Diverticulitis appears differently in different people, but it is always a source of pain and discomfort. Your doctor at Suburban Surgical Associates/Suburban Metabolic Institute in Berwyn, La Grange, and Elmhurst, IL, is here to help you identify whether you’re struggling with diverticulitis and how you can treat it.
What is Diverticulitis?
Diverticulitis is when small sacs, known as diverticula, develop in the tissue that lines the large intestines and in the colon. When the diverticula become inflamed or infected, that’s usually the first sign that diverticulitis has developed. Diverticulitis usually comes along with abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea. Mild diverticulitis is usually treated with rest, changes in your diet, and antibiotics.
Signs and symptoms of diverticulitis include:
- Pain, usually in the lower-left side of the abdomen. Pain may be constant and persistent for several days.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Fever
- Tenderness in the abdomen.
- Constipation or diarrhea.
Many factors may be a cause of diverticulitis, such as:
- Aging
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Lack of exercise
- A diet that is high in animal fat and low in fiber
Treatment of Diverticulitis
Your doctor in Berwyn, La Grange, and Elmhurst, IL, may recommend several different treatments, depending on the severity of your diverticulitis. Some of these treatments may include:
- Antibiotics to treat infections.
- A temporary liquid diet.
- A tube to drain an abdominal abscess.
- Surgery in severe cases.
Depending on the severity of your diverticulitis, home treatment may be best and is usually fairly successful in cases of mild diverticulitis. Weeks after recovery, you will need to schedule a follow-up with your doctor to be sure that the diverticulitis has healed.
Contact Your Doctor Today!
If you’re struggling with the pain of diverticulitis, be sure to contact your doctor at Suburban Surgical Associates/Suburban Metabolic Institute in Berwyn, La Grange, and Elmhurst, IL, to ask any questions or to schedule an appointment today. Call today at (708) 484-0621!