Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentPreventionFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prevention
Frequently Asked Questions
Diverticulitisandulcerative colitismay have similar symptoms, but they are different conditions. One of the main differences betweendiverticulitisandulcerative colitisis that diverticulitis is a form ofdiverticular disease, while ulcerative colitis is a type ofinflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Both conditions can affect the large intestine (the colon and rectum). Diverticulitis occurs when bulges in weakened areas of the lining of the colon (called diverticula) become infected.
Verywell / Zoe Hansen
Ulcerative colitis is an immune-mediated disease that causes ulcers (holes) in the large intestine. People have can both conditions at the same time, but they have different causes.
Learn more about the differences between ulcerative colitis and diverticulitis. Make sure to see a healthcare professional for a diagnosis so you can receive the proper treatment.
Symptoms of different digestive conditions can be similar. That’s why it’s important to work with a healthcare professional to ensure that the cause of the symptoms is found and diagnosed properly.
Ulcerative Colitis
The signs and symptoms of ulcerative colitis are primarily located in the digestive system. However, there can also be symptoms that are located in other body systems or parts of the body. These can include:
Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms: Everything You Need to Know
Diverticulitis
A Change in Bowel HabitsDiarrhea or constipation are common and usually go away in a few days. However, when either stools that are too loose or too hard continue for three days or more, it might be called a change in bowel habits.When these changes happen over and over or go on for a long period of time, it could mean that there is a problem that needs attention. That’s why it is important to discuss stools with a healthcare professional.
A Change in Bowel Habits
Diarrhea or constipation are common and usually go away in a few days. However, when either stools that are too loose or too hard continue for three days or more, it might be called a change in bowel habits.When these changes happen over and over or go on for a long period of time, it could mean that there is a problem that needs attention. That’s why it is important to discuss stools with a healthcare professional.
Diarrhea or constipation are common and usually go away in a few days. However, when either stools that are too loose or too hard continue for three days or more, it might be called a change in bowel habits.
When these changes happen over and over or go on for a long period of time, it could mean that there is a problem that needs attention. That’s why it is important to discuss stools with a healthcare professional.
Diverticulitis Symptoms
The causes of ulcerative colitis and diverticulitis are quite different.
The causes of ulcerative colitis are not well understood. It is thought to possibly be a combination of two factors: genetics and environment.
More than 200 genes have been found that are connected to IBD,but not everyone who has these genes goes on to develop ulcerative colitis or the other forms of IBD—Crohn’s diseaseorindeterminate colitis.
Additionally, one or more external—environmental—factors affect the immune system and/or the makeup of the bacteria in the digestive system. The result is a series of events that occurs in the bodyleading the immune system to attack the large intestine.
Ulcerative Colitis: Causes and Risk Factors
It’s thought that constipation or a lack of dietary fiber may cause diverticula that form in the colon.Without enough fiber, stool can become hard and not move through the colon easily, causing constipation.
Constipation causes too much pressure in the colon, leading to a weakening of the colon wall. Once the wall is weakened, it could lead to bulges in some spots (the diverticula).
It’s also thought that some people may have ongoing inflammation, leading to diverticulitis that doesn’t get better with treatment.
Some of the tests used to diagnose ulcerative colitis or diverticulitis will be the same, but there are also key differences.
Acolonoscopywith biopsy is generally used in the diagnosis of all forms of IBD.A flexible tube with a light and a camera on the end is put into the large intestine through the rectum. The doctor can see the inside of the colon and choose where to take samples of small pieces of tissue (biopsies). The biopsies are then tested in a lab.
Other tests might also be used during the process of diagnosing ulcerative colitis. These help determine whether there is another reason for the symptoms, such as a bacterial infection.These tests might include:
Ulcerative Colitis Diagnosis and Testing: How It Works
Diverticulitis may cause symptoms that need to be investigated. A provider may suspect diverticulitis if diverticular disease has been found in the past. However, tests may be done to ensure that symptoms like bleeding and abdominal pain arediagnosed correctly.
Some of the tests used might be:
One of the reasons that the correct diagnosis is essential is because the treatments for ulcerative colitis versus those for diverticulitis are quite different.
The treatments for ulcerative colitis include lifestyle changes, over-the-counter (OTC) medications,complementary therapies, prescription drugs, and surgery. Some of the most commonly used medications include:
Lifestyle changes can include altering your diet and quitting smoking. Complementary therapies may include yoga, acupuncture, and probiotics.
Surgery to remove the intestine, with either the placement of anileostomy or a j-pouch, is another form of treatment for complicated ulcerative colitis.More types of treatments might be used to treat either the disease or its effects on other parts of the body.
How Ulcerative Colitis Is Treated
The treatment for diverticulitis may occur eitherat homeor inthe hospital. Which treatments are used will depend on the severity of the symptoms. Antibiotics may be given as first-line therapy, either orally or through an IV in the hospital.
Diverticulitis canlead to complicationsin about 12% of cases. Other treatments, includingmedicationsor surgery, might also be needed if there is a high fever, an inability to eat or drink, a high white blood cell count, or sepsis.
More treatments are being studied for diverticulitis, including Asacol HD (mesalamine), Xifaxan (rifaximin), and probiotics, although these are not yet proven to help.
It’s not well understood what causes ulcerative colitis. For that reason, there’s not a lot of information about how to avoid the disease. However, for those at risk, it may be worth talking to a physician about how to live a healthy lifestyle and avoid potential triggers.
Preventing complications from ulcerative colitis can include making sure the disease is under control. Staying on a treatment plan and seeing a gastroenterologist on a regular basis will be important in managing symptoms.
It may not be possible to avoid developing diverticular disease, and not much is known about prevention. However, a high-fiberdietmay be recommended once diverticula are present in order to avoid diverticulitis.
Other prevention methods that might be recommended include drinking more water and getting the right amount of exercise. It might also be recommended to avoid eating red meat.
People who have diverticular disease may also be told to avoid certain medications that are known to cause bleeding in the digestive system in some people. This may include aspirin, cyclooxygenase inhibitors (cox inhibitors), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Summary
Ulcerative colitis and diverticulitis both affect the colon and can cause abdominal pain, cramping, and blood in the stool, but they are different in many ways. Both have causes that are not fully determined. A colonoscopy and imaging may be used in diagnosis for each condition.
Treatment options for ulcerative colitis include medications, lifestyle changes, and possibly surgery. Treatment foracute diverticulitisoften includes antibiotics.
Living with digestive disease may mean paying more attention to diet, stress, and medical care. Seeing a doctor on a regular basis will be important in avoiding a flare-up of the condition or other complications. Keeping on track with medications will also be key to managing the condition well and avoiding symptoms flaring back up again.
For both diverticular disease and ulcerative colitis, diet will be important. Changing one’s diet is not easy, which is why working with a dietitian will be helpful. Having both conditions will mean taking care to live the best quality of life possible.
Frequently Asked QuestionsDiverticulitis is not a form of IBD, but people can have both diverticular disease and a form of IBD at the same time. People with ulcerative colitis, however, may be less likely to develop diverticula because of scarring in their colon.A diet as high in fiber as can be tolerated is recommended for both diverticulitis and ulcerative colitis in remission. When ulcerative colitis is flaring, it will be important to work with a dietitian to find foods that won’t contribute to symptoms.This means drinking enough water and eating as well rounded of a diet as possible, while avoiding foods that might contribute to diarrhea. Every person with IBD is different, but avoiding fried foods, fatty foods, and spicy foods might be a place to start.Stress does not cause bowel diseases, however stress can contribute to an increase in symptoms. Stress-relieving techniques are often recommended for people who live with a bowel disorder. This can include mindfulness, meditation, therapy, or other lifestyle changes. Many people with IBD try various different techniques to find the best ways to keep a lid on their stress.
Diverticulitis is not a form of IBD, but people can have both diverticular disease and a form of IBD at the same time. People with ulcerative colitis, however, may be less likely to develop diverticula because of scarring in their colon.
A diet as high in fiber as can be tolerated is recommended for both diverticulitis and ulcerative colitis in remission. When ulcerative colitis is flaring, it will be important to work with a dietitian to find foods that won’t contribute to symptoms.This means drinking enough water and eating as well rounded of a diet as possible, while avoiding foods that might contribute to diarrhea. Every person with IBD is different, but avoiding fried foods, fatty foods, and spicy foods might be a place to start.
A diet as high in fiber as can be tolerated is recommended for both diverticulitis and ulcerative colitis in remission. When ulcerative colitis is flaring, it will be important to work with a dietitian to find foods that won’t contribute to symptoms.
This means drinking enough water and eating as well rounded of a diet as possible, while avoiding foods that might contribute to diarrhea. Every person with IBD is different, but avoiding fried foods, fatty foods, and spicy foods might be a place to start.
Stress does not cause bowel diseases, however stress can contribute to an increase in symptoms. Stress-relieving techniques are often recommended for people who live with a bowel disorder. This can include mindfulness, meditation, therapy, or other lifestyle changes. Many people with IBD try various different techniques to find the best ways to keep a lid on their stress.
13 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Ungaro R, Mehandru S, Allen PB, Peyrin-Biroulet L, Colombel JF.Ulcerative colitis.Lancet. 2017;389:1756-1770. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(16)32126-2Järbrink-Sehgal ME, Rassam L, Jasim A, et al.Diverticulosis, symptoms and colonic inflammation: a population-based colonoscopy study.Am J Gastroenterol. 2019;114:500-510. doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000000113Guan Q.A Comprehensive review and update on the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease.J Immunol Res.2019;2019:7247238. doi:10.1155/2019/7247238Tursi A.Diverticulosis today: unfashionable and still under-researched.Ther Advances Gastroenterol.2015;9(2):213-228. doi:10/1177/1756283x1562128Strate LL, Morris AM.Epidemiology, pathophysiology, and treatment of diverticulitis.Gastroenterology. 2019;156:1282-1298.e1. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2018.12.033Rubin DT, Ananthakrishnan AN, Siegel CA.ACG clinical guideline: ulcerative colitis in adults.Am J Gastroenterol. 2019;114(3):384-413. doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000000152Adams SM, Bornemann PH.Ulcerative colitis.Am Fam Physician. 2013;87(10):699-705.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Divertucular disease.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatment for ulcerative colitis.Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.Medication options for ulcerative colitis.Stollman N, Smalley W, Hirano I; AGA Institute Clinical Guidelines Committee.American Gastroenterological Association Institute guideline on the management of acute diverticulitis.Gastroenterology. 2015;149:1944-1949. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2015.10.003Carabotti M, Falangone F, Cuomo R, Annibale B.Role of dietary habits in the prevention of diverticular disease complications: a systematic review.Nutrients. 2021;13(4):1288. doi:10.3390/nu13041288Persaud A, Ahmed A, Kakked G, Shulik O, Ahlawat S.A comparison of diverticulitis in Crohn’s disease versus ulcerative colitis.JGH Open.2019;3(6):508-512. doi:10.1002/jgh3.12192
13 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Ungaro R, Mehandru S, Allen PB, Peyrin-Biroulet L, Colombel JF.Ulcerative colitis.Lancet. 2017;389:1756-1770. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(16)32126-2Järbrink-Sehgal ME, Rassam L, Jasim A, et al.Diverticulosis, symptoms and colonic inflammation: a population-based colonoscopy study.Am J Gastroenterol. 2019;114:500-510. doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000000113Guan Q.A Comprehensive review and update on the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease.J Immunol Res.2019;2019:7247238. doi:10.1155/2019/7247238Tursi A.Diverticulosis today: unfashionable and still under-researched.Ther Advances Gastroenterol.2015;9(2):213-228. doi:10/1177/1756283x1562128Strate LL, Morris AM.Epidemiology, pathophysiology, and treatment of diverticulitis.Gastroenterology. 2019;156:1282-1298.e1. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2018.12.033Rubin DT, Ananthakrishnan AN, Siegel CA.ACG clinical guideline: ulcerative colitis in adults.Am J Gastroenterol. 2019;114(3):384-413. doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000000152Adams SM, Bornemann PH.Ulcerative colitis.Am Fam Physician. 2013;87(10):699-705.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Divertucular disease.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatment for ulcerative colitis.Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.Medication options for ulcerative colitis.Stollman N, Smalley W, Hirano I; AGA Institute Clinical Guidelines Committee.American Gastroenterological Association Institute guideline on the management of acute diverticulitis.Gastroenterology. 2015;149:1944-1949. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2015.10.003Carabotti M, Falangone F, Cuomo R, Annibale B.Role of dietary habits in the prevention of diverticular disease complications: a systematic review.Nutrients. 2021;13(4):1288. doi:10.3390/nu13041288Persaud A, Ahmed A, Kakked G, Shulik O, Ahlawat S.A comparison of diverticulitis in Crohn’s disease versus ulcerative colitis.JGH Open.2019;3(6):508-512. doi:10.1002/jgh3.12192
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Ungaro R, Mehandru S, Allen PB, Peyrin-Biroulet L, Colombel JF.Ulcerative colitis.Lancet. 2017;389:1756-1770. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(16)32126-2Järbrink-Sehgal ME, Rassam L, Jasim A, et al.Diverticulosis, symptoms and colonic inflammation: a population-based colonoscopy study.Am J Gastroenterol. 2019;114:500-510. doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000000113Guan Q.A Comprehensive review and update on the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease.J Immunol Res.2019;2019:7247238. doi:10.1155/2019/7247238Tursi A.Diverticulosis today: unfashionable and still under-researched.Ther Advances Gastroenterol.2015;9(2):213-228. doi:10/1177/1756283x1562128Strate LL, Morris AM.Epidemiology, pathophysiology, and treatment of diverticulitis.Gastroenterology. 2019;156:1282-1298.e1. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2018.12.033Rubin DT, Ananthakrishnan AN, Siegel CA.ACG clinical guideline: ulcerative colitis in adults.Am J Gastroenterol. 2019;114(3):384-413. doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000000152Adams SM, Bornemann PH.Ulcerative colitis.Am Fam Physician. 2013;87(10):699-705.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Divertucular disease.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatment for ulcerative colitis.Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.Medication options for ulcerative colitis.Stollman N, Smalley W, Hirano I; AGA Institute Clinical Guidelines Committee.American Gastroenterological Association Institute guideline on the management of acute diverticulitis.Gastroenterology. 2015;149:1944-1949. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2015.10.003Carabotti M, Falangone F, Cuomo R, Annibale B.Role of dietary habits in the prevention of diverticular disease complications: a systematic review.Nutrients. 2021;13(4):1288. doi:10.3390/nu13041288Persaud A, Ahmed A, Kakked G, Shulik O, Ahlawat S.A comparison of diverticulitis in Crohn’s disease versus ulcerative colitis.JGH Open.2019;3(6):508-512. doi:10.1002/jgh3.12192
Ungaro R, Mehandru S, Allen PB, Peyrin-Biroulet L, Colombel JF.Ulcerative colitis.Lancet. 2017;389:1756-1770. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(16)32126-2
Järbrink-Sehgal ME, Rassam L, Jasim A, et al.Diverticulosis, symptoms and colonic inflammation: a population-based colonoscopy study.Am J Gastroenterol. 2019;114:500-510. doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000000113
Guan Q.A Comprehensive review and update on the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease.J Immunol Res.2019;2019:7247238. doi:10.1155/2019/7247238
Tursi A.Diverticulosis today: unfashionable and still under-researched.Ther Advances Gastroenterol.2015;9(2):213-228. doi:10/1177/1756283x1562128
Strate LL, Morris AM.Epidemiology, pathophysiology, and treatment of diverticulitis.Gastroenterology. 2019;156:1282-1298.e1. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2018.12.033
Rubin DT, Ananthakrishnan AN, Siegel CA.ACG clinical guideline: ulcerative colitis in adults.Am J Gastroenterol. 2019;114(3):384-413. doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000000152
Adams SM, Bornemann PH.Ulcerative colitis.Am Fam Physician. 2013;87(10):699-705.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Divertucular disease.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatment for ulcerative colitis.
Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.Medication options for ulcerative colitis.
Stollman N, Smalley W, Hirano I; AGA Institute Clinical Guidelines Committee.American Gastroenterological Association Institute guideline on the management of acute diverticulitis.Gastroenterology. 2015;149:1944-1949. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2015.10.003
Carabotti M, Falangone F, Cuomo R, Annibale B.Role of dietary habits in the prevention of diverticular disease complications: a systematic review.Nutrients. 2021;13(4):1288. doi:10.3390/nu13041288
Persaud A, Ahmed A, Kakked G, Shulik O, Ahlawat S.A comparison of diverticulitis in Crohn’s disease versus ulcerative colitis.JGH Open.2019;3(6):508-512. doi:10.1002/jgh3.12192
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
