Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis is an acute condition that causes abdominal pain, fever, and a change in bowel habits. At Advanced Gastroenterology & Liver Institute in Anaheim, Santa Ana, and Huntington Beach, California, Tahmina Haq, MD, specializes in diagnosing and treating diverticulitis. Call the office nearest you today or use the online booking button to get expert care for your diverticulitis.

What is diverticulitis?

Diverticulitis is inflammation of the diverticula, which are small pockets that form in the wall of the large intestine. If you have diverticula, you have a condition called diverticulosis. 

Diverticulosis is very common, occurring in about 50% of people by the time they reach 50. Most people with diverticulosis have no problems or symptoms with the digestive tract. You may learn you have diverticulosis after a colonoscopy for your routine colon cancer screening. 

Diverticulitis is an acute condition that develops quickly, causing sudden and severe abdominal pain. 

I have diverticulosis. Am I at risk of diverticulitis?

Anyone with diverticulosis may get diverticulitis. However, it’s estimated that the acute inflammatory condition occurs in only about 5% of people with diverticulosis. 

If you have a history of diverticulitis, you’re at greater risk of a recurrence. These future attacks usually occur within five years of the first. 

Eating a diet high in fiber and getting regular exercise may reduce your risk of developing diverticulitis. 

When should I seek help for diverticulitis?

You should seek help for diverticulitis right away. The inflamed pockets may turn into an infection that can spread throughout the body, increasing your risk of developing life-threatening symptoms.

Signs and symptoms of diverticulitis include:

• Abdominal pain on the lower left side 
• Fever
• Change in bowel habits
• Nausea and vomiting
• Chills

Advanced Gastroenterology & Liver Institute conducts an in-depth history and physical to determine the cause of your symptoms. They run bloodwork and use an imaging test to confirm that your symptoms are due to diverticulitis. 

What are the treatments for diverticulitis?

The gastroenterologist at Advanced Gastroenterology & Liver Institute customizes your diverticulitis treatment plan based on the severity of your condition.

For uncomplicated diverticulitis, they recommend following a liquid diet until your symptoms resolve. They may also prescribe an antibiotic if you have an infection. 

If you have diverticulitis with an abscess, the gastroenterologist at Advanced Gastroenterology & Liver Institute may recommend hospitalization and intravenous (IV) antibiotics and fluids.

They may also drain the pus from the abscess using X-ray guided imaging. If medical interventions fail to improve your symptoms or you have a perforated bowel, the gastroenterologist may perform surgery to remove the diseased section of the large intestine.

Diverticulitis requires medical intervention. Call Advanced Gastroenterology & Liver Institute or request an appointment online today.