Leading Texas Gastroenterologist Talks about Diverticulitis
Dr. Nsikak Umoh's expertise is diverticulitis. He is a double board-certified gastroenterology physician and esteemed surgeon who heads up the Nead Health Colon and Pilonidal Clinic and Hemorrhoid Center in The Woodlands & Cypress.
Our doctor provides over a dozen services to the residents of the community he serves. He is an expert in diagnosing and treating colon pouches and would like to discuss this intestinal disease.
Explaining Diverticulitis
Inflammation in the colon forms when small pouches develop in the walls of the colon. Certain things can inflame these pouches, causing you all levels of pain. Those who are smokers, eat a low-fiber diet, or are aged are at risk for this diagnosis.
This inflammation can be a minor and pesky disease or significantly impact your life. Inflammation can become very complicated if an abscess formation develops, you have a bowel perforation, a stricture or narrowing of the bowel, or the development of a fistula.
The Nead Health Colon and Pilonidal Clinic and Hemorrhoid Center in The Woodlands & Cypress says colon inflammation symptoms match the severity of the disease episode.
- Left-sided abdominal pain
- Fever
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Change in bowel habits
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the severity of the infection. For example, if your infection is minor and uncomplicated, our doctor may recommend bowel rest, antibiotics, and a possible colonoscopy if you have not had a recent scope.
Complicated cases require hospitalization, possible surgery, IVs for hydration, and antibiotics, depending on the situation.
Our goal for you when suffering from this infection is to use invasive treatment approaches to a minimum, if possible, such as performing a laparoscopic or robotic surgical procedure.
Recommended Lifestyle Changes for Colon Pouches
- High fiber diet
- Regular exercise
- Eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day
- Whole grains
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Beans
- Legumes, lentils, nuts
According to the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, all the foods once thought to be harmful to you if you have diverticulosis are no longer the case because there is no supporting evidence that they are harmful.
These include high-fiber foods, which are recommended for you if you have this diagnosis. However, if you have inflammation, we may have you decrease fiber, increase water intake, and drink clear liquids such as clear broth, pulp-free juices, Jell-O, popsicles, and plenty of water until the colon heals.
Call Dr. Umoh today at 832-663-0037 at the Nead Health Colon and Pilonidal Clinic and Hemorrhoid Center in The Woodlands & Cypress, to schedule a consultation appointment and connect with our doctor to treat diverticulitis. Our doctor can help you with all digestive system problems.
Don't allow an intestinal system disease like colon pouches to rob you of your quality of life.