Main causes of diverticulosis found in Western countries is known to be due to a high-fat and low-fiber diet; however, other possible causes of diverticulosis may include:

– Constipation and straining to have a bowel movement
– Genetics
– Obesity
– Lack of exercise
– Smoking
– Usage of certain medications (example: aspirin and steroids)

At Diamond Gastroenterology in Oak Park, IL we can diagnose and help treat your diverticulosis with a physical exam and review of your medical history, along with the following tests:

Blood Tests
– White blood cell count
– Hemoglobin levels
– Electrolyte assays
– Blood cultures
– Renal function tests
– Liver enzyme
– Lipase levels

Stool Test (review if there is any blood in your stool)

Pregnancy Test (done for females that have symptoms of abdominal pain)

Imaging Tests
– CT scan of your abdomen
– Lower GI series
– Abdominal X-rays
– Colonoscopy

Many times, our patients do not suffer from any symptoms of diverticulosis; however, when symptoms do occur, they may include:

– Bloating
– Constipation
– Diarrhea
– Lower abdominal pain
– Cramping

You should contact us immediately if you have any symptoms of diverticular bleeding, this may include:

– Large amounts of red or maroon-colored blood in your stool
– Dizzy
– Lightheaded
– Weak

Flare-ups do occur when the diverticula become inflames and becomes diverticulitis. The symptoms you should be aware of for diverticulitis include:

Pain in the lower left side of your abdomen
– Severe
– Comes on suddenly
– Mild to worse over the span of a few days
– Intensity changes over time for pain
– Constipation
– Diarrhea
– Fever
– Chills
– Nausea
– Vomiting

If diverticulitis goes untreated, it can lead to serious complications for you and may require surgery. Abscesses, collections of pus from an infection all may form around the infected diverticula. If these do go through the intestinal wall, you could get what is called peritonitis. This infection can be fatal for many.

Peritonitis is redness and inflammation of the tissues that lines your abdomen or belly. Like stated previously, if diverticulitis goes untreated, you could get this deadly disease.

When you start to struggle with your digestive issues, do not stay silent. At Diamond Gastroenterology, our medical professionals offer a high degree of expertise on the digestive issues you may be facing and we can help you diagnose and treat your gastrointestinal disorders.

If you think you may be suffering from diverticulitis, contact Diamond Gastroenterology today! We are located at 1010 Lake Street, Suite 424, Oak Park, Illinois 60301 and open by appointment only from Wednesday to Thursday 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM and Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Book your consultation appointment today to receive the help you are looking for! We serve patients from Oak Park IL, River Forest IL, Cicero IL, River Grove IL, Forest Park IL, Berwyn IL, Melrose Park IL and Broadview IL.