Diverticulitis

What Is Diverticulitis?

Diverticulitis develops when small bulging (diverticulitis) of the wall of your colon is swollen or infected. As compared to the case of the diverticular disease, the presence of such pouches leads to symptoms due to which diverticulitis involves pain, swelling, and in some cases, infection, which should be addressed immediately.

Common Symptoms

Manifestation Diverticulitis may or may not be severe but may include:

• Abdominal lower pain or tenderness.
• Fever or chills
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Nausea or loss of appetite
• Blood in your stool
• Radiating pain in your back or side.

Causes

Diverticulitis occurs as the bacteria become trapped within a diverticulum leading to inflammation or infection. Common risk factors include:

• A low-fiber diet
• Physical inactivity
• Advancing age
• Smoking or excessive alcoholism.
• Administration of some type of medications (e.g. NSAIDs, steroids)

Treatment Options for Diverticulitis in Cypress

The treatment involves dietary control and treatment:

• Clear liquid or low-fiber diet:You begin with broth, gelatin and clear juices and then proceed to a low-fiber plan with the use of our tailor-made diet sheet to follow.
• Oral antibiotics: These are prescribed to clear up the infection and minimize inflammation.
• Pain relief: Mild analgesics, like acetaminophen; do not use stimulant laxatives without your doctor's order.
• IV fluids and antibiotics: IV fluids and antibiotics are used to ensure hydration and administer more aggressive antibiotics to moderate to severe cases of the flare-up.
• Colon rest: Emptying (nothing by mouth status) can be advised temporarily in the hospital as a measure to promote healing.
• Surgery: Surgical intervention is retained in the case of complications such as abscess, perforation or recurring episodes-surgery can involve laparoscopy resection or drainage.