Diverticula are small, balloon-like pouches that form in the lining of your colon, most often in the sigmoid (lower) colon. They're very common-especially as you age-and many people have them without ever knowing. When one or more pouches become inflamed or infected, the condition is called diverticulitis.
Most diverticula cause no symptoms. If they become inflamed or infected, you may experience:
Diverticula form when pressure inside the colon pushes its lining outward through weak spots in the muscle. Common risk factors include:
At GastroDoxs in Jersey Village, we specialize in diagnosing and treating diverticular disease with a patient-centered approach. Our experienced team offers personalized diet plans, the latest minimally invasive treatments, and compassionate follow-up care to help you reduce flare-ups and improve your digestive health. Don't wait-book your appointment today and let us guide you toward lasting relief and a better quality of life.
We've successfully treated more than 1.7K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.
With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients
Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
Flare-up symptoms often include sharp or crampy pain in the lower left abdomen, fever, chills, nausea, and changes in bowel habits such as constipation or diarrhea.
Yes. Inflammation of the diverticula can irritate nearby nerves and tissues, leading to referred pain that may be felt in the lower back.
Stick to clear broths (chicken, beef, or vegetable) and well-strained or blended vegetable soups. Avoid chunky or high-fat soups until symptoms improve.
Mild cases typically resolve in 3-7 days with dietary changes and antibiotics. More severe cases or complications may require a longer course of treatment and follow-up care.
Yes. Recent advances include shorter antibiotic regimens, image-guided abscess drainage, and minimally invasive surgical techniques for recurrent or complicated cases.
Small amounts of mayonnaise are usually safe once acute symptoms subside, but always introduce it slowly and under your doctor's guidance.
Blood in the stool can range from mild irritation to more serious bleeding. Persistent or heavy bleeding requires prompt medical evaluation to rule out complications.
During an active flare-up, a low-fiber (clear liquid) diet helps rest the colon. After symptoms improve, gradually reintroduce high-fiber foods to support long-term colon health.
The ICD-10 code for uncomplicated sigmoid diverticulitis is K57.32. If there is perforation or abscess, the code may change (e.g., K57.33).
Seek medical attention if you experience severe abdominal pain, a fever above 101°F, persistent vomiting, heavy bleeding, or repeat flare-ups to prevent complications.
