Last time you popped in, we introduced you to the basic idea of diverticulitis. Today,we are diving deeper as we share how your Orlando gastro doctors at Gastroenterology Consultants of Central Florida may diagnose, treat, and elevate stomach pain caused by diverticulitis. Carry on for valuable insight.

In review:

Diverticulitis causes severe admonial pain. It may also cause fever, nausea, and new bowel habits. Mild diverticulitis may be treated very easily. All it may require is some rest, changes in diet, and prescribed antibiotics.

However, if this treatment plan does not work out for certain patients, a more hands-on approach may be necessary. Surgery may be required for more severe cases of diverticulitis. Let’s quickly review the symptoms that may bring diverticulitis to your attention. Symptoms of diverticulitis are as following:

  • fever
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • persistent lower left abdominal pain
  • pain in lower right side of abdomen (often seen in  people of Asian descent)
  • constipation
  • diarrhea, although this is rare

Causes of diverticulitis:

Now that we have gone through the symptoms, let’s discuss the causes and risk factors. As we previously stated in our last blog post, diverticula are small pouches that form and bulge in the lining of the stomach.

They are primarily found in the lower intestine, the colon. Diverticula on their own on not threatening and are very common. These small pouches are common especially in patients over forty years old.

When diverticula rupture or tear, they become inflamed or infected which we call diverticulitis. The pain is caused by the inflammation or infection, not the actual diverticula.

As patients grow older, the risk for developing diverticulitis increases. Being obese increases the risk as well. People that do not keep up with a healthy lifestyle are at greater risk similar to any other condition.

If you smoke or do not exercise, you are increasing your risk for developing diverticulitis. Those who smoke cigarettes are proven to experience diverticulitis as opposed to non-smokers. Vigorous exercise appears to lower your risk of diverticulitis. Always consults your doctors before beginning intense exercise.

A low-fiber diet is usually never a diet to continue for long-term health benefits. A low-fiber diet along with a diet high in animal fat is proven to increase the risk. There are a few drugs we will discuss that are known to increase the risk too.

Steroids, opioids, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs increase the risk of diverticulitis. For example, Aleve, Advil, Motrin, and other brands of ibuprofen increase the risk for people. So now that you know what to avoid, we will share what you can do to prevent diverticulitis.

Orlando gastro doctors share prevention:

To prevent diverticulitis patients may choose to exercise regularly. Exercising promotes normal bowel function. This reduces the pressure inside of the colon, the lower intestine. After receiving approval from all doctors, try exercising for around fifteen to thirty minutes every day.

Next, you may try to eat more fiber for diverticulitis prevention. Having a high-fiber diet keeps your intestine more active. Fiber-rich foods soften waste material and ease their passing through the colon. Next time you are at the grocery store, choose whole grain products, fresh fruits, and fresh vegetables over processed, boxed products.

As a side note, it is a common misconception that seeds and nuts cause diverticulitis. Eating high-fiber foods is only beneficial if patients are drinking sufficient amounts of water each day. Fiber absorbs water and increases the soft, bulky waste in the colon.

However, eating high-fiber without the necessary amount of water intake will cause constipation. This would just add more abdominal pain. We hope today’s post will benefit you as you plan your upcoming visit to our Orlando gastro doctor office.

Staff Writer