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Colitis vs Diverticulitis – What’s the Difference

Brianna Anderson
Brianna Anderson
May 1, 2024
•
5
min read
Technically reviewed by: 
Taylor Steed
Colitis vs Diverticulitis – What’s the Difference
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Colitis and diverticulitis are two common gastrointestinal conditions. Colitis occurs when the colon lining becomes infected or inflamed [1]. By contrast, diverticulitis develops when small bulges or pouches in the colon get inflamed [2]. 

Understanding the differences between colitis vs. diverticulitis can help you manage these conditions and seek appropriate treatment. 

Understanding Colitis and Diverticulitis

Colitis refers to acute or chronic swelling of the mucosal lining of the colon. This inflammation affects how the digestive system processes food and often causes diarrhea [1]. 

Diverticulitis occurs when the colonic wall weakens and balloon-like pouches called diverticula develop. These protrusions can get infected, leading to inflammation [2].

Differences Between Ulcerative Colitis vs. Diverticulitis 

There are several key differences between diverticulitis vs. colitis, including causes, symptoms, and treatments. 

Colitis

Colitis can have many causes, including [1]:

  • Bacterial and parasitic infections 
  • Inadequate blood flow to the colon 
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBS) 
  • Autoimmune disorders
  • Non-steroidal inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Pelvic radiation exposure

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People with colitis may experience these symptoms [1]: 

  • Abdominal pain 
  • Watery diarrhea
  • Bloody stool 
  • Fever
  • Fatigue
  • Frequent urge to defecate 

‍

Healthcare providers can use microbiological cultures to detect the presence of bacterial and parasitic infections in the colon. They can also use a CT scan or colonoscopy to diagnose colitis [1]. 

The treatment of colitis depends on the underlying cause. Mild to moderate bacterial infections typically resolve without antibiotics. However, clinicians often treat severe infections with quinolinic acid antibiotics. Additionally, providers typically use metronidazole to treat colitis caused by C. difficile [1]. 

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Diverticulitis 

Diverticulitis typically affects people over 40, though it can also occur in younger populations. There are many potential risk factors for this condition, such as [2]: 

  • Lack of dietary fiber
  • Imbalance in the gut microbiome 
  • Obesity 
  • Genetics 
  • NSAIDs
  • Smoking
  • Sedentary lifestyle 

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A combination of an unhealthy diet and a 'couch potato' lifestyle is likely to bring drastic side effects to overall health.

People with diverticulitis often have abdominal pain in the left lower quadrant. Other potential symptoms include [2]: 

  • Fever
  • Malaise 
  • Changes in bowel movements 
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Elevated white blood cells 

‍

Healthcare providers can diagnose diverticulitis with a CT scan or ultrasound. Treatment typically includes amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, ciprofloxacin, or other antibiotics [2]. 

Related Conditions

Colitis and diverticulitis have some overlapping symptoms with other gastrointestinal issues. 

Colon Cancer

Diverticulitis and colon cancer are caused by growths in the large intestine.

Colorectal cancer occurs when malignant lesions develop in the colon or rectum. These cells may spread to the liver, lungs, and other body parts. Colorectal cancer is potentially fatal, though mortality decreased by 51% between 1975 and 2014 [3].

By contrast, diverticulitis is caused by non-cancerous diverticula and is typically non-fatal [4]. 

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) 

Comparing diverticulitis vs. IBS can help you manage your gastrointestinal issues.

Like diverticulitis, IBS can cause changes in bowel movements and abdominal pain. However, you can distinguish IBS vs. diverticulitis by bloating and mucus in the stool, both of which only occur with IBS. [5]

Detect Early Signs of Gastrointestinal Issues 

Colonox-FIT is an OTC approved at home stool test kit. It helps screen GI disorders such as colitis, diverticulitis, and colorectal cancer.

Diverticulitis and colitis can cause gastrointestinal upset, bleeding, pain, and other symptoms. Order a Colonox iFOB stool test kit to monitor for these symptoms at home. Diverticulitis can cause lower GI bleeding. Diagnox's Colonox FIT test will help you determine if you have hidden blood in stool.  If your test result is positive, you should visit your doctor for further diagnosis. Your healthcare provider will perform additional tests to determine if your symptoms are related to diverticulitis vs. ulcerative colitis or other GI disorders. 

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References

[1] S. A. Azer and Y. Sun, “Colitis,” PubMed, 2020. [Accessed May 6, 2024]. 

[2] A. T. Hawkins et al., “Diverticulitis: an update from the age old paradigm,” Current Problems in Surgery, vol. 57, no. 10, p. 100862, Oct. 2020. [Accessed May 6, 2024].

[3] A. Recio-Boiles, A. Waheed, and B. Cagir, “Colon cancer,” Nih.gov, Jun. 03, 2023. [Accessed May 6, 2024].

[4] Cleveland Clinic, “Diverticulitis,” Cleveland Clinic, Apr. 10, 2023. [Accessed May 6, 2024].

[5] National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, “Symptoms & Causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome | NIDDK,” National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 2020. [Accessed May 6, 2024].

About the Author
Brianna Anderson
About the Reviewer
This blog was
Technically reviewed by: 
Taylor Steed

Taylor Steed played a crucial role in ensuring the quality of this blog by serving as its editor and proofreader.

The blog was also reviewed by the Diagnox content team. Diagnox Staff consists of a multidisciplinary team of scientists, content writers, and healthcare professionals with an expertise to create and review high-quality, informative, accurate, and easy-to-understand content for both professionals and everyday readers. Our staff follows strict guidelines to ensure the credibility and authenticity of the information, reviewing them independently and verifying them by various scientific and technical sources to ensure accuracy. Our review team believes in delivering knowledge free from bias to improve public health and well-being.

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