Saint Thomas, VI, is home to the Paragon Surgical Center, where award-winning, experienced, skilled, and licensed medical doctors specialize in various fields like gastrointestinal health and diverticulitis. Our doctors want to explain this inflammation process.
Colon Inflammation
Colon inflammation is either acute or chronic, complicated or uncomplicated. Diverticula are pockets that form in parts of your colon, and it is common for them to become inflamed or infected. While diverticulosis is common, this inflammation is not as expected. However, once you get inflamed, you may have recurring bouts.
Symptoms of Colon Inflammation
- Gradual worsening abdominal pain
- Distended abdomen and palpable colon
- Fever
- Rectal bleeding
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation or diarrhea
An acute attack develops suddenly, and a chronic flare-up develops gradually and progressively worsens over a few days. The pain in your left side can be sharp, penetrating, or burning and is mild to severe. Pain can cross your lower abdomen, spread to your pelvis, or target your lower back.
Complications
The doctors at Paragon Surgical Center in Saint Thomas, VI, say if you experience frequent episodes of diverticulitis, complications can develop, such as gastrointestinal bleeding, intestinal obstruction, fistulas, bladder inflammation, abscesses, and gastrointestinal perforation.
Be sure to seek medical help if you experience any of these symptoms. Our doctor must order tests, such as a blood test, stool sample, CT scan, MRI, urine test, or colonoscopy to ensure there are no other problems. Mild and uncomplicated cases tend to go away on their own. You still need to seek medical help, as you may need an antibiotic, steroids, or pain medication to quicken the healing process.
You eat a liquid diet and avoid solid foods at home to give your intestinal tract time to heal. Drink at least 64 ounces of water per day as OK'd by our doctor and avoid NSAIDs. If your symptoms are worsening, you may have to enter the hospital for IV antibiotics, blood transfusions, and endoscopic testing. In rare instances, you may have to have surgery like a colon resection with a temporary colostomy until your intestinal system heals.
Prevention is the Best Cure!
Doctors believe you can help prevent inflammation by eating more plant-based foods, eating fewer animal fats, drinking 64 ounces of water daily, exercising daily, and taking fiber supplements and pre-and probiotics. The doctor will tell you to avoid seeds, nuts, and fruit skins as they irritate your colon pockets.
Health Condition or Surgery Needed to Call Us Today!
If you reside in Saint Thomas, VI, or surrounding areas, know that a team of highly qualified doctors work hard to keep their communities healthy and free from diverticulitis. If you seek any of their services, please call Paragon Surgical Center at 340-715-7874 and schedule an appointment with one of our doctors.