Small, abnormal pouches called diverticula line the colon or large intestine and bulge outward through weak spots in the intestinal wall. Diverticulitis occurs when the pouches become inflamed from either bacteria or stool. The remedies for diverticulitis depend on the severity of the symptoms, and focus on preventing or minimizing complications.
Diet
A mild case of diverticulitis often requires the resting of bowels by consuming a low-fiber or clear liquid diet. Once the symptoms improve--usually within three days--gradually increase the amount of high-fiber foods back into the diet, such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables.
Antibiotics
Diverticulitis occurs when the diverticula trap the stool, and the bacteria in the stool cause inflammation and an infection. The symptoms usually begin in the lower left side of the abdomen and come on suddenly; however, they can also appear more mildly and worsen over several days. Other symptoms include severe abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, or a change in bowel habits. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, also called NDDIC, states that oral antibiotics along with a low-fiber diet, treats uncomplicated diverticulitis with mild occurring symptoms.
Pain Relievers
The doctor may recommend an over-the-counter pain reliever for mild pain, such as acetaminophen, and a more potent pain medication for moderate to severe pain. However, these medications cause constipation and may aggravate the problem.
Hospital Stay
According to the Mayo Clinic, a severe attack of diverticulitis, which includes the risk of bowel obstruction or peritonitis, often requires hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics. The treatment for most cases of severe diverticulitis include bed rest, IV antibiotics and a few days without food or drink. Some severe cases of diverticulitis merit surgery.
Surgery
The doctor may recommend surgery as a treatment for diverticulitis or recurring diverticulitis, especially if an abscess, fistula or perforation of the bowel occurs. An abscess consists of a collection of pus and occurs from a severe diverticulitis infection. The treatment for an abscess includes drainage and surgery to remove destroyed tissue caused by the abscess itself. If a fistula or perforation occurs, the surgeon removes the affected part of the colon and reconnects the healthy segments. Recurring diverticulitis causes an extreme amount of inflammation and necessitates a surgical procedure called a colostomy. During a colostomy, the surgeon makes an opening into the abdominal wall and connects the unaffected part of the colon into the opening, and waste passes through the opening into a bag.
