Medical Author: John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP
Medically Reviewed on 9/30/2021
Doctor's Notes on Diverticulitis vs. Ulcerative Colitis (UC)
Diverticulosis and ulcerative colitis are conditions that both affect the digestive tract. Diverticulosis occurs when the inner layer of the digestive tract bulges through weak spots in the outer layer, forming small pouches in the wall of the digestive tract. When these diverticula become inflamed or infected, diverticulitis may develop.
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that is an acute or chronic inflammation of the innermost membrane that lines the colon (the large intestine) and may result in the formation of sores (ulcers).
Symptoms and signs of diverticulosis/diverticulitis and ulcerative colitis that are similar include
- abdominal pain,
- diarrhea,
- bleeding, and
- fever.
Signs and symptoms of diverticulosis also include
- bloating,
- constipation, and
- cramping.
Symptoms of diverticulitis also include
- nausea,
- vomiting,
- chills, and
- constipation.
Symptoms of ulcerative colitis also include
- the urge to have a bowel movement,
- lack of appetite, and
- fatigue.
What is the treatment for diverticulitis and ulcerative colitis?
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 of ulcerative colitis may involve a combination of the following:
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Immune system suppressant medications
- Biologic therapies that target proteins involved in the immune response
- Antidiarrheal medications or medications that reduce spasms in the intestine
- Surgery to remove part or all of the colon
Ulcerative Colitis : Diet, Symptoms & Treatment Quiz
QuestionUlcerative colitis affects the colon. The colon is also referred to as the...
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Can Diverticulitis Go Away on Its Own?
An attack of uncomplicated, mild diverticulitis may go away on its own. It is important to see a doctor to assess the severity and determine if treatment is needed, however, because severe diverticulitis can cause serious complications including death. -
Colon Cancer vs. Ulcerative Colitis
Colon cancer or colorectal cancer is cancer that originates from the color or rectum, and is the third most common type of cancer diagnosed in the US. Ulcerative colitis or UC is not cancer, but is a disease that causes inflammation, irritation, swelling, and sores on the inner lining of the colon. Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes Crohn's disease. Colon cancer and ulcerative colitis have similar signs and symptoms, for example, abdominal/cramping and/or pain, fatigue, anemia due to blood loss, rectal bleeding, frequent loose bowel movements, and fatigue. Ulcerative colitis is a risk factor for getting colon cancer, however, it does not cause cancer. Colon cancer can spread to other organs and areas of the body (metastasize) while ulcerative colitis only occurs in the large intestine. Treatment, cure, and survival rates for colon cancer depends upon the type of cancer, stage, and health of the individual. Ulcerative colitis cannot be cured; however, symptoms and recurrence of the disease can be managed with medication and lifestyle changes. -
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. -
CT Scan vs. Colonoscopy
CT scans utilize X-rays to form images of organs and tissues inside the body (for example, abdominal organs, brain, chest, lungs, heart) while colonoscopy is a procedure that can visualize only the inside surface of the colon. CT scans use radiation (X-rays) to form images while colonoscopy uses a flexible instrument equipped with a light and camera to form images, and it may be used to collect biopsy of colon tissues and/or polyp removal. -
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 Get Diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis?
Ulcerative colitis, a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), is usually diagnosed with a physical exam, patient history, stool tests, blood tests, endoscopic procedures, and imaging tests (X-ray, CT scans, MRIs). -
Is Almond Good for Ulcerative Colitis?
Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). There is no specific diet for ulcerative colitis, but some foods can cause a flare (worsening) of symptoms. Almonds are not necessarily good or bad for ulcerative colitis, but they can sometimes trigger flares. -
Is Diverticulitis Contagious?
Diverticulitis is not contagious. Diverticulitis is the term for inflammation of diverticula, out-pouchings in the walls of the digestive tract that can become impacted. -
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. -
Survival and Cause-Specific Mortality in Ulcerative Colitis
Most people with ulcerative colitis live a normal lifespan when the disease is properly managed. For the small number for whom ulcerative colitis is fatal, the main causes include secondary cancers and autoimmune problems. -
Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an acute or chronic inflammation of the membranes that line the colon. Symptoms of UC include abdominal pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, urgency for a bowel movement, fever, fatigue, and lack of appetite. Treatment for UC include medication and lifestyle changes. On occasion, surgery may be a necessary treatment for ulcerative colitis. -
What Are the Trigger Foods for Diverticulitis?
Diverticulitis is a disease in which small pouches of the large intestine (colon) become inflamed and push through weak spots in the colon’s outer muscle layers. Foods that can trigger diverticulitis include red meats, processed meats, fried foods, and full fat dairy products. -
What Is the Best Treatment for Ulcerative Colitis?
Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflamed sores on the colon or large intestine. The best treatment for ulcerative colitis depends on the severity of the condition. Treatment typically includes medications to reduce symptoms. Surgery or surgical removal of the colon is reserved for severe cases and is the only permanent cure for ulcerative colitis. -
What Is the Life Expectancy with Ulcerative Colitis?
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic condition that causes ulcers in the colon (large intestine), and symptoms such as diarrhea and bleeding. People with ulcerative colitis can usually expect the same life expectancy as people without ulcerative colitis as long as they manage the disease. -
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. -
What Were Your First Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis?
Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes ulcers on the colon, as well as diarrhea and bleeding. The first symptoms of ulcerative colitis may include loose and urgent bowel movements, frequent need to empty the bowels, bloody stool, abdominal cramps and pain, and persistent diarrhea.
REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.