Diverticula are small pouches that form in the intestines. Diverticula are commonly seen in patients over age 40. The mere occurrence of diverticula is known as diverticulosis. Diverticula can become infected or inflamed. This condition is known as diverticulitis. Diverticulitis can cause severe abdominal pain, fever and nausea as well as changes in the bowel habits. Treatment of acute diverticulitis can prevent long-term damage, which requires surgery.
Altered Diet
To reduce the inflammation associated with diverticulitis, a doctor may recommend a liquid diet. Drinking liquids increases the level of moisture in the intestines, allowing the patient to pass stool quickly. Liquid diets are usually recommended for approximately three days. After the liquid diet, patients are advised to slowly incorporate whole grains, fruits and vegetables to add some healthy bulk to the stool.
Patients should aim to consume 20 to 35 grams of fiber per day. Foods such as apples, spinach and kidney beans are good sources of fiber. The Mayo Clinic states that seeds or foods containing seeds are generally acceptable, however, patients who believe that seeds or nut cause attacks should avoid them.
Antibiotics
After receiving a confirmed diagnosis of diverticulitis, a physician may prescribe antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria causing the symptoms. Symptoms may improve within a few days of taking the antibiotics, and patients have a tendency to stop taking the medication. It is important for patients to take the full course of medicine to kill all of the bacteria and restore the body's ability to fight off the disease.
Pain Medication
Severe cases of diverticulitis can cause abdominal pain. Moderate pain can be treated with an over-the-counter medication, such as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. NSAIDs typically are safe and don't cause long-term damage. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are two commonly available NSAIDs. Some patients experience severe pain associated with their diverticulitis. In those cases, doctors may prescribe prescription-strength pain relievers for a specific period of time.
Rest
Doctors generally recommend that patients get as much rest as possible while experiencing acute diverticulitis. Symptoms of diverticulitis can cause stress, which can exacerbate symptoms. Rest helps to reduce stress levels and calm symptoms. Rest also helps the body repair itself and increase its ability to fight off bacteria and infections.
Surgery
Surgery is a form of treatment reserved for severe cases of diverticulitis. In these instances, damaged portions of the colon may need to removed.
