Diverticulitis treatment in Tijuana: from the flare-up to a long-term plan

Pain in the lower left abdomen, fever and a change in bowel habits can mean diverticulitis. Most episodes are managed without surgery, but each one should be confirmed and followed.

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Diverticulitis

What it is

Diverticular Disease and Diverticulitis

Diverticula are small pouches that form in the wall of the colon, most often on the left side. Having them is called diverticulosis and is very common after age 50; most people never notice.

Diverticulitis happens when one of those pouches becomes inflamed or infected. Episodes range from mild, treated at home, to complicated ones with abscess, perforation or narrowing of the colon that need hospital care or surgery.

Symptoms of diverticulitis

Pain in the lower left abdomen
Fever and chills
Constipation or diarrhea
Nausea and bloating
Tenderness when pressing the area

The diagnosis is confirmed at your evaluation.

Treatment

How diverticular disease is managed

From the simplest to the most specialized; we only move forward if needed.

Confirm the diagnosis

A CT scan confirms the inflammation and shows whether there are complications.

Treat the episode

Rest, diet and, when indicated, antibiotics. Complicated cases are treated in hospital, sometimes with drainage.

Review the colon

A colonoscopy about six to eight weeks after recovery, if you have not had a recent one, to examine the rest of the colon.

Decide about surgery

Laparoscopic removal of the affected segment for complicated disease or frequent episodes that affect your life.

Diagnosis

Preventing new episodes

A diet rich in fiber, regular physical activity, a healthy weight and not smoking lower the risk of new episodes. Avoiding seeds and nuts is no longer recommended: studies have not shown that they cause diverticulitis.

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FAQ

What people ask most

Do I need surgery after one episode?

Usually not. The decision is individual and depends on whether the episode was complicated, how often they recur and how much they affect your quality of life.

Can I eat seeds and nuts?

Yes. Current evidence does not support avoiding them, and a high-fiber diet is actually protective.

Is diverticulosis the same as diverticulitis?

No. Diverticulosis means the pouches exist; diverticulitis means one of them is inflamed. Most people with diverticulosis never develop diverticulitis.

This page offers general information and does not replace a medical visit. Every case is assessed individually; results and recovery times vary from person to person.

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