Colitis vs. Diverticulitis: What You Should Know

Ulcerative colitis and diverticulitis are two conditions with similarities, but they are distinct conditions with unique triggers and treatments. In this article, we’ll compare colitis vs diverticulitis, and take a look at what they have in common and what sets them apart. We’ll also touch on some resources that could be useful to those living with either colitis or diverticulitis. 

Let's break down these two conditions to brass tacks:  what, where, and why. 

Colitis vs. Diverticulitis

What is colitis? What is diverticulitis?

Let’s compare. 

Colitis is an inflammatory condition of the colon (large intestine) that can cause long-term inflammation and ulcers, leading to symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding. 

Diverticulitis occurs when diverticula—small bulges or pockets that can form in the lining of the digestive system—become inflamed or infected, causing pain, fever, and digestive disturbances, primarily affecting the lower part of the colon.

Commonalities: 

Colitis and diverticulitis share common symptoms such as abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, and changes in bowel habits (such as diarrhea or constipation). They can also both lead to the presence of blood in stool due to inflammation in the digestive tract.

Symptomatic Differences: 

Colitis symptoms often include more continuous abdominal pain and urgent bowel movements, often with diarrhea that may contain blood or mucus, reflecting its widespread inflammation of the colon. 

Diverticulitis, on the other hand, typically presents with acute pain on the lower left side of the abdomen, fever, and nausea, reflecting inflammation or infection of one or more diverticula in the digestive tract.

Where Does Inflammation Occur? 

Ok, now with the “where”. 

Colitis and diverticulitis, two prevalent GI disorders, share a common battleground—the intricate pathways of the digestive tract. 

However, each has varying limits to their inflammatory response. 

Ulcerative colitis is characterized by inflammation of the colon's inner lining. This inflammation can result in sores (ulcers) in the digestive tract, primarily affecting the innermost lining of the colon and rectum. 

Diverticulitis occurs when diverticula, which are small bulges or pouches forming in the lining of the digestive system (commonly found in the lower part of the colon), become inflamed or infected. 

So, the inflammation in diverticulitis is typically more localized to the areas around the diverticula, whereas colitis could potentially involve the entire length of the colon and sometimes the rectum, leading to widespread inflammation.

Why Colitis vs Diverticulitis Are Triggered

There’s a pretty huge difference between colitis vs. diverticulitis when it comes to why the condition manifests. 

Let's explore the “why” behind these conditions and contrast their trigger mechanisms. 

• Colitis (specifically, ulcerative colitis) is primarily caused by an autoimmune response, where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the colon, leading to inflammation and ulcers.

• Diverticulitis, on the other hand, is often linked to lifestyle and dietary factors. A low-fiber diet can lead to constipation and increased pressure within the colon, which may contribute to the formation of diverticula (small pouches in the colon lining) and can cause these pouches to become inflamed or infected, leading to diverticulitis.

But why does an autoimmune or inflammatory response occur in the first place? 

The exact cause of the autoimmune response, especially in conditions like colitis, isn't fully understood. However, it's believed to result from a combination of genetics (certain genes make people more susceptible), environmental triggers (such as certain infections or diet), and an imbalance in the gut microbiome, which affects the immune system's behavior.

The same is mostly true for diverticulitis as well; the triggers involve a complex interplay of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. While some folks can eat a low-fiber diet (very common) and not develop diverticulitis, others can’t. 

Other causes are a variation in bowel wall strength, gut microbiome, and varying inflammatory responses.

What To Do When Your Life Is Affected By Your Condition?

When navigating the challenges of living with conditions like colitis or diverticulitis, it's essential to explore all avenues of support and relief available to you. This is where the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) program can play a pivotal role. Designed to provide financial assistance to Canadians dealing with significant and prolonged impairments, the DTC acknowledges the hidden burdens of chronic gastrointestinal disorders and offers a way to alleviate some of the associated financial strain.

Living with colitis or diverticulitis can significantly impact your daily life, limiting your ability to perform basic activities, work efficiently, or even maintain social interactions without discomfort or distress. The unpredictable nature of these conditions, coupled with their potential for severe symptoms, can make managing day-to-day responsibilities challenging. Recognizing these difficulties, the DTC aims to lessen the financial burden, allowing individuals to focus more on their health and less on their expenses.

Want to learn more about applying to the Disability Tax Credit program? 

Reach out to our expert team. 

Summary: Colitis vs Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis and Ulcerative Colitis (UC) are conditions affecting the colon but differ in their origins and treatment approaches. Diverticulitis involves the inflammation of small pouches (diverticula) in the colon lining, whereas UC is an Inflammatory Bowel Disease characterized by inflammation and ulcers in the large intestine, triggered by an overactive immune response. 

Both conditions can be managed through medication, lifestyle adjustments, and in severe cases, may necessitate surgical intervention to remove affected areas of the colon or rectum.