Diverticulitis is the swelling and inflammation of an abnormal protruding pouch found on the wall of the large intestine. These abnormal pouches are known as diverticula and the presence of diverticula in the colon is called diverticulosis. Diverticula develop as a result of high pressure in the colon caused by chronic constipation and straining during bowel movements. Patients with severe diverticulitis are placed on clear-liquid and low-residue diets.
Severe Diverticulitis Diet
Patients with diverticulitis are placed on a clear liquid diet to enable the colon to rest and heal. A clear liquid diet includes foods that are easy to digest and swallow. The diet eliminates high-fiber foods, such as raw fruits and vegetables, because these foods increase intestinal contractions and also leave undigested food particles that could irritate an inflamed colon. Examples of foods included in the clear liquid diet include broth, gelatin, black tea and fruit juices.
Low-Residue Diets
Patients recovering from diverticulitis are usually not placed on clear-liquid foods for more than five days because these foods do not provide enough nutrients. The doctor usually recommends patients to add low-residue foods. Low-residue foods limit the amount of fiber and other undigested food that passes through the colon, which enables the colon to rest and heal. Examples of low-residue foods include white bread, white rice, pasta, tender meat, fish and vegetable juices.
Symptoms and Treatment of Diverticulitis
Severe diverticulitis causes symptoms such as pain in the lower left abdomen, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting and weight loss. Diverticulitis is caused by a bacteria infection and antibiotics are usually prescribed to treat the infection. Hospitalization may be required for patients with severe diverticulitis to administer nutrients and medication intravenously.
Complications of Diverticulitis
Untreated diverticulitis may lead to several complications such as perforation of the colon. Bacteria may also leak out of the perforated hole and enter into the bloodstream causing a fatal blood infection known as sepsis. Patients may also develop an abscess or fistula, which are conditions that require surgery to remove parts of the affected colon.
