At least a third of Americans will develop diverticulitis eventually, making prevention and prompt care essential. If you have been experiencing abdominal pain, tenderness, fever, and vomiting, contact board-certified gastroenterologist Mustafa Alnounou, MD, FACP, FACG, at the Digestive Health Clinic in Flint, Michigan. Dr. Alnounou can provide you with answers and a treatment plan to restore your quality of life. To learn more, reach out to the office by phone or book a consultation online today.
Over time, you may develop small pockets called diverticula along the inside of your colon. The formation of these pockets is diverticulosis, and it’s a common part of aging for many that cause no further problems. However, if one or more becomes inflamed, it is diverticulitis, which can be serious.
It can cause persistent pain, usually on the lower left side of the abdomen. Some people, however, experience this acute pain on the right side of their abdomens.
Dr. Alnounou may diagnose you with diverticulitis that is acute or chronic as well as complicated or uncomplicated:
Acute diverticulitis develops suddenly and responds well to treatment, leaving you in peace. Chronic diverticulitis, however, keeps coming back.
Diverticulitis is usually uncomplicated, meaning you are only dealing with inflammation and possible infection, which proper treatment can address.
Complicated diverticulitis causes secondary problems, such as inflammation so severe it causes rupturing or scarring.
Contact the Digestive Health Clinic at the first sign of a diverticulitis flare-up.
The risk factors for diverticulitis include:
You can decrease your risk of diverticulitis by finding exercise you enjoy, quitting smoking, eating plenty of fiber, and making sure you hydrate properly.
If you have constant abdominal pain, especially if you can’t account for the source, seeking help from an experienced gastroenterologist like Dr. Alnounou is wise. This is especially true if you have additional symptoms like constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, or a fever.
Dr. Alnounou will first do a thorough evaluation and carefully tailor your treatment plan to your condition and its severity. If your diverticulitis is uncomplicated, Dr. Alnounou will likely recommend antibiotics and a liquid diet to help your bowel heal. You can stay at home while you undergo treatment.
For complicated diverticulitis, you may need hospital care while you receive intravenous antibiotics and drainage for an abdominal abscess, if necessary.
If you have a weakened immune system or serious complications, surgery may best serve you.
The sooner you seek help for diverticulitis, the better your outcomes. Don’t delay — reach out to the Digestive Health Clinic for expert help by phone or online today.