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What Is Diverticulitis?
Diverticulitis is a condition that could follow in a person with diverticulosis. Diverticulosis is a condition where small pouches or pockets called diverticula bulge through the outer lining of the intestine. Once these pockets have formed, they can become infected and start to swell. Diverticulitis occurs when this infection or inflammation takes place.
What Causes Diverticulitis?
Diverticulosis typically is caused when diverticula tear and become susceptible to inflammation, infection or both.
Some of the risk factors associated with diverticulitis are very similar to those risk factors associated with diverticulosis and include:
- Aging
- Being overweight
- Some medications – such as anti-inflammatory drugs including ibuprofen and Advil
- Smoking
- Low fiber, high-fat diets
- Lack of exercise
Prevention of diverticulitis includes:
- Drinking plenty of water
- Regular exercise
- High-fiber, low-fat diet
What Are The Symptoms Of Diverticulitis?
The main symptoms of diverticulitis can include:
- Abdominal pain – usually constant and persistent for several days
- Fever
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdomen is tender to the touch
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
If you have constant, unexplained abdominal pain, or any other combination of the above symptoms, you should schedule an appointment with your gastroenterologist today.
What Are Some Possible Treatments For Diverticulitis?
The treatments for diverticulitis depend on the severity of your condition.
Following diagnosis, your physician will be able to determine which treatments will be necessary.
Some of these treatments include:
- Antibiotics
- Liquid Diet
- Abdominal abscess draining
- Surgery