Find out more about this gastrointestinal condition and how it may affect you.

When it comes to GI problems, it can be difficult to know what is causing your symptoms. After all, there are so many conditions out there that share the same symptoms. Fortunately, your Suffolk County gastroenterologists can help you determine the cause of your problems.

What is diverticulosis?

Diverticulosis is a condition in which pouches develop in the walls of the large intestines (also known as the colon).

What are the symptoms?

In many cases, these pouches will not cause any symptoms. In fact, this condition often goes undetected until other symptoms such as diverticulitis occur. Diverticulitis is when an infection occurs within the pouches of the colon wall.

You may also experience painful diverticular disease, which is often caused by other conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Common symptoms of painful diverticular disease include abdominal pain and diarrhea, but no other signs of an infection.

How is this condition usually treated?

Diverticulosis is actually surprisingly easy to manage because it usually only involves making small lifestyle adjustments such as:

• Exercising daily
• Taking a fiber supplement
• Drinking plenty of water
• Following a high-fiber diet that is rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains and beans

Just by making these changes to your daily life you can often prevent the formation of new pouches, which can lower your chances of developing an infection.

How do you prevent diverticulosis?

The treatment plan and prevention plan for diverticulosis are very similar. Make sure you exercise regularly, drink enough water each day and eat a diet that is high in fiber and you could prevent this problem from happening to you.

Worried you may be dealing with diverticulosis? The only way to truly know is to visit our GI specialist in Suffolk County. Call Brookhaven Gastroenterology Associates today and schedule your next appointment with us.