Here’s what you should know about treating diverticulitis.
You might not even know it but within the lining of your intestines, you may have little pouches known as diverticula. In fact, many people have them but never experience symptoms; however, if the pouches become inflamed or infected this is known as diverticulitis. If you have diverticulitis you mustn’t ignore the problem, as it can cause complications. Fortunately, our St. Thomas, VI, surgeons can help get your diverticulitis under control.
What are the warning signs of diverticulitis?
Many people never experience symptoms and may not discover that they have diverticulitis until they’re visiting their St. Thomas, VI, doctor for other GI problems; however, if you have diverticulitis, it is possible to experience:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Persistent abdominal pain, often on the lower left side
- An abdomen that’s tender to the touch
- Constipation
- Fever
What are some risk factors for diverticulitis?
You may be more prone to diverticulitis as you get older or if you are overweight or obese. Smokers, those who lead sedentary lifestyles, and those with low-fiber diets are also at risk. Some ways to reduce your risk for diverticulitis include:
- Getting regular exercise
- Reducing animal fat content in your diet while increasing fiber intake
- Getting ample water intake each day
- Quitting smoking
How do I treat diverticulitis?
Since untreated diverticulitis can lead to blockages and other serious complications, it’s important that if you suspect that you might have this problem that you see our St. Thomas, VI, surgeons. Mild diverticulitis may be treated with a liquid diet and antibiotics; however, those with more severe cases may need to be hospitalized. If an abscess has formed in the intestines, we will need to drain it.
If there is an obstruction or abscess in the bowels, or if you’ve had multiple cases of diverticulosis then you may benefit from surgery. This is something that we can discuss with you further during your evaluation. Surgery can be used to remove the diseased parts of the intestines.
If you are dealing with unexplained abdominal pain (particularly on your left side) or you notice blood in your stool, these are signs of diverticulitis that should not go ignored. Call Paragon Surgical Center in St. Thomas, VI, today at (217) 592-2863.