This conditions is referred to as diverticulosis. Causes of diverticulosis (diverticulitis) include aging, a low fiber diet, frequent constipation and bowel straining. Symptoms of diverticulitis include abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and cramping. Treatment generally requires a high fiber diet and frequent liquid hydration to prevent constipation. If complications occur with the disease or it becomes severe, surgery may be necessary. -
How Do You Test for Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
I’ve been having problems with gas, diarrhea and abdominal pain for more than a week now. I think I may have irritable bowel syndrome (IBD). How do you test for irritable bowel syndrome? -
How Long Does an IBS Flare-Up Last?
IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) is a disorder of the digestive tract that causes symptoms such as abdominal pain, bowel habit changes, excess gas, bloating (abdominal distention), abdominal cramping, and food intolerances. IBS flare-ups can last 2 to 4 days. -
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic GI disorder of unknown cause. The most common symptoms of IBS include bloating, gas, abdominal pain and cramping, and constipation and diarrhea. New antibody blood tests may help identify some types of irritable bowel syndrome, for example, IBS-D (irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea) and IBS-M (irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea and constipation). IBS treatment is accomplished with OTC and prescription medication, diet, and lifestyle changes. -
Is Diverticulitis Serious?
Diverticula are small pouches in the colon wall. Diverticulitis occurs when diverticula push through weak areas in the colon's outer layers of muscle. Signs and symptoms include gas, fever, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, and bloating. Treatment depends on complications, underlying medical conditions, and the severity of symptoms and signs. -
Ovarian Cancer vs. IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) Symptoms and Signs
Cancer of the ovary or other ovarian tissue has few symptoms until the cancer has progressed severely or spread to other organs and tissues of the body (metastasized). Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a condition in which the function of the small intestine is impaired, share similar symptoms and signs with ovarian cancer, for example, abdominal cramping and pain, abdominal distention, diarrhea, constipation, gas, and bloating. Ovarian cancer symptoms and signs that do not occur with IBS include irregular vaginal bleeding, painful intercourse, urinating frequently (if the tumor is pressing on the bladder), and ascites. Signs and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome that do not occur with ovarian cancer include IBS-D (irritable bowel syndrome with predominantly diarrhea), IBS-C (irritable bowel syndrome with predominantly constipation), passing mucous with stool, and changes in stool consistency and frequency. -
What Should You Eat When You Have IBS?
Depending on how your irritable bowel disease is expressed and what your specific flare triggers are. They include low FODMAP diets, gluten free diets, low fiber or high fiber diets, among others. -
What Triggers Diverticulitis?
Diverticulitis occurs when small pouches in the large intestinal (colonic) wall called diverticula, are present. These diverticula arise in the colon and push through weak spots in the colon’s outer muscle layers. Each patient is different and people may find certain foods aggravate or trigger diverticulosis. -
Which Foods Trigger IBS?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a condition that describes a group of gastrointestinal symptoms including abdominal pain, bowel habit changes, excess gas, bloating (abdominal distention), abdominal cramping, and food intolerances.
REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.