1890 Silver Cross Boulevard, Suites 410 and 520, New Lenox, Illinois 60451, in Silver Cross Hospital.
Phone: (815) 717-8730 Fax: (815) 717-8729
The presence of diverticula is called diverticulosis, and is common after age 40. In fact, 50% of people aged 60 and most people by age 80 are affected. Diverticulosis itself is not problematic, unless diverticulitis occurs. Diverticulitis is the inflammation or infection of one or more diverticula in your digestive tract.
Symptoms of diverticulitis include severe abdominal pain, fever, nausea and change in bowel habits.
Rest, dietary changes, antibiotics, or anti-spasmodic drugs may treat mild cases of diverticulitis, however, severe cases may require surgery. Diverticulitis is diagnosed with a barium x-ray.
Diverticular disease may cause bleeding and usually stops on its own. Surgical intervention is required for diverticulitis that does not respond to medical treatment. Surgery usually involves drainage of any collections of pus and surgical removal of the segment of the colon containing the diverticula (usually the sigmoid colon).
Several theories exist as to why diverticulitis occurs. One is that the increased pressure in the colon can lead to breakdown of the wall of the diverticula leading to infection. Another is that the narrow openings of diverticula become infected with trapped fecal matter. It is also thought that maybe an obstruction in the narrow opening of a diverticulum may reduce blood supply to the area, leading to inflammation.
It was formerly thought that nuts, seeds, popcorn and corn played a role in causing diverticulitis by getting trapped in the diverticula. However, recent research has found this to not necessarily be true.
Risk factors for diverticulitis include increased age, obesity, lack of dietary fiber, and lack of exercise.
Complications of diverticulitis may include:
A healthy lifestyle—including exercise and a high fiber diet can minimize the development of diverticulitis as well as manage diverticulosis before inflammation occurs.
We serve all communities and are conveniently located near Frankfort, Homer Glen, Joliet, Mokena, Morris, Orland Park and Tinley Park.