Understanding Diverticulosis: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

If you have concerns about diverticulitis in Rego Park, NY, the experienced team at Queens Endoscopy ASC (Ambulatory Surgical Center) can provide the medical care that you require. It is estimated that about half of people who are between 60 and 80 years of age in the US have diverticulosis.

Diverticulosis vs Diverticulitis

 Diverticula are small pouches that bulge through the wall of the colon where there are weak spots. Most often they occur in the area called the sigmoid colon on the left side of the abdomen. This is diverticulosis. When the pouches become infected or inflamed, then it is diverticulitis in Rego Park, NY. Once you have these pouches, they are there forever unless this portion of the colon is removed. 

Diverticulosis Causes?

 Aging is one of the main causes of diverticulosis and, along with heredity, are things that you can't control. However, many other causes can be addressed with lifestyle changes. The changes must happen before the onset of the condition because changes after will not make them go away. To avoid getting diverticulosis, you need to have a diet high in fiber. You should be getting between 25 and 30 grams of fiber a day, which is about 10 to 15 grams more than the average American gets. Eating less red meat, stopping smoking, being more active and having a normal weight are all ways to help avoid diverticulosis. 

Diverticulosis Symptoms?

 Diverticulosis in many cases does not have any symptoms. Some people may suffer from constipation or diarrhea, mild pain, and bloating. People with diverticulitis can have bleeding from the colon and the loss of blood can cause weakness and dizziness. 

Diverticulosis Management

 Managing your diverticulosis is something that you and your gastroenterologist do together. You will need to add more high-fiber food to your diet to keep things moving through your colon. If necessary, a fiber supplement can be recommended. Adding a probiotic to your diet may also be recommended to keep the flora in the colon where it should be. If you are having pain, then some recommendations will be made for pain management. Keeping acting and stopping smoking are both important for managing your condition.

Living with diverticulosis is not difficult and if you take steps to keep it from turning into diverticulitis, you can live comfortably with the condition for your entire life. Getting your colonoscopy when your doctor recommends it can help with the diagnosis. When you have diverticulitis in Rego Park, NY, contact Queens Endoscopy ASC (Ambulatory Surgical Center) to make an appointment. Give our office a call at (718) 406-8000.