Diverticulitis Treatment

In the digestive system, there may occur formations which appear as small, bulging pouches. Apart from forming anywhere in the digestive system, they are also known to occur in the esophagus, stomach and small intestines. These structures are known as diverticula. However, due to certain factors, they may become inflamed or be hit by some kind of infection. And when this happens, the condition is known as diverticulitis. Only having diverticula in the body, which is a common incidence after the age of 40, is known as diverticulosis. Many people stay unaware even if they are suffering from diverticulosis, as the condition do not progress to what is known as diverticulitis.

Diverticulitis Symptoms

• The affected person may experience the pain originating from the lower left side of the abdomen. Many people complain that this pain stays mild initially, but intensifies over several days.
• Bowel habits may change
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Tenderness in the abdominal area
• Bloated feeling
• Rectal bleeding (a rare occurrence)

What Causes Diverticulitis?

Doctors say that the cause of the formation of diverticula is some weakness at certain parts of the colon. Due to this weakness, the areas give way under pressure, giving rise to diverticulosis. However, doctors do not have a specific explanation regarding what exactly causes diverticulitis. They assume that increased pressure may cause the wall of the bulging pouches to break, leading to an infection. Also, an infection may get triggered if fecal matter get trapped in the small openings of the pouches. Apart from this, some doctors also believe that the narrow openings may get obstructed and this may reduce blood supply to the area thus, causing inflammation.

How is Diverticulitis Treated?

As already mentioned, diverticulitis treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms that the sufferer is experiencing. For mild symptoms, doctors may recommend the use of liquid diet, or one that is low on fiber. Also, antibiotics are good enough to deal with a mild condition. Advanced or more aggressive form of medical treatment may be required for preventing the risk of complications or recurrent flare-ups.

At Home
While at home, the doctor may recommend to take ample amount of rest and consuming a liquid diet. Usually, the treatment of diverticulitis at home involves the inclusion of high-fiber foods in the diet, once the symptoms seem to subside. Common examples of such foods include whole grains, fruits and vegetables. However, these are the foods to avoid with diverticulitis, when the patient has just started recovering.

In the initial stages of recovery, following a low fiber diet helps in healing diverticulitis naturally. Include foods which do not contain any nuts and seeds, and juices which lack pulp. Doctors recommend patients to include vegetables like carrots, beets, celery, cucumber, egg plant, lettuce, etc., in their daily diet, to treat diverticulitis in a natural way.

At the Hospital
Antibiotics are prescribed to get rid of the bacteria that has caused the condition. However, if the symptoms get very severe and are on the verge on causing complications, then patients are may require intravenous antibiotics. Perforation, abscess, fistula or recurring diverticulitis are known to be the complications which may arise. So in order to avoid them, doctors may recommend patients to undergo a diverticulitis surgery, wherein, the diseased part of the colon would be removed.

Better than treatment of diverticulitis, is the prospect of preventing the disease in the first place. It is advisable to include fiber rich foods in the diet, drink plenty of fluids including water, not delaying the urge for bowel movement, and following regular exercises.