Diverticulitis occurs when small pouches in the lining of the colon bulge out through weak areas. A pouch is called a diverticulum. The disorder can lead to bleeding, infections, perforations or blockages in the colon. Symptoms and complications arising from diverticulitis can be severely painful, but the condition is treatable. It is not linked to colon cancer, but it can make colon cancer difficult to diagnose. A colonoscopy is recommended after recovering from diverticulitis.
Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain is the most common symptom of diverticulitis, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. There may be tenderness on the lower left side of the abdomen. Severe pain may come on suddenly or it could start as a mild pain that becomes worse over several days. Intensity of pain may vary.
Accompanying Symptoms
Other symptoms of diverticulitis may include cramping, nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea.
Infection
Diverticulitis may result in infection, which may clear up with antibiotics. If it does not improve, the infected or inflamed pouch may rupture and leak pus into the abdominal cavity, resulting in a condition called peritonitis. Nausea, vomiting, fever and abdominal tenderness may follow. Peritonitis requires emergency treatment or it can be fatal. Surgery can be performed to clean the abdominal cavity.
Rectal Bleeding
Bleeding from the rectum is a rare complication that may occur when a small blood vessel in the pouch weakens and bursts. Blood may be noticed in the stool or toilet. Sometimes the bleeding will improve and require no treatment. But a doctor may have to stop the bleeding, so it is recommended seeking medical help once bleeding is noticed. The artery can be treated to stop the bleeding. Sometimes surgery is necessary to remove a part of the colon.
Abscess
An abscess occurs when pus collects in the pouch. The swelling may destroy tissue. Antibiotics can be used to clear up the abscess. If it does not improve, the abscess can be drained through a catheter.
Intestinal Complications
An abnormal connection between intestinal tissue, called a fistula, may result from diverticulitis. A common complication from a fistula occurs between the bladder and the colon, which can cause infection of the urinary tract. Surgery may be needed to remove the fistula and a part of the colon.
Intestinal Obstruction
Scarring can cause blockage of the colon or small intestine, the Mayo Clinic says. The scarring is the result of an infection. Emergency surgery is necessary if there is total blockage of the intestine. Partial blockage can be repaired through planned surgery because it is not an emergency.
