Have you been experiencing abdominal pain? If it’s been persistent, lasting for several days, it’s time to see a doctor. If it’s accompanied by fever, nausea and vomiting, constipation, or abdominal tenderness, you may have diverticulitis; but what is that?
Diverticulitis is the inflammation or infection of the diverticula. Diverticula are small, bulging pouches that can develop in your digestive system’s lining. They appear mostly in the lower area of the large intestine. The development of diverticula is not rare, especially after you turn 40, and they typically don’t cause problems. However, if one or more of them become infected or inflamed, it creates diverticulitis. Diverticulitis causes severe abdominal pain, usually in the lower-left side of the abdomen.
Now that we know what diverticulitis is let’s take a closer look at what causes it. This condition usually develops as naturally weaker places in the colon succumb to pressure. When this occurs, marble-sized pouches will jut out from the colon wall. When these pouches tear they create inflammation or infection, sometimes both.
There are several factors that increase your potential for developing diverticulitis. The older you are, the higher your risk is for diverticulitis. Obesity and smoking also play a significant role in the formation of this condition. A diet that is high in animal fat, combined with low fiber intake, can also increase your risk. Some medications have also been associated with the development of diverticulitis. Opioids, steroids, and anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen may enhance your likelihood of having diverticulitis.
Diverticulitis can be prevented with regular exercise. Regular exercise fosters normal bowel function and decreases the pressure inside of your colon. A high-fiber diet also lowers your risk for diverticulitis. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and grains help to soften waste, allowing it to pass quickly through the colon. Staying hydrated enhances the effects of a high fiber diet. The fiber absorbs water, and your system needs enough to replace what is used.
Once diverticula form, they are there to stay. If you develop diverticulitis, the treatment options are typically simple. In most cases, this condition can be treated with rest, adjustments to your diet, and antibiotics. However, in severe cases or with recurring diverticulitis, surgery may be required. If you have several acute attacks of diverticulitis, it may be recommended that the affected area is removed. No matter what the treatment method, with prompt medical attention, a full recovery from diverticulitis is highly likely.
If you’re experiencing abdominal pain, or if these other symptoms or causes of diverticulitis sound familiar, you need to see a gastrointestinal specialist. A gastroenterologist can determine the cause of your pain and treatment plan specifically for you. Our team of gastroenterologists in Panama City is here to help, so schedule an appointment today.
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