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Diverticulosis and IBS Irritable Bowel Syndrome

The symptoms of both IBS and Diverticulosis are similar and consequently many people can be misdiagnosed. This overlap between these two conditions is further complicated by the fact that many people with Diverticulosis also have IBS. IBS tends to affect more women than men but Diverticulosis affects men and women equally. IBS can and does affect children, whereas Diverticulosis usually affects people over the age of 50 so if the symptoms begin early in life they are more likely to be diagnosed as IBS and if they start later in life, the most likely cause is Diverticulosis.

What is Diverticulosis?

A diverticulum is a small pouch, varying from around a couple of millimetres to three centimetres that is protruding through the wall of the gut and which can occur in any part of the intestine. Several pouches are known as diverticula. Diverticulosis affects around 50% of the population who are over 50 years old. In many cases there are no symptoms at all, for some the symptoms are mild and can come and go at different times. If faecal material gets trapped in one of these pouches, then the area can become inflamed and an infection can set in causing diverticulitis, a potentially serious condition that is usually treated with antibiotics, often in hospital.

Main Symptoms of Diverticulosis

Stomach cramps
Bloating
Flatulence
Constipation
Diarrhoea
Combination of constipation and diarrhoea
Relief after a bowel movement

Main Symptoms of Diverticulitis

Sudden and severe pain, often without warning and often in the lower left hand side of the abdomen although pain can also occur on the right hand side and in the middle
Fever, nausea and sometimes vomiting
May experience bleeding from the rectum
Constipation or Diarrhoea
May feel the need to urinate more frequently

What is IBS?

IBS can be described as a disorder of the digestive system affecting the way that bowel motions are processed. It is usually diagnosed when the symptoms of IBS are present but are not due to another identifiable cause.

Main Symptoms of IBS

Stomach cramps
Bloating
Diarrhoea or constipation or alternating between both
Relief after a bowel movement
Feeling of incomplete evacuation after a bowel movement
Mucous in the stools

Getting a correct diagnosis

Diverticulosis is often discovered whilst investigating something else. Tests that can be used to diagnose Diverticulosis include barium enema, endoscopy, colonoscopy and ultrasound scans (can indicate thickening of the colon). IBS is diagnosed when there is no other apparent cause and the symptoms of IBS still persist.

Treating IBS and Diverticulosis

Although they are both different conditions there are a number of steps you can take that are similar for both IBS and Diverticulosis and which can ease the symptoms of both

Diet – increase the amount of fibre in the diet in the form of fresh fruit and vegetables and whole grain cereals

Fluid – ensure an adequate intake of water, which is essential to flush out the bowels and is particularly necessary when fibre is increased in the diet

Exercise – make sure that you get regular exercise which can help keep the digestive system functioning healthily and ease constipation

Anti-spasmodic medication – may be helpful for reducing cramps

Peppermint – can help reduce colicky pain

Important

Any changes in frequency or the appearance of your bowel movements and associated symptoms of diarrhoea, pain, constipation etc. should be reported to your doctor in order to obtain a proper diagnosis. Also, before taking any medication, including non-prescription medication, consult your doctor for advice.