Diverticulitis

Stoneleigh Medical Group

Gastroenterology & Internal Medicine located in Carmel, NY, Brewster, NY, Pawling, NY, & Jefferson Valley, NY

Have you been having constant, persistent abdominal pain on the lower left side of your body? You may have diverticulitis and benefit from an evaluation at Westchester Putnam Gastroenterology. The gastroenterologists are experts at diagnosing and treating diverticulitis and can provide the care you need to alleviate your discomfort. To schedule a consultation, call the office in Carmel, New York, or click the online booking button.

Diverticulitis Q&A

What is diverticulitis?

Diverticulitis is an acute inflammatory condition of diverticular disease. Diverticular disease affects the large intestine and features diverticula, which are bulges that form in weakened areas of the lining of the large intestine.

These bulges, or pockets, are very common and affect about 50% of people aged 60 and older.

When you have diverticula without symptoms, you have diverticulosis. Diverticulosis doesn’t require any special treatment. However, your provider may recommend you eat a high-fiber diet to help prevent diverticulitis.

What are the symptoms of diverticulitis?

Ongoing abdominal pain in the lower-left side of your abdominal area that lasts for several days is the most common symptom of diverticulitis. You may also have a fever, nausea, and vomiting.

Some people also develop constipation or diarrhea.

Most cases of diverticulitis are mild. However, some people develop complicated diverticulitis that causes an abscess in the diverticula, bowel blockage, or a fistula.

If you have ongoing abdominal pain, schedule a visit at Westchester Putnam Gastroenterology to find out if something’s wrong.

How is diverticulitis diagnosed?

Your provider at Westchester Putnam Gastroenterology can diagnose diverticulitis after a review of your symptoms and a physical exam. To confirm a diagnosis, they may run a CT scan of your abdomen or request a colonoscopy.

The practice offers same-day colonoscopy appointments at its state-of-the-art endoscopy center for urgent problems like diverticulitis. Your provider may also request blood work, urinalysis, and stool testing to confirm or rule out an infection.

How is diverticulitis treated?

Treatment for diverticulitis depends on the severity of your symptoms and condition. If your symptoms are mild, your gastroenterologist may prescribe an antibiotic and recommend you follow a liquid diet for a few days to rest your bowel.

If your symptoms are severe, you may need intravenous antibiotics and bowel rest, which means no eating or drinking for a set period of time. If you have an abscess, your provider may need to perform a procedure to drain it.

For patients with a fistula, bowel obstruction, or recurring mild diverticulitis, bowel resection surgery may be necessary.

There’s no need to suffer for days with abdominal pain. Call Westchester Putnam Gastroenterology, or schedule an appointment online today to determine if you have diverticulitis.