Diverticulosis and diverticulitis are two distinct stages of the same condition. In simple words, diverticulosis is a primitive stage while diverticulitis is a more advanced stage or worsened condition.
Both the conditions are caused in the colon or in the large intestine. There are small pouches in the colon known as diverticula. These pouches usually protrude outwards or bulge out from the colon. These pouches do not exist in a normal person’s colon. Whenever these pouches develop or when one has diverticula, the condition is known as diverticulosis.
The primary difference between diverticulosis and diverticulitis is that in the latter condition, the protruding pouches would become inflamed. In countries like the United States of America, a majority of people aged sixty and above would have diverticulosis. But all people having the condition wouldn’t develop diverticulitis. Only when the pouches or diverticula become infected due to some reason or become inflamed would a person develop diverticulitis.
There is also substantial difference between diverticulosis and diverticulitis in regards to their symptoms. In case of the former, an individual may feel slight sensations of bloating and mild cramps. One may feel constipated as well. If an individual has diverticulitis then the mild cramps would turn severe and be recognised as abdominal pains. There can be severe pain and discomfort. One may have fever, feel nausea, have chills and experience bouts of cramps. Diverticulitis can be quite severe if the pouches break, start to bleed or if they cause blockage.
There is no difference between diverticulosis and diverticulitis in regards to their root cause. Both are caused due to a very low fibre diet. People who have had poor colon health, improper bowel movements and have always indulged in foods that are rich in fat and sugar would be more prone to diverticulosis. Once someone has diverticulosis, he or she should opt for medications and must eat foods that are high in fibre. That is the only remedy to control the pain and also to avoid the pouches from getting inflamed. Improper diets after having diverticulosis would inevitably lead to diverticulitis.
It is necessary to state that neither of these two conditions have obvious external symptoms. The conditions may develop within while one feels nothing worth a mention. In most cases, medical tests such as colonoscopy or other tests of the intestine intended to diagnose another medical condition finds out that the person has diverticulosis or diverticulitis.
