Diverticulosis is a condition that affects over half of adults aged 60 and up. It occurs when sacs called diverticula form in your intestinal walls. If these sacs become infected, this condition is known as diverticulitis.
Diverticulitis doesn’t always cause complications, especially if you are on top of the situation and avoid further infections. However, it is possible for you to experience a number of subsequent problems that can become serious.
Boca Care Surgical Associates offers consultations for diverticulitis patients. Our provider — Avraham Belizon, MD, FACS, FASCRS — works with you to determine if treatment can be mild or if surgery might be more appropriate. The earlier you catch and learn to manage the condition, the easier it will be.
The commonality of diverticulosis means many people experience this condition all over the country. In fact, it usually causes little to no side effects for most patients who experience no infections at all. But for anywhere from 10% to 25% of those affected, infections do occur, causing acute diverticulitis.
When you start to experience symptoms, it usually means that your diverticulosis has tipped into diverticulitis. Diverticulitis can be treated either with a regimen of medications and some lifestyle changes or with surgery, if the effects are severe.
It’s important to be aware of the potential complications associated with diverticulitis so you can catch any problems as early as possible. With help, you will be able to avoid these issues and stay healthy.
Diverticulitis can cause a number of uncomfortable and even dangerous complications. Make sure you are aware of these issues and seek help if you have any concerns.
One of the most common complications is the set of symptoms diverticulitis causes. These include abdominal pain (most commonly on the left side of your body), fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting. If you notice these issues and you already have diverticulosis, seek help right away.
Diverticulitis can sometimes cause scarring, which can then narrow the colon and block the pathway of waste moving through your body. This is known as stricture. Usually, medications, rest, and liquids can help to dislodge the blockage, although it’s important to catch it as early as possible.
Nearly 15% of patients experience an abscess as a result of diverticulitis. An abscess is a pocket of pus that collects within the diverticula. Some patients can even feel a lump where the abscess has formed. A ruptured abscess is very dangerous, so it’s important to get treated right away.
A fistula occurs when an abscess ruptures or expands toward a nearby organ. This creates a connection between the tissues or organs that is not normal. There are several types of fistulas that can be complications of diverticulitis, and in most cases, surgery is needed.
Peritonitis is a serious emergency that occurs when an abscess bursts and waste material seeps into the abdomen. You will need medical attention immediately, which usually involves antibiotics, rest, and in severe cases, surgery.
Treating diverticulosis and preventing serious problems is possible. If you develop diverticulitis, you can also seek help for your symptoms. But it’s still important to remember there are possible complications of this condition, many of which are severe.
Visit our Boca Raton, Florida office today to learn more about how to manage your condition. Call 561-395-2626 to book an appointment, or visit us online.
