Diverticulitis Runs in My Family: What Should I Do?

Diverticulitis is one of the many conditions that affect the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, specifically the colon. It’s a painful problem when the small pockets that form (diverticula) in the colon become inflamed, causing severe pain and other symptoms.

Diverticulosis is the condition of having the diverticula or pockets in the colon — but are you at risk? According to the National Library of Medicine, 40%-53% of disease susceptibility is genetic.

Although genetics aren't the only factor in diverticulitis, knowing your risk is essential. At Texas Digestive Disease Consultants, Dr. Ilyas Memon and his team provide diagnostic tools and treatments for various GI disorders, including diverticulitis.

Is diverticulitis genetic?

Diverticulitis results from pockets in the colon becoming inflamed and possibly infected. Diverticulosis is the condition that causes diverticulitis, but not everyone has it.

You may be at risk for diverticulitis if you have a family history of diverticulosis. The National Library of Medicine suspects that genetics play a role in your chances of developing diverticulitis and diverticulosis.

However, genetics aren't the only factor in these conditions. Age, lifestyle factors, and diet can also increase your risk for colon conditions.

How do I know if I have diverticulitis?

Most people don’t know that they have diverticulosis unless they have a colonoscopy for other symptoms or as a preventive measure for cancer. You don’t know about these colon pockets because they don’t usually cause an issue.

But if something causes inflammation in the pockets, it can lead to diverticulitis, which can be extremely painful. Other symptoms that clue you into diverticulitis include the following:

• Fever
• Severe abdominal pain
• Abdominal distension
• Rectal bleeding
• Nausea or vomiting
• Constipation

Diarrhea may also happen, but it’s not common. You may have any mix of the above symptoms during a diverticulitis attack. Flares can be acute, or you could have chronic diverticulitis due to long-term inflammation.

These symptoms should signal you to visit our office. Untreated diverticulitis can lead to various complications, including intestinal obstruction, abscesses, and fistulas.

Screening exams for diverticulitis

If you have symptoms of diverticulitis, Dr. Memon will discuss when they started and how you're feeling. He may also perform a physical exam and discuss your eating habits and GI health.

He may know you have diverticulitis just from your family history and symptoms — but if he doesn't, he may order various tests, including:

• Blood tests
• Urine test
• Stool test
• Colonoscopy
• CT of the abdomen
• Abdominal exam

The test you require depends on your symptoms and what Dr. Memon thinks is best for answers. He may first order blood, urine, and stool tests because they’re the least invasive and often provide excellent information on your overall health and wellness.

If you have diverticulitis, Dr. Memon prescribes antibiotics if it’s from an infection and pain medicines when necessary until the flare passes.

Prevention tips to adhere to

After the diverticulitis flare calms down, it’s essential to understand how to prevent further flares — but it’s not always easy. Doctors don’t completely understand what randomly causes a diverticulitis flare, making it hard to control.

However, simply achieving a healthy gut can significantly decrease the chances of recurrent attacks. Dr. Memon offers the following tips to keep your gut healthy and prevent painful symptoms of diverticulitis:

• Drink plenty of water
• Eat a healthy diet
• Exercise regularly
• Include fiber in the diet

Achieving optimal gut health prevents various problems, including diverticulitis. You may also take probiotics, prebiotics, or fiber supplements to keep your gut clean and healthy.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Memon for diverticulitis, call one of our conveniently located offices in Texas or request a consultation using our online booking feature.