1. Eat Bland Foods to Let Your Colon Rest
Manage the pain that comes from diverticulitis by letting your inflamed colon rest. One of the ways you can do this is by eating very bland foods for a few days. Whole grains and lots of produce--foods that are usually highly praised for being part of a healthy diet--are the types you want to avoid when you are having a diverticulitis attack. During this time, it's better to eat unseasoned, low-fat foods that will not irritate your colon. Avoid caffeine and alcohol as well. Some doctors order a liquid diet for their diverticulitis patients. Ask your doctor for a detailed list of foods you should stay away from in order to rest your digestive system. When you are feeling better, gradually add whole grains, fruits and vegetables back into your diet. Though a high-fiber diet can help treat and prevent diverticulitis (when you're not having an attack), going back to your normal diet all at once may end up overloading your system and leading to further irritation and complications.
2. Take Medications
If the pouches in your intestines are infected as well as inflamed, your doctor will put you on antibiotics to clear up the infection. Depending on your level of infection and ability to keep foods and medications down, the antibiotics may be oral or administered via an IV in the hospital. In most cases, you can use over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, for pain management. Check with your doctor to be sure it's safe for you to take these types of medicines.
3. Undergo Surgery
Surgery may be required for some people who have diverticulitis. Removing the part of the colon that is diseased may be necessary, as well as clearing out scar tissue that can form from infections. Diverticulitis can cause other complications that can be treated surgically, such as fistulas and abscesses. Through surgery, these protrusions and infections can be removed and drained.
