Diverticular Disease in Chandler & Scottsdale, AZ

Diverticular disease is relatively common, but it can be beneficial to get treatment from a colorectal expert to help manage your symptoms. At ACE Clinic, we can help you take steps to achieve relief and live a healthy and active lifestyle.

What is Diverticular Disease?

Diverticula is the name for an outpouching of the wall of the colon.

  • Diverticulosis: This form of diverticular disease comes with no complications or symptoms. It merely means the presence of diverticula in the colon wall.
  • Diverticulitis: This form of diverticular disease happens when diverticula become inflamed or infected. It can cause noticeable, severe symptoms and complications like abscess formation, bleeding, colonic stricture, or fistula formation.

Diverticulosis is very common, with rates increasing drastically as you age.

What are the Symptoms of Diverticular Disease?

Diverticulosis causes no symptoms and doesn’t usually require intervention. However, diverticulitis can cause noticeable and severe symptoms like abdominal cramping, bloating and fever. It’s important to work with a colorectal surgeon because symptoms of diverticulitis are similar to many other gastrointestinal conditions.

What Causes Diverticular Disease?

It’s thought that diverticular disease is caused by high pressure in the colon, which causes the walls to bulge outward. High pressure or strain on the colon can be caused by not eating enough fiber. It’s not well understood what causes diverticulitis, or infected diverticula.

Certain risk factors can make it more likely that you develop diverticular disease. These include age, eating a low-fiber diet or a lot of fat and red meat.

What Are My Treatment Options for Diverticular Disease?

Diverticulosis typically doesn’t need treatment. Diverticulitis is usually associated with symptoms and diagnosed through a process that might include a colonoscopy or CT scan. For mild diverticulitis, your colorectal expert may treat it with a course of antibiotics.

In more severe diverticulitis, your colorectal expert may recommend surgery. This is typically performed in cases of abscess formation, perforation, fistula, colonic stricture, or recurrent disease.

Diverticular Disease Outlook and Steps to Take

Surgery is very effective in treating chronic or complicated diverticulitis. Working with a colorectal surgeon and living a healthy lifestyle always helps patients recover well after surgery.

Schedule an Appointment

Diverticular disease is very treatable with the help of an experienced colorectal expert. To meet with our team and learn more, we invite you to contact our office by calling or filling out our online form.

Diverticular Disease FAQs

What are the symptoms of diverticular disease?

The symptoms of diverticular disease can include constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloating

What is the main cause of diverticulitis?

Diverticulitis usually occurs when the diverticula tears, becomes inflamed, and in some cases, becomes infected. The diverticula are small, bulging pouches that form in the lining of the digestive system. When those pouches tear or become infected, it can lead to diverticulitis.

What foods trigger diverticulitis?

Common triggers include nuts, seeds, and popcorn, though recent studies suggest these may not be as problematic as once thought. Foods high in fat and sugar, as well as red meat, can also contribute to flare-ups. A diet low in fiber can increase the risk of developing diverticulitis since fiber helps keep stools soft and reduces pressure on the colon.

What drinks to avoid with diverticulitis?

When managing diverticulitis, it is advisable to avoid alcoholic beverages, as alcohol can irritate the digestive tract and exacerbate symptoms. Caffeinated drinks like coffee and soda can also be problematic because caffeine stimulates the intestines and can worsen diarrhea or discomfort.

Can diverticulosis go away?

Diverticulosis is usually not symptomatic. However, if you develop diverticulitis, it can cause pain, fever or other complications. Uncomplicated diverticulitis usually resolves with a course of antibiotics and bowel rest. Repeated attacks of uncomplicated diverticulitis may require surgery. Complicated diverticulitis usually requires surgery to address abscess formation or fistula.

What is the best treatment for diverticulitis?

For uncomplicated diverticulitis, treatment can consist of antibiotics and a liquid diet for a few days. For complicated diverticulitis, intravenous antibiotics are usually necessary. If abscess or fistula is present then it will likely require surgery.

Can you prevent diverticulitis?

Diverticulitis can be prevented by eating plenty of fiber, drinking water, and exercising regularly.

What are the risk factors for diverticulitis?

Some of the risk factors for diverticulitis include age, obesity, smoking, lack of exercise, a low fiber diet, and certain medications.

Does alcohol affect diverticulitis?

Drinking alcohol has been shown to increase the risk of diverticulitis and diverticular bleeding.

What does a diverticulitis attack feel like?

A diverticulitis attack typically presents with sudden and severe abdominal pain, usually on the lower left side. This pain may be accompanied by fever, nausea, vomiting, and a noticeable change in bowel habits, such as constipation or diarrhea. Some people also experience bloating, gas, and tenderness in the abdomen.

What can be mistaken for diverticulitis?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, and colorectal cancer can mimic the symptoms of diverticulitis. Other possibilities include appendicitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and urinary tract infections.

How do you prevent diverticulitis?

Preventing diverticulosis involves maintaining a high-fiber diet to keep stools soft and promote regular bowel movements. Staying well-hydrated by drinking ample water is also crucial. Regular physical activity can help stimulate digestion and improve bowel function, preventing diverticulitis flare-ups.

How do you check yourself for diverticulitis?

While self-diagnosis is not recommended, knowing the symptoms can help determine if you might be experiencing diverticulitis. Key signs to watch for include persistent abdominal pain, especially on the lower left side, fever, nausea, and changes in bowel habits. If you suspect you have diverticulitis, seeking medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment is important.

What is the first stage of diverticulitis?

The first stage of diverticulitis involves the inflammation or infection of one or more diverticula in the colon. This stage is characterized by mild symptoms such as intermittent abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits.

What are bowel movements like with diverticulosis?

With diverticulosis, bowel movements can vary widely. Some individuals may not experience any changes, while others might have symptoms such as constipation or diarrhea. The condition often causes no symptoms, but when it does, the stools may be irregular or accompanied by abdominal discomfort.

Meet the Doctors

At Arizona Colorectal Experts, we are dedicated to providing you with effective and timely treatment to help you feel your absolute best. Our team of skilled doctors, Dr. Hekmat Hakiman FACS, FASCRS, Dr. Arpit Patel FACS, FASCRS, and Dr. Shawn Webb, MD, FASCRS are dedicated to providing outstanding care through the use of forefront technologies and techniques. Our doctors are board-certified by the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery to provide you with the best possible outcomes.

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