Diverticulosis is a common medical condition that affects the gastrointestinal tract. As a person ages, pockets can form along the lining of the intestines. These pockets are called diverticula. Multiple diverticula are collectively called diverticulosis. Up to 50 percent of people over the age of 60 are affected by diverticulosis, according to the Mayo Clinic. The diverticula may become inflamed and infected. This condition is called diverticulitis. Symptoms of diverticulitis include abdominal pain and a fever. Treatment options are available to remedy diverticulitis symptoms.
Rest
Resting the body and the large intestine is important for treating diverticulitis. Reducing activity and getting plenty of rest is the first treatment step. The physician may recommend bed rest if the condition is severe. The individual also rests the intestine by consuming a liquid diet for several days until the diverticulitis begins to heal. Severe cases of diverticulitis may require no eating for several days to completely rest the colon, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse.
Medication
The physician prescribes antibiotics to treat the infection in the colon and pain medication to help provide comfort. If the inflammation and infection are mild, the antibiotics are given as an oral dose, and the individual treats the condition at home. If the condition is severe, intravenous antibiotics and a stay in the hospital are required.
Diet
After several days of no eating or a liquid diet and antibiotic treatment, an individual affected by diverticulitis is ready to increase the diet. Foods high in fiber and fiber supplements containing psyllium help add bulk to stool and reduce the risk of developing diverticulitis again. Foods high in fiber include fresh fruits and vegetables as well as whole grains.
Surgery
Surgery is recommended for an individual suffering from multiple bouts of diverticulitis and from complications that occur due to the condition. A tear in the intestine, an abscess formation and areas of the intestine that begin to grow together require surgical repair. An abscess can be drained in order to help the area heal. If the damage is beyond repair, a resection of the bowel may be necessary. A bowel resection includes removing the diseased section of the large intestine and rejoining the healthy sections. If the intestine is badly damaged and needs longer to heal, or if there is not enough healthy colon remaining, the surgeon creates a colostomy. The colostomy consists of an opening in the abdominal wall and attachment of the end of the colon to a bag to collect the passing stool. The colostomy is either permanent or reversible; it may be reversed once the bowel heals, depending on the severity of the condition.
