When family members experience a medical condition, we may often wonder if it is hereditary, meaning we have an increased chance of suffering from the same condition. If you have older relatives who have had complications with diverticulitis, you may have asked yourselves (and now the internet), “Is diverticulitis hereditary?” Keep reading below to find out.
Key Takeaways
- Diverticulitis is a colon condition when inflammation or infection occurs in the diverticula.
- Genetics can play a role in developing diverticulitis.
- Lower your chances of diverticulitis by eating a fiber-rich diet, staying hydrated, and exercising.
What Is Diverticulitis?
Diverticulitis is a progression of diverticulosis, a colon condition that happens when diverticula, small pouches, develop inside the colon. Diverticulosis on its own isn’t necessarily a cause for concern; however, once it progresses to diverticulitis, the following painful symptoms can develop:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Rectal bleeding
- Severe abdominal pain
- Constipation or diarrhea, which is less common
Diverticulitis produces these uncomfortable and painful symptoms due to inflammation and infection from trapped waste or undigested food in the diverticula. The small pouches called diverticula develop as we age, and our colon muscles and tissue weaken and deteriorate.
Is Diverticulitis Hereditary?
Genetics can be a contributing factor in the development of diverticulitis. If you have elderly family members who have the condition, this can increase your risk of developing this GI disease. On the other hand, if you have a family history of chronic inflammation, this can also play a part in developing diverticulitis.
What Causes Diverticulitis?
There are also other factors that can influence the likelihood of experiencing this digestive condition. The two most common causes are age and diet. As we mentioned earlier, as we get older, our muscles and tissue strength start to decline, increasing the risk of diverticulosis developing and possibly progressing to diverticulitis.
Additionally, hard, strained bowel movements increase the risk of diverticulitis because they put pressure on the walls of the colon. Frequent constipation due to dehydration and a low-fiber diet also increases the risk of developing diverticulitis by causing the diverticulum to tear and become infected.
You can decrease your risk of developing diverticulitis by eating fiber-rich foods or taking a fiber supplement, taking a probiotic, staying hydrated, and exercising regularly. Fiber helps your colon create solid stool while staying hydrated, which helps keep your stool soft to minimize strain and pushing. Exercising helps with digestion, keeping food moving regularly through the digestive system.
When to See an RMC Gastroenterologist
Sometimes, diverticulitis goes away on its own if it is mild or uncomplicated. In more severe cases, complications can include gastrointestinal bleeding or perforation, intestinal obstruction, fistulas, and other serious conditions. If there’s fresh blood in your poop, you look pale or feel weak, have to pee often or have painful urination, or your stomach is sensitive to the touch, you should schedule an appointment with a doctor as soon as possible.
Our gastroenterologists at RMC offer the latest diagnostic techniques and treatment options for various digestive disorders, including diverticulitis. They’re ready to answer all of your questions and create a safe, effective treatment plan. Get in touch today!