Diverticulitis Treatment Specialist in Babylon, NY

Diverticulitis is a digestive condition that occurs when small pouches called diverticula—formed in the lining of the colon—become inflamed or infected. While these pouches (a condition known as diverticulosis) are often harmless and common with age, they can cause painful and serious symptoms when inflamed. At Digestive Disease Care, we specialize in accurately diagnosing and managing this condition through a patient-centered, comprehensive approach.

Key Facts About Diverticulitis:

⦁ Common Symptoms: Lower left abdominal pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, and changes in bowel habits.

⦁ Risk Factors: Low-fiber diet, obesity, smoking, aging, lack of physical activity, and use of certain medications.

⦁ Diagnosis: Based on medical history, physical exam, and imaging, especially CT scans to detect inflammation or complications.

⦁ Treatment Options: May include antibiotics, bowel rest, a liquid diet, and later a gradual return to high-fiber foods.

⦁ Prevention Strategies: Eat a fiber-rich diet, stay hydrated, exercise regularly, and avoid smoking to reduce the risk of recurrence.

With timely care at Digestive Disease Care, most patients recover well from diverticulitis and can make lifestyle changes to help prevent future episodes.

⦁ Abdominal Pain: Persistent, sharp, or cramp-like pain, often on the lower left side but can also occur on the right or across the lower abdomen.

⦁ Tenderness: The abdomen may feel sore or sensitive to the touch, making movement or pressure uncomfortable.

⦁ Bloating and Gas: A feeling of fullness, abdominal swelling, or excess gas is common during flare-ups.

⦁ Changes in Bowel Habits: Constipation or diarrhea may occur, sometimes with mucus or altered stool appearance.

⦁ Nausea and Vomiting: Digestive upset can cause queasiness or vomiting, often accompanied by reduced appetite.

⦁ Fever and Chills: These may indicate infection or inflammation requiring prompt medical attention.

⦁ Fatigue and Weakness: Pain and illness can lead to low energy and general discomfort.

⦁ Worsening Symptoms: Severe or prolonged symptoms may signal complications such as abscess or perforation.

If symptoms escalate or include high fever or intense pain, medical evaluation is strongly recommended to prevent complications.

Complicated diverticulitis is a more serious form of diverticulitis that occurs when inflammation or infection leads to further issues like abscesses, perforations, obstructions, or fistulas. At Digestive Disease Care, recognizing these signs early is essential to prevent life-threatening complications and begin immediate treatment.

Key signs and symptoms of complicated diverticulitis:

⦁ Severe Abdominal Pain: Persistent and worsening pain, typically in the lower left side of the abdomen, may signal a complication. Pain may spread or intensify with movement or touch.

⦁ Fever and Chills: High fever with shaking chills can indicate a serious infection, such as an abscess or spreading inflammation.

⦁ Nausea and Vomiting: These symptoms may occur due to obstruction or widespread infection disrupting normal digestive flow.

⦁ Bowel Changes: Constipation, diarrhea, or a sudden change in bowel habits may result from inflammation or partial blockage of the colon.

⦁ Rectal Bleeding: Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding could suggest colon wall damage or perforation and should never be ignored.

⦁ Signs of Peritonitis: Severe abdominal tenderness, bloating, rigidity, or pain with movement can signal a perforation and inflammation of the abdominal lining—a medical emergency.

⦁ Unusual Urinary or Vaginal Symptoms: Signs of a fistula include repeated urinary tract infections, gas or stool in urine, or abnormal vaginal discharge mixed with fecal material.

If any of these symptoms appear, immediate consultation with a gastroenterologist at Digestive Disease Care is strongly recommended. Early detection and timely treatment can prevent serious complications and protect your digestive health. For an emergency situation, go to the ER.

Diverticulitis can cause uncomfortable symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and fever. At Digestive Disease Care, our gastroenterology team offers a personalized approach to help patients manage symptoms, heal effectively, and reduce the risk of recurrence.

Relief and Management Strategies:

⦁ Clear Liquid Diet: In the early stages of a flare-up, resting the digestive system by consuming only clear liquids (such as broth, water, and gelatin) helps reduce inflammation and irritation.

⦁ Gradual Diet Transition: As symptoms improve, patients are guided to move from a clear liquid diet to a low-fiber diet, and eventually to a balanced, high-fiber diet to maintain long-term colon health.

⦁ Fiber-Rich Foods: Long-term management includes slowly increasing fiber intake with foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts. Our specialists help you build a fiber-rich plan that suits your needs.

⦁ Hydration: Drinking plenty of water supports proper digestion and enhances the effects of dietary fiber, preventing constipation and flare-ups.

⦁ Exercise: Gentle, regular activity such as walking, yoga, or swimming helps stimulate digestion and reduce pressure in the colon.

⦁ Antibiotics (if needed): For more severe cases involving infection or significant inflammation, our doctors may prescribe antibiotics as part of the treatment plan.

⦁ Probiotics: These may be recommended to help restore healthy gut bacteria, depending on your specific condition and response to treatment.

At Digestive Disease Care, our goal is to deliver effective relief and support long-term digestive health through compassionate, tailored treatment plans. Always consult our team if symptoms persist or worsen. For more information, contact us today or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 373 W Main St, Babylon, NY 11702. We serve patients from Babylon NY, Massapequa NY, Melville NY, Brentwood NY, Bay Shore NY, Farmingdale NY, and surrounding areas.