Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis is a common but potentially serious digestive problem mostly affecting people 40 and older. At Gastrointestinal Specialists of Long Island, with offices in Wantagh and Malverne, New York, gastroenterologists Jeffrey Novak, MD, and Zachary Marwil, MD, offer various treatments to manage diverticulitis and prevent it from getting worse. Call the nearest office today to learn more about diverticulitis treatment, or book your appointment online.

What is diverticulitis?

Diverticulitis is a diverticular disease found in the colon (large intestine). Diverticula are pockets that form inside your colon. They’re caused by excess pressure inside your digestive tract that weakens your intestinal walls. If these pockets become infected, it causes pain and inflammation and increases your risk of more severe health problems.

Are diverticulosis and diverticulitis the same thing?

No. Diverticulosis and diverticulitis aren’t the same things:

Diverticulosis

Diverticulosis refers to bulges or pockets that form in your large intestine. They don’t cause symptoms and don’t require treatment.

Diverticulitis

You have diverticulitis when one or more of the pockets (diverticula) in your large intestine become infected or inflamed. That results in a fever and more severe complications.

Who is at risk of diverticulitis?

Anyone can have diverticulitis, but several things increase your risk, including:

• Being male
• Being 40 or older
• Eating a low-fiber diet
• Not exercising
• Smoking

You’re also more likely to have diverticulitis if you regularly take over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) or acetaminophen (Tylenol®).

How is diverticulitis diagnosed?

To diagnose diverticulitis, your Gastrointestinal Specialists of Long Island provider reviews your medical records and asks about your lifestyle. They seek information on the foods you usually eat, how often you have bowel movements, and if you take any prescription drugs.

Your provider also orders several diagnostic tests, including bloodwork, a stool sample, and a digital rectal exam. They might also order imaging, like CT scans, to get a better look at your intestines and determine the severity of the inflammation.

How is diverticulitis treated?

Treating diverticulitis depends on various things, including your age, health history, and how severe your symptoms are. Eating a high-fiber diet, exercising regularly, and participating in routine checkups are often enough to prevent infection and reduce the risk of complications.

You might also benefit from taking a prescription antibiotic. Antibiotics keep harmful bacteria at bay and prevent the infection from getting worse. Surgery could be necessary if you have severe diverticulitis that causes an abscess or a severe infection in your colon.

Call the nearest Gastrointestinal Specialists of Long Island office today to learn more about the treatment of diverticulitis, or book your appointment online.