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Kansas City's Premiere Digestive Health Specialists
Request An Appointment
816-836-2200
Kansas City's Premiere Digestive Health Specialists
Diverticulitis is a complication caused from having a diverticular disease. Diverticulitis can occur anywhere in the intestine, but is usually found in the colon.
Diverticulitis is an infection of diverticula. Diverticula are small sacks that can form in the tissue of the intestines. Over time when intestines experience stress from the digestive process the intestinal lining becomes weak and diverticula form. Some diverticula can be compared to the size of a small grape. Diverticulitis happens when multiple diverticula become irritated and infected.
Because food and water are not pushed through the intestinal tract as quickly when diverticula arise, it is thought that diverticulitis occurs when waste (fecal matter) gets trapped in the intestines. Another possibility for infection could be a blockage of blood flow through the intestines due to the limited space caused by the diverticula.
Although there is no know cause as to why diverticulitis actually occurs, a maintaining a healthy life-style can aid in avoiding diverticulitis. Foods that are high in fiber such as beans, fruits and vegetables help the in digestion process by keeping bowel movements consistent. Staying hydrated, exercising and getting adequate sleep are also all connected to healthy living and help decrease the chance of experiencing diverticulitis.
Diverticulitis often goes undiagnosed. Because the symptoms of diverticulitis are similar to other gastrointestinal complications such as IBS (Inflammatory Bowel Disease), most diverticulitis sufferers are unaware that they have the condition.
The most noticeable symptom of diverticulitis is a change in bowel movements. Increased bouts of diarrhea or constipation can be a good indicator that something is wrong. Other symptoms include cramps in the abdomen with pain isolated to the left side and fever or chills.
If you are older than 50 and have any of the above symptoms call our doctors to talk about screenings for diverticulitis.
Found most often in the colon, the best way to diagnose diverticulitis is to have a colonoscopy. If diverticula are found during the colonoscopy antibiotics may be prescribed to fight off the infection. A change in diet might also clear up diverticulitis.
Usually diverticulitis is not severe enough to have surgery, but in some cases diverticulitis can cause the lining of the intestinal walls to tear requiring immediate care.
Cases of diverticulitis can begin in people as young as their 40's, though rare. The older you become, the higher your chances are to be at risk for diverticulitis. The majority of people suffering from diverticulitis are 80 years old or older. As you age, the walls of your intestines weaken and become more susceptible to diverticula.
