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Diverticulitis Raleigh, NC
Diverticulitis in Raleigh, NC residents can cause severe abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and altered bowel movements. Some cases of diverticulitis in Raleigh, NC locals may be treated with rest, antibiotics, and improved dietary habits. However, others require serious medical attention. Luckily, Cary Gastro gastrointestinal (GI) health professionals are here to help you.
Cary Gastro is a private provider of digestive care to locals of the Cary, Raleigh, Holly Springs, and Triangle regions. Our physicians, who are board-certified in gastroenterology and hepatology, have a solid background in professional GI health care. From relieving constipation to treating diverticulitis in Raleigh, NC patients, every Cary Gastro procedure is performed with compassion and precision. Turn to our experts for all your GI health care needs.
What Is Diverticulitis in Raleigh, NC Locals
Many confuse diverticulosis with diverticulitis in Raleigh, NC patients, and it’s important to learn the difference. Diverticulosis happens when small and bulging pouches form in the walls of the digestive system. Parts that may be affected include the esophagus, stomach, and the intestines. Meanwhile, diverticulitis in Raleigh, NC children and adults occurs when these pouches become inflamed or infected.
A sigmoidoscope is used to view the inside of the rectum and lower colon. A finger-sized thick tube with a camera at the end is inserted from the rectum, and images of the inner wall of the rectum and part of the colon can be seen on the monitor. It can be used to take a biopsy of the polyp or tumor and remove some polyps. However, a colonoscopy needs to be done to view the whole colon and remove all polyps or tumors. It is fairly safe but has a small risk of bowel tear, bleeding, and infection.
A colonoscope is similar to a sigmoidoscope but is longer and is used to examine the inner wall of the whole colon. It is inserted from the rectum, and the doctor can see the images of the entire colon on the monitor. Special surgical tools can be passed through the colonoscope to take a biopsy and remove polyps. Sedation is required. There is a small risk of bowel tears, bleeding, or infection after the procedure. It’s important to note this is the only colorectal prevention strategy offered.
This is the computed tomography scan of the colon. The person is asked to lie on a table of the CT scanner, which takes cross-sectional images of the colon. It is a non-invasive technique and does not require sedation. If any abnormalities are found, a colonoscopy needs to be done to remove the polyps or tumors.
A small tube is inserted in the rectum, and barium sulfate, a white chalky liquid, and air is pumped into the colon. The barium suspension lines the outer walls of the colon. X-ray images of the colon are then taken to reveal abnormalities on the inner wall of the colon. If any abnormalities are found, a colonoscopy needs to be done to remove the polyps or tumors.
These are done with the fecal sample and are totally safe. Fecal tests may not give confirmatory results but may suggest abnormalities in the gastrointestinal tract, warranting further tests. A colonoscopy needs to be repeated if results are positive, indicating the presence of cancerous growth in the colon. There are three types of fecal tests:
- Fecal occult blood tests detect blood in the feces that is not visible to normal eyes through a chemical reaction.
- Fecal immunochemical tests detect blood through a specific immunochemical reaction of a protein in the blood and can detect hidden blood.
- Stool DNA tests look for certain abnormal DNA genes in the cells shed from cancerous outgrowth or polyps in the stool sample.
Symptoms of Diverticulitis in Raleigh, NC Residents
Diverticulitis in Raleigh, NC patients may cause them to experience nausea, fever, cramps, chills, and sudden, severe pain. If the discomfort brought by diverticulitis in Raleigh, NC residents is mild, it can worsen over the following days. The intensity of diverticulitis in Raleigh, NC children and adults also depends on the severity of the inflammation or infection. If left untreated, diverticulitis in Raleigh, NC locals can lead to severe health complications such as GI perforation, abscess formation, colon blockage, and bleeding. Make your health and safety a priority; get checked for diverticulitis by Raleigh, NC GI health care experts.
Diagnosis of Diverticulitis in Raleigh, NC Children and Adults
To check for diverticular diseases such as diverticulitis in Raleigh, NC patients, health care providers can use various methods. These include:
- Evaluating the Patient’s Medical History
Health care experts can check for diverticulitis in Raleigh, NC patients through assessment of their medical history. They will be asked about their health, bowel habits, and medications.
- Performing a Blood Test
Health care professionals may check for diverticulitis in Raleigh, NC patients by using their blood to detect infections.
- Getting a Stool Sample
To diagnose diverticulitis in Raleigh, NC patients, a physician may examine a stool sample for bleeding in the digestive system.
- Administering a Digital Rectal Exam
Digital rectal exams can be used to diagnose diverticulitis in Raleigh, NC patients. By inserting a gloved finger into the patient’s rectum, health care experts can check if there’s a blockage, bleeding, or other complications.
- Performing Colonoscopy
Colonoscopies are performed to diagnose various digestive health issues such as diverticulitis in Raleigh, NC patients. During the test, a small tube will be inserted through the patient’s anus. In this tube is a tiny video camera that can record and show if pouches exist in the lining of the digestive tract.
Treatment of Diverticulitis in Raleigh, NC Children and Adults
To treat diverticulitis in Raleigh, NC residents, the infection or inflammation in the digestive tract must be cleared up. Additionally, the colon must be given time to heal by tweaking a patient’s diet.
A GI health care professional may recommend a liquid diet, bed rest, and certain medications for the treatment of diverticulitis in Raleigh, NC patients. They may also be asked to increase their intake of high-fiber food.
In some cases of diverticulitis in Raleigh, NC patients, a physician may require a hospital stay. Diverticulitis in Raleigh, NC patients is treated with antibiotics and a diverticulitis diet under the supervision of a GI care provider. Meanwhile, surgery may be necessary for patients with severe diverticulitis in Raleigh, NC.
Get Checked for Diverticulitis by Raleigh, NC GI Care Experts
Think you’re experiencing symptoms of diverticulitis? Get evaluated by Cary Gastro health professionals. Learn more about diverticulitis by visiting our website.
Cary Gastro
Cary Gastro has been providing high-quality digestive health care for more than 3 decades. We are the pioneers in private gastrointestinal (GI) practice in the region and offer premium healthcare 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our physicians, which include seven licensed gastroenterologists and hepatologists, are available to support you with various digestive conditions. They have a combined experience of more than 90 years in the medical field.
Our Founder
Dr. Michael R. Pike, M.D. established Cary Gastro back in 1986. He retired from practice back in 2014 after 28 years of unparalleled service in the region. Our clinic will forever be thankful for all of his contributions. We continue to follow his vision in offering excellent health care to the community.
Procedures We Offer
Our clinic conducts various procedures to support patients with various digestive conditions. Here are some of the tests performed by our clinics:
- Anorectal Manometry
- Colonoscopy
- Esophageal Dilation
- Esophageal Manometry
- Esophageal pH/Impedance Testing
- Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
- H. Pylori Breath Testing
- Hemorrhoid Banding Ligation
- Hydrogen Breath Testing
- Upper GI Endoscopy
- Video Capsule Endoscopy
- Weight Loss Options
Conditions We Treat
At Cary Gastro, we specialize in treating different digestive conditions. Here are some of the healthcare conditions handled by our clinics:
- Acid Reflux
- Anal Fissures
- Barrett’s Esophagus
- Celiac Disease
- Cirrhosis
- Colorectal Cancer
- Constipation
- Crohn’s Disease
- Diarrhea
- Diverticular Disease
- Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)
- Fecal Incontinence
- Gallstones
- Gastritis
- Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER & GERD)
- Hemorrhoids
- Hepatitis
- Hiatal Hernia
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Lactose Intolerance
- Microscopic Colitis
- NAFLD/NASH
- Pancreatitis
- Peptic Ulcer Disease
- Smoking and the GI Tract
- Ulcerative Colitis
- Acid Reflux
- Anal Fissures
- Barrett’s Esophagus
- Celiac Disease
- Cirrhosis
- Colorectal Cancer
- Constipation
- Crohn’s Disease
- Diarrhea
- Diverticular Disease
- Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)
- Fecal Incontinence
- Gallstones
- Gastritis
- Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER & GERD)
- Hemorrhoids
- Hepatitis
- Hiatal Hernia
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Lactose Intolerance
- Microscopic Colitis
- NAFLD/NASH
- Pancreatitis
- Peptic Ulcer Disease
- Smoking and the GI Tract
- Ulcerative Colitis
The Hemorrhoid Center
The Cary Gastro Hemorrhoid Center is here to provide you with fast and painless treatment for hemorrhoids. We understand that some people may have reservations in consulting about this condition that is why we strive to make you feel at ease during your visit. Our center also aims to keep you informed about your condition.
Our doctors, who are board-certified gastroenterologists, puts a premium on the doctor-patient relationship. They will examine you closely and provide you with the best treatment for your condition.
The Cary Gastro Women’s Center
The Cary Gastro Women’s Center for GI Health serves the specific needs of women with gastrointestinal (GI) concerns. Women go through GI concerns related to stress, pregnancy, and hormonal changes.
Some women may not be comfortable disclosing delicate issues concerning their health. As a practice that highly values privacy, we provide women a venue where they can disclose concerns with female doctors without reservations. Communication is essential in addressing different GI health problems so feel free to describe what you’re feeling and let our physicians take care of the rest.
Schedule an Appointment
If you are experiencing any digestive disorders, Cary Gastro is here to help you. Contact us at (919) 816-4948 to schedule an appointment with our doctors. You may also set up a consultation online. You may also check out our homepage to learn more about our company and our services. We are looking forward to serving you.
Your Health Matters
Book an appointment today at one of our office locations throughout the Cary, Raleigh, Holly Springs and Triangle region. We are committed to providing you with the most comprehensive quality of gastroenterology care.