Diverticulitis Treatment in Dublin, GA
Diverticulitis is a condition that occurs when diverticula on the gastrointestinal tract become inflamed or infected. Problems with the diverticula usually stem from a tear within them.
Diverticulitis Treatment With Dr. Polhill
Board-certified general surgeon John Polhill, MD specializes in treating diverticulitis at Southern Surgical in Dublin, GA. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Polhill is dedicated to providing comprehensive and compassionate care to patients suffering from diverticulitis. He will take the time to answer any questions you may have about your symptoms and available treatment options. For more information, contact our offices at (478) 275-2454 and schedule an appointment with Dr. Polhill today! Dr. Pohill sees patients from Dublin, Dudley, Dexter, Rentz, Wrightsville, and the surrounding areas.
What Are Diverticula?
Diverticula are little pouches that protrude outward from the intestines. These diverticula are harmless and are even quite common among those over the age of 40. Typically, you will find diverticula forming in the lower end of the large intestine, also called the colon.
What Are the Symptoms of Diverticulitis?
Patients that have been diagnosed with diverticulitis normally report signs and symptoms such as:
- Pain and tenderness of the abdomen, usually lasting for several days
- Fever
- Constipation
- Nausea and Vomiting
It is always advised to seek medical attention if you are experiencing constant pain in your abdomen. This pain could be a warning of many different types of diseases or injuries, all of which require proper diagnosis and treatment by a licensed medical professional.
Adequate rest and antibiotics are often all that is needed to treat cases of diverticulitis that are detected early on, which is what happens a majority of the time. However, you may experience more severe symptoms and complications as the condition worsens over time.
Potential Complications
Individuals who are already dealing with an advanced case of diverticulitis are at risk for several serious conditions, including:
- Blockage within the colon or small intestine
- Formation of a fistula
- A collection of pus within the diverticula
- Peritonitis, which will happen if the infected diverticula ruptures and spills its contents into the abdominal cavity
All of these situations can cause the patient’s health to deteriorate quickly, which is why you should see Dr. Polhill as soon as possible if you suspect you may have diverticulitis.
How Can You Prevent Diverticulitis?
Even though diverticula are common, that does not make them something that you necessarily want growing on the walls of your intestine. In order to keep these diverticula from forming and leading to diverticulitis, you should:
- Manage a healthy weight through diet and exercise.
- Add more fiber to your everyday diet.
- Stay hydrated.
- Avoid smoking, as smokers are twice as likely to develop diverticulitis.
- Pay attention to potential side effects of any new medication you begin to take, especially when it comes to
- opiates, steroids, and NSAIDs.
Diverticulitis FAQ
Typically, diverticulitis develops when weak areas in your colon give way under pressure. This causes marble-sized pouches to unnaturally push through, most often, the colon wall.
Most people with diverticulitis report common symptoms of a sharp cramp-like pain, usually on the left side of your lower abdomen. You may experience other symptoms such as fever and chills, nausea, vomiting, constipation, or diarrhea.
Typically, yes. Diverticulitis symptoms don’t last longer than a week for most people. Only rarely is surgery necessary.
This condition forms when weak spots in your intestinal wall balloon are pushed outward which then becomes inflamed and even infected. This can occur when feces or partially digested food blocks the opening of the diverticula.
Currently, there are no foods known to trigger symptoms of diverticulitis and no special diet has shown to decrease symptoms. However, increasing fiber and decreasing animal fat may help.
Several studies suggest that yes, vigorous activities such as walking or running, can reduce symptoms and flare-ups of diverticulitis.
Schedule a Diverticulitis Consultation
If you are currently suffering from symptoms of diverticulitis it is important that you receive a diagnosis from general surgeon John Polhill, MD at Southern Surgical, PC. Dr. Polhill is board-certified by the American Board of Surgery and will take the time to provide you with a comprehensive diagnosis to help determine the best treatment option for you. For more information, contact our office at (478) 275-2454 and schedule an appointment today! We treat diverticulitis for patients from across central Georgia including Dublin, Dudley, Dexter, Rentz, Wrightsville, Soperton, and the surrounding areas.