Diverticulitis

Impacting millions of Americans—specifically, those over the age of 60—diverticulosis can easily develop into a more serious condition known as diverticulitis. NYBG Colorectal can help you find relief from this frustrating and painful issue.

What Is Diverticulitis?

Diverticulitis actually begins as a condition called diverticulosis. This involves the formation of small pouches in the lining of the colon, which can eventually become inflamed or infected if left untreated. When this occurs, the condition becomes diverticulitis. Diverticulitis comes along with painful symptoms that must be carefully managed and can require emergency medical attention if the problem becomes more serious. Diverticulitis typically affects women more frequently than men and is seen most frequently in individuals over the age of 60. Since this issue can frequently arrive without the presence of any symptoms in its earliest stages, it’s recommended that you seek treatment if you begin experiencing any of the common symptoms that are seen with this issue. To learn more about the diverticulitis treatments we offer, simply reach out to our New York location and set up your consultation with a member of our staff today.

Causes of Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis is very similar to other inflammatory bowel diseases and issues that can impact the digestive tract, which is why it’s important to obtain an accurate diagnosis if you think you might be dealing with this issue. Diverticulitis and other colorectal issues can often share symptoms, so a professional exam is often the smartest and safest course of action. Some of the most common issues that can bring about diverticulitis include:

A diet very low in fiber
Obesity
Age
Smoking
Lack of exercise
Opiate or steroid use

Diagnosing the Issue

There are many ways to confirm the presence of diverticulitis in a patient, but an in-person examination is almost always necessary. Diverticulitis comes with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and issues with bowel movements, which can also indicate a variety of other colorectal issues, as well. Testing is the only way to be sure.

During your exam, you’ll be asked questions about the habits and patterns surrounding your bowel movements, in addition to questions about your dietary habits, exercise routine, and other lifestyle factors that may be contributing to your condition. Blood tests, a stool sample, and other imaging can help confirm the presence of diverticulitis.

Treatment for Diverticulitis

Addressing this issue will depend on its severity. More conservative treatments can be an effective treatment if the problem has not progressed past a certain point. Antibiotics, an adjustment to your dietary habits, and a healthy amount of bed rest can potentially be enough to effectively manage your symptoms and treat the issue.

If any of the small pouches inside your intestine rupture or become seriously infected, peritonitis can set in and emergency surgery may be needed. This involves draining the infection or removing it by surgical means and may be required if an abscess becomes perforated or if the colon has become obstructed in some way.

Surgical treatment involves removing the section of the colon that has become most severely affected. A temporary colostomy will be performed, while the infection is given the chance to heal and fully clear away. Once this has happened, the colostomy will be reversed. This is one of the most effective ways to prevent any recurrence of the issue.

Live Your Life Free from Discomfort

If you’re worried that you might be dealing with diverticulitis or another inflammatory bowel disease, the dedicated staff here at NYBG Colorectal is here to help you find the relief you’ve been looking for. These issues can be sensitive and uncomfortable, which is why we’re proud to provide a comfortable and discreet treatment center at our New York location.

When you’re ready to learn more about how we can guide you away from your discomfort and back into your normal daily routine, we’re ready to set up your consultation. Simply reach out to our NYC office and speak to a member of our staff to get started on your journey to comfort today.