Diverticulitis Symptoms, Causes, and Can It Go Away on Its Own?

Most of the time, the small pouches located inside your intestines cause no problems. They’re common in those 40 and over. Often, they require no treatment.

But when they become infected or inflamed, it creates a condition called diverticulitis. Our gastroenterologists in Raleigh are experts in dealing with this disease.

But can diverticulitis go away on its own? What are the diverticulitis causes and can it be prevented? We’ll explore the answers to some of these commonly asked questions.

Can Diverticulitis Go Away on Its Own?

Diverticulitis does not go away on its own. It often requires antibiotics. If you have this infection, it’s important to receive treatment from one of our board-certified gastroenterologists in Raleigh. We’ll carefully tailor a plan to not only treat diverticulitis but prevent it from recurring.

What is the Best Treatment for Diverticulitis?

Treatment for diverticulitis depends upon the severity of the illness. Mild cases usually resolve themselves with medication, dietary changes and rest. More serious cases may require surgery.

We will only perform surgery if your diverticulitis is leading to a serious condition such as abscesses, tears in your colon, complete intestinal blockages and continued bleeding from your rectum.

You will also likely need surgery if you have a fistula. This occurs when an abscess erodes away the tissue. When the tissue dissolves, “pathways” are formed. These can connect with another organ. Surgery is needed because fistulas don’t go away or close on their own.  During surgery, we’ll remove the diseased part of the colon that is causing the problems.

What Are the Symptoms of Diverticulitis?

Diverticulitis causes chronic, persistent abdominal pain in addition to symptoms such as:

  • Vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Nausea
  • Fever
  • Diarrhea

What Are The Most Common Diverticulitis Causes?

The most common diverticulitis causes include:

Age

As you age, your intestinal walls weaken, and as a result, the marble-sized diverticula are formed. This places you at risk for developing diverticulitis if these ever become infected.

Obesity

If you are overweight, you are more likely to develop diverticulitis.

Smoking

Smoking places you at risk for several diseases, and this is no exception. Studies have shown that smokers are much more likely than nonsmokers to develop diverticulitis.

A Sedentary Lifestyle

Regular, vigorous exercise such as running, aerobics or lap swimming will lower your diverticulitis risk.

A Poor Diet

Those with diverticulitis typically do not have enough fiber in their system. When this is combined with eating a lot of animal fats, you create another diverticulitis cause.

Certain Medications

The following medications can be one of several diverticulitis causes:

  • NSAIDS such as Advil or Motrin
  • Naproxen sodium
  • Opioids
  • Steroids

Does Drinking Water Help With Diverticulitis?

Drinking water can help if it is paired with eating more fiber. Because fiber absorbs water, it becomes even more important to drink plenty of water to avoid constipation. While drinking water can help prevent diverticulitis, it must be done in addition to other methods, such as exercising and losing weight if you’re overweight.

RMG’s Raleigh Gastroenterologists Can Treat Diverticulitis and Other Diseases

We’ve coupled compassionate care with the latest digital, state-of-the-art equipment designed for digestive healthcare. This means you have better care with less expense, thanks to our Tier 1 recognition from Cigna and Blue Cross Blue Shield.

With five primary offices and three endoscopy centers, there is a convenient location near you.

If you have any of the symptoms of diverticulitis , it’s important to receive timely treatment. Please contact us to schedule an appointment today.