Many people develop small bulging pouches, called diverticula, in the wall of the colon as they get older. Most of the time these pouches cause no trouble at all. Diverticulitis is what we call it when one or more of those pouches becomes inflamed or infected, most often in the lower part of the colon.
When that happens, the discomfort can come on quickly and feel alarming. The good news is that diverticulitis is common, well understood, and very treatable. Our board-certified gastroenterologists in Akron and Massillon see it often and can help you feel better and lower the chance it comes back.
If you are dealing with steady belly pain and a fever, you do not have to figure out the cause on your own. We are here to sort it out and get you on a clear plan.
Symptoms
Diverticulitis usually announces itself with pain that sticks around rather than coming and going. Common signs include:
- Persistent abdominal discomfort, often in the lower left side
- Fever
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation, or in some cases diarrhea
Because steady abdominal pain can point to several different conditions, it is worth being checked rather than waiting it out.
What raises your risk
Several things can make diverticulitis more likely:
- Age over 50
- Carrying excess weight
- Smoking
- A diet low in fiber
- A sedentary lifestyle with little regular activity
- Certain medications
Some of these you cannot change, but others, like fiber, activity, and smoking, give you real room to lower your risk over time.
How we diagnose it
We start with your history and an exam, then confirm what is going on. Blood and urine tests help us check for signs of infection, and a CT scan gives us a clear picture of the colon so we can see which pouches are involved and how severe the inflammation is.
Once an episode has fully settled, we may recommend a colonoscopy to look at the colon directly and rule out other causes. We will explain why and when at your visit.
How we treat it
Treatment depends on how severe the episode is, and we tailor it to you.
- Mild cases often respond well to antibiotics and a temporary change in diet to rest the colon while it heals.
- Moderate cases may need IV antibiotics and, when there is a pocket of infection, a drainage procedure.
- Severe cases can require surgery to remove the affected section of colon.
A rupture of the colon is a medical emergency. If you have sudden, severe abdominal pain, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.
When to see us
Reach out if you have ongoing abdominal pain with a fever, nausea, or a noticeable change in your bowel habits. Catching diverticulitis early usually means a simpler course of treatment and a faster recovery.
To get evaluated, call The Gastroenterology Group at (330) 869-0954 or request an appointment online. We welcome new patients in Akron and Massillon, and we will help you get comfortable and back to feeling like yourself.