Symptom 16. Difficulty Breathing: The Unexpected Respiratory Symptom of Diverticulitis
Difficulty breathing, while not a typical symptom of diverticulitis, can sometimes occur. Generally, this symptom is associated with severe cases of the disease, particularly if a complication such as a lung abscess has developed. In rare instances, the inflammation and infection in the colon could spread to the diaphragm, the muscle that helps in breathing, leading to this symptom.
At first glance, the connection between diverticulitis and respiratory problems might seem unlikely. However, the body’s physiological processes are interconnected, and a severe infection can affect multiple organ systems. When diverticulitis becomes serious, the body may respond by increasing its metabolic rate, resulting in faster, shallower breaths.
Also, an abscess – a pocket of pus that’s formed in response to infection – can, on rare occasions, form in the vicinity of the diaphragm due to diverticulitis. When this occurs, it could interfere with the diaphragm’s normal functioning, potentially causing breathing problems.
Moreover, stress and anxiety often associated with any serious health condition, including diverticulitis, can also lead to breathing difficulties. Stress often leads to shallow, rapid breathing or even hyperventilation, which could exacerbate the sense of breathlessness. (16)
