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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?
Table of Contents
What is Diverticulitis?
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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.
Causes of Diverticulitis
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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.
Treatment for Diverticulitis
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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
.
