Diverticulitis
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What is Diverticulitis?
Diverticulitis is a condition that develops when diverticula, the small, bulging pouches that form in the lining of the colon, become inflamed. The inflammation can cause severe abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and a noticeable change in bowel movement.
What are the Symptoms of Diverticulitis?
Common signs and symptoms of diverticulitis include:
- Abdominal pain for several days, especially along the lower left side
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever
- Abdominal tenderness
- Constipation or, less commonly, diarrhea
If you have chronic abdominal pain or frequent symptoms of diverticulitis, schedule an appointment with Digestive Health Associates of Cheyenne. A doctor will evaluate your condition, run tests, and talk with you about your options for pain management and relief. Leaving the condition unmanaged may cause complications including abscess and blockage. You could also develop life-threatening conditions like peritonitis, where the diverticula contents spill into the abdominal cavity.
How Do You Treat Diverticulitis?
Your doctor at Digestive Health Associates will likely perform diagnostic tests, including blood, urine, and stool sample analysis; liver function tests; and CT scans to not only diagnose diverticulitis, but to also determine how severe your condition is. Once the doctor makes a diagnosis, your treatment may include changes to your diet, over-the-counter pain or antibiotic medication, and, in more severe cases, intravenous antibiotics, abscess drainage, and/or surgery. Our board-certified, experienced physicians at Digestive Health Associates of Cheyenne will provide you with a diagnosis and talk with you about treatment options to manage your diverticulitis. Contact us today.
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