Diverticulitis in West Hills, CA

Diverticulosis occurs when weak areas in the outer lining of your intestine allow the inner layer of your intestine to push through. That creates very small pockets or pouches along a section of your intestine. Diverticulosis develops more commonly in the colon, or the lower portion of your intestine.

The condition is common among men and women over the age of 60. It often presents no symptoms, and you might not know you have diverticulosis until symptoms develop, including:

• Bloating
• Diarrhea
• Cramping or belly pain
• Constipation

If you notice these symptoms and they don’t subside with at-home care, schedule a diagnostic exam to determine the cause.

Diverticulitis is inflammation of one or more of the pouches formed from diverticulosis. You might not know you have diverticulosis, but if diverticulitis develops, you’ll experience discomfort or pain.

Medical experts are uncertain of the exact causes of diverticulosis and diverticulitis, but believe that a combination of genetic factors and lifestyle choices may be to blame. The best way to prevent these conditions is to embrace a healthy lifestyle, including:

• Eating a healthy and varied diet
• Getting plenty of exercise
• Avoiding smoking
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Drinking plenty of water
• Avoiding corticosteroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

It’s important to get diagnosed and treated if signs of diverticulitis develop. Left untreated, serious infections can occur.

A course of antibiotics can often ease an episode of diverticulitis. That approach, however, does nothing to address the intestinal pouches that lead to symptoms. If you suffer from severe diverticulitis episodes or frequent bouts of intestinal inflammation, surgery might be your best treatment option.

At Candela and Schreier Medical Corporation, laparoscopic surgery can remove the affected portion of your colon and connect the healthy portions back together. Once the healing process is complete, your intestinal function will return to normal, and symptoms will cease.

Many men and women delay seeking medical care over fears of a lengthy, involved open surgical procedure. In reality, today’s surgical techniques require only a few small incisions and come with a far lower risk of complications as compared with the approach used in decades past.

If you’re living with uncomfortable digestive symptoms, schedule an appointment for a thorough diagnostic exam and customized treatment plan. Online scheduling is one option, or you can always reach the office by phone to set up your visit.