It is not altogether certain what causes the diverticula to become inflamed or infected, but some believe that high colonic pressure is involved in the formation of the diverticula. It is also a general consensus in the medical community that individuals who consume a diet that is low in roughage are predisposed to diverticular disease. Medical experts believe that some kind of blockage of the diverticula, like a piece of feces or food particles, leads to the diverticul becoming inflammed and infected.

Individuals who are later diagnosed with diverticulitis have often presented in emergency rooms or doctor offices with complaints of lower left quadrant pain, fever and elevated white blood cells counts (upon blood test results). Sometimes they complain of nausea, diarrhea or possibly constipation. The abdominal pain felt by the individual is the most common of symptoms. The doctor will notice left side tenderness of the lower abdomen. Fever, nausea, vomiting, chills, cramping and constipation can all be caused by the infection associated with the diverticulitis. The more severe the infection, the more severe the symptoms.

Others with diverticulitis may have no symptoms at all, nor are they experiencing any discomfort at all. While others may have mild cramping, bloating or constipation.

Diagnosis is made using various tests such as computed tomography (CT scan). CT scan can identify blood flow, inflammatory changes, or associated abscesses. Other tests involve barium enema, colonoscopy except in the acute phase of diverticulitis when these tests may run the risk of perforation and should be avoided.

Diverticulitis is treated with the patient usually not being allowed to receive any food or liquids by mouth and an IV fluid therapy with broad-spectrum antibiotics being administered by IV. If the patient has had recurrent attacks of diverticulitis, has peritonitis, an abscess, or fistula then the patient may require surgery.

Once the initial treatment is complete, and the individual is released from the hospital they will be advised to consume a low fiber diet to give their colon a rest. After the colon has had a chance to heal, the fiber content in their diet will gradually be raised until they are on a high fiber diet.

Complications can occur as a result of diverticulitis including bowel obstruction, peritonitis, abscess, fistula, bleeding and strictures.

Diverticulitis usually occurs in individuals who are middle-aged or elderly, although it can happen in younger individuals as well. Young individuals may be prone to diverticulitis if they are obese.

It is possible that eating peanuts or seeds aggravates diverticulitis.

Related posts:

1. The Cause And Diagnosis Of Diverticulitis - Most in the medical field believe that eating a low-fiber content diet contributes to the occurrence of diverticulitis....
2. Questions And Answers About Diverticulitis - Individuals get diverticulitis when they have pouches that form on their colon wall and those pouches become inflamed...
3. What Is The Diverticulitis Diet All About - The diet for those who have experienced diverticulitis can be confusing and there can be different diets to...

Surgery for diverticulitis involves removing the diseased part of the colon. A doctor may recommend surgery for diverticulitis if there is a stricture, or a partially blocked colon or a narrow spot in the colon. Repeated attacks of diverticulitis may indicate that surgery to remove the diseased part of the colon due to two or more severe attacks. High risk of complications is a good indicator that surgery is required. Repeated problems with bleeding from the colon or an abnormal opening, or fistula that has formed between the colon and an organ near it, along with possible signs of cancer may indicate surgery is needed. Surgery for diverticulitis, in which the infected part of the colon is removed, may be required.

Overall, less than 10% of people with diverticulitis require surgery. Surgical treatment involves removing the diseased part of the large intestine, called a partial colostomy, and reconnecting the remaining parts. Depending on both the severity and nature of the symptoms, more than one surgery may be required to correct the problem. When multiple surgeries are required, the person usually has a colostomy between surgeries. A colostomy is a surgical procedure in which the upper portion of the intestine is sewn to an opening made in the skin of the abdomen. Stool passes out of the body through this opening and into a disposable bag. The colostomy is then removed and the intestine is reconnected at a later date.

No screening is available at this time for diverticulitis. Starting at age 40, a procedure called a flexible sigmoidoscopy may be recommended every 3 to 5 years or a colonoscopy every 10 years as a screening exam for cancers of the colon and rectum. Both flexible sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy involve using a flexible tube with a lighted viewing instrument to see inside the large intestine. These exams are often able to reveal diverticula if they are present. Treatment after recovery from an attack of diverticulitis is aimed at preventing another attack. This treatment may include getting plenty of fluids daily, gradually increasing the amount of fiber in the diet through fruits, vegetables, wheat bran, and the regular use of a fiber supplement. It is also highly recommended that regular doctor visits are conducted to monitor the condition.

Related posts:

1. Defining Diverticulitis - Diverticulitis is a common disease found in the digestive area, particularly in the large intestine. Diverticulitis develops from...
2. Medications For Diverticulitis - Diverticulitis develops when bacteria become trapped in pouches, also called diverticula that have formed along the wall of...
3. The Causes And Risk Factors For Diverticulitis - The diverticula develop when weak places in the colon give in under pressure from within the colon. This...

As a person gets older, pressure within the colon causes bulging pockets of tissue, or sacs, that push out from the colon walls. A small bulging sac pushing outward from the colon wall is called a diverticulum. More than one bulging sac is referred to as diverticula. Diverticula can occur throughout the colon, but most are common near the end of the left colon. This is referred to as the sigmoid colon. The condition of having these diverticula in the colon is called diverticulosis

Diverticulitis occurs when bacteria get trapped in the pouches. This leads to infection or inflammation. No screening is available at this time for diverticulitis. Starting at age 40, a procedure called a flexible sigmoidoscopy may be recommended every 3 to 5 years or a colonoscopy every 10 years as a screening exam for cancers of the colon and rectum. Both flexible sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy involve using a flexible tube with a lighted viewing instrument to see inside the large intestine. These exams are often able to reveal diverticula if they are present. Treatment after recovery from an attack of diverticulitis is aimed at preventing another attack.

More serious complications include diverticulitis, abscess in the pelvis, colon obstruction, and bacterial peritonitis, plus bleeding in the colon. A diverticulum can become infected with bacteria and ruptures, causing diverticulitis. Fever, tenderness, and pain of the lower left abdomen are common symptoms. Constipation or diarrhea may also occur. A collection of pus can develop around the inflamed diverticulum, which leads to the formation of an abscess, usually in the pelvis. On rare occasions, the inflamed diverticula can erode into the urinary bladder, which causes a bladder infection and passing of gas during urination. Inflammation of the colon may also lead to bowel obstruction. On rare occasions, a diverticulum ruptures freely into the abdominal cavity causing life threatening infection caused peritonitis.

No screening is available at this time for diverticulitis. Starting at age 40, a procedure called a flexible sigmoidoscopy may be recommended every 3 to 5 years or a colonoscopy every 10 years as a screening exam for cancers of the colon and rectum. Both flexible sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy involve using a flexible tube with a lighted viewing instrument to see inside the large intestine. These exams are often able to reveal diverticula if they are present. Treatment after recovery from an attack of diverticulitis is aimed at preventing another attack. This treatment may include getting plenty of fluids daily, gradually increasing the amount of fiber in the diet through fruits, vegetables, wheat bran, and the regular use of a fiber supplement. It is also highly recommended that regular doctor visits are conducted to monitor the condition.

Related posts:

1. Diverticulitis A Breakdown - Diverticulitis is a condition in which diverticuli in the colon rupture. The rupture results in infection in the...
2. Causes And Risk Factors Of Diverticulitis - Diverticulitis is a condition in which diverticuli in the colon rupture. The rupture results in infection in the...
3. Diverticulitis Of The Colon - Diverticulosis is very common, being found in more than half of Americans over the age of 60. Only...

Diverticulitis happens when pouches form in our colon or other areas of the digestive tract. These pouches can become inflamed or infected from bad eating habits, and from pressure in our colon as a result from constipation.

Certain eating habits such as consuming junk food, eating frequent fast food, drinking alcohol and eating daily chocolates can contribute to diverticulitis. You can make a difference in your health by making healthy dietary changes such as increasing your fiber intake, and eating whole foods. You can increase your servings of fruit and vegetables and cut out the unnecessary junk food and fast foods.

Too little fiber or too little water or both cause constipation. It can also be contributed to too little activity. It can also be caused when we ignore the urges our bodies give us to move our bowels.

To avoid constipation, increase the fiber in what we eat by eating more whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Increase the daily water intake to a minimum of 8 – 8 oz glasses of water. Make a habit of obeying the urge to move the bowels the first time we feel the urge.

Identify any stress in life and avoid when possible or eliminate if necessary. Stress can occur at home, work or at school. We can’t always control everything that stresses us but we can learn ways of coping better with what stresses us out. We can learn relaxation techniques.

We can learn to move our bodies more in daily activities like walking instead of riding, climbing stairs instead of taking the elevator and making an effort to participate in exercise and fitness programs that are offered in our community.

It feels good to take good care of our health and make a difference in how we feel. Making lifestyle changes does not have to be drastic nor do you have to make all the changes at once. Do something each day to decrease your risk for diverticulitis. Improve your lifestyle one day and one change at a time. When you start to feel better, making lifestyle changes will not be so difficult to do because you will want to continue to feel better. Avoiding the pain of diverticulitis and especially avoiding the surgery of repeated bouts of diverticulitis may bring is certainly worth making lifestyle changes for.

Eating better, drinking more water, exercising daily and reducing the stress in life are all things that we can learn to incorporate into our lifestyle. Look for books on healthy lifestyle changes or join a class that is being offered in your community. There are others that are making lifestyle changes for a healthy life and sharing these changes makes doing them easier.

Related posts:

1. The Lifestyle Of Someone Who Is Preventing Diverticulitis - If you have ever suffered from diverticulitis you will understand the desire to do all you can to...
2. Caring For Yourself After Diverticulitis - Once the diagnosis is made of diverticulitis and you have successfully been treated it is time to be...
3. Self Care For Mild Diverticulitis - If you have been diagnosed with having mild diverticulitis you have more than likely been given oral antibiotics...

Diverticulitis occurs when bacteria get trapped in the pouches. This leads to infection or inflammation. No screening is available at this time for diverticulitis. Starting at age 40, a procedure called a flexible sigmoidoscopy may be recommended every 3 to 5 years or a colonoscopy every 10 years as a screening exam for cancers of the colon and rectum. Both flexible sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy involve using a flexible tube with a lighted viewing instrument to see inside the large intestine. These exams are often able to reveal diverticula if they are present. Treatment after recovery from an attack of diverticulitis is aimed at preventing another attack.

A patient with diverticulosis may have few, if any, symptoms. When a diverticulum becomes infected and ruptures, the condition is called diverticulitis. A patient suffering from diverticulitis experiences abdominal pain and tenderness, often accompanied by fever. Bleeding which originates from a diverticulum is called diverticulitis bleeding. Diverticular disease is common in the Western areas of the world, but is extremely rare in areas such as Asia and Africa. Diverticular disease increases with age and is uncommon before the age of forty. Most patients with diverticulitis develop bleeding, infection, constipation, abdominal cramps, and occasionally, colon obstruction.

The muscular wall of the colon grows thicker with age. Thickening of the colon wall may determine the increasing pressures required by the colon to eliminate waste. A diet which is low in fiber can lead to small and hard stools which are difficult to pass. Over time, intense contractions in the colon push the inner intestinal lining outwards, causing a hernia. These pouches or sacs that develop are called diverticula. Diverticular bleeding occurs when stool erodes into a blood vessel at the base of a diverticulum.

Most patients with diverticulosis have few, if any, symptoms. The diverticulosis condition is found incidentally during tests which are run for other intestinal problems. Over twenty percent of patients suffering with diverticulosis condition will develop symptoms related to diverticulosis. The most common symptoms of biventricular disease include abdominal cramping, constipation, bloating, and diarrhea. These symptoms are directly related to difficulty of passing stool along the left colon which has been narrowed by diverticulosis disease.

More serious complications include diverticulitis, abscess in the pelvis, colon obstruction, and bacterial peritonitis, plus bleeding in the colon. A diverticulum can become infected with bacteria and ruptures, causing diverticulitis. Fever, tenderness, and pain of the lower left abdomen are common symptoms. Constipation or diarrhea may also occur. A collection of pus can develop around the inflamed diverticulum, which leads to the formation of an abscess, usually in the pelvis. On rare occasions, the inflamed diverticula can erode into the urinary bladder, which causes a bladder infection and passing of gas during urination.

Related posts:

1. Diverticulitis Symptoms And Treatments - Diverticulitis is a serious disease which is both painful and dangerous. Once diverticula, which are small sacs, grow...
2. Causes, Symptoms, & Diagnosis Of Diverticulitis - Diverticulitis is a serious disease which is both painful and dangerous. Once diverticula, which are small sacs, grow...
3. How To Diagnose Diverticular Disease - Diverticulitis is a condition in which diverticuli in the colon rupture. The rupture results in infection in the...

The are 3 levels of fiber in diet: high, low and no fiber. Foods that contain fiber are those that are whole grains and those that contain skin such as apples and potatoes as well as other fruits and vegetables.

Fiber isn’t the only dietary consideration. You should probably avoid eating seeds or nuts and anything that is spicy if you want to prevent another attack of diverticulitis. Although it has not been proven that avoiding seeds or nuts prevents another attack, many individuals who have had diverticulitis believe this to be true. After healing from diverticulitis is it important to add fiber slowly to your diet. It is also important to drink a lot of water as you increase your fiber intake. Too much fiber too quickly and you could end up bloated, and experiencing abdominal discomfort.

There are plenty of fiber products that allow you to get the fiber you need from sources other than the food you consume. Products that add fiber are Metamucil, Nature’s Way and also Citrucel.

It is vital that you drink lots of water, especially as you increase your fiber intake because fiber absorbs water. If you increase your fiber and do not increase your water intake your stools may become hard, that that would be counterproductive. Water also helps to keep things moving and you just plain feel better when you drink enough water. Most doctors will tell you to drink a minimum of 8 – 8oz glasses of water each day. See your doctor about how much water is recommended when you are increasing your fiber in your diet.

Reducing or avoiding becoming constipated is another way of preventing diverticulitis. One way that individuals become constipated is by ignoring the urge to move their bowels. Sometimes it is plain not convenient especially while at school or work to take a bathroom break. We tend to decide to ignore the urgings for a more convenient time. This leads to constipation, which can lead to diverticulitis. So to prevent diverticulitis, listen to your body and make a point to move your bowels when you get the urge to do so.

Stress can lead to constipation because stress causes the body to not digest food properly. When stressed blood and oxygen are directed away from the digestive system. It is not always easy to avoid stress but there are some simple things you can do to help deal with stress such as:

Exercising, especially doing activity outside helps to get your mind off your worries.

Deep breathing can help to relax muscles and calm stressed out minds.

Identify what is stressing you out and take action to correct the situation or avoid the individual or event that is causing the stress.

Understand that there are some things that can be changed and other things that cannot. Learn to change what you can and to accept those things that you cannot change.

Related posts:

1. The Lifestyle Of Someone Who Is Preventing Diverticulitis - If you have ever suffered from diverticulitis you will understand the desire to do all you can to...
2. Risk Factors For Diverticulitis And Simple Steps To Prevention - As in any disease, knowing what the risk factors for the disease are can help individuals to be...
3. What Is The Diverticulitis Diet All About - The diet for those who have experienced diverticulitis can be confusing and there can be different diets to...

You should also call your health care provider if you are experiencing fever or chills, nausea and vomiting, have unusual changes in your bowel movement or abdominal swelling or if you have blood in your stools. If you experience pain that worsens when you move, or when you urinate. Also call and schedule an appointment if you have an abnormal vaginal discharge and you have diverticulitis or suspect that you do.

Other signs that signal immediate need for medical attention in an individual with diverticulitis is if they have severe pain in the abdomen that get progressively worse, or pain that get worse when the individual coughs. If you notice a stool that is mostly blood, or stool that is maroon-colored liquid, or clots of blood or may look black, or tarlike. If you experience shoulder pain, have cramping in your abdomen that does not get better, or pass gas or stool from your urethra while urinating.

Medical professionals that an individual with diverticulitis may be seen by are family medicine physician, general practitioner, an internist, a physician assistant, or nurse practitioner, a gastroenterologist, or surgeon. These medical members become the individual with diverticulitis medical team.

During the initial diagnosis and after treatment for follow up care the individual with diverticulitis will have to endure many medical appointment and tests including complete blood count (CBC), a urinalysis, a abdominal x-ray, a digital rectal exam, and a fecal occult blood test.

Depending on the symptoms presented, your healthcare professional may also order these tests:

A computed tomography (CT) scans, a barium enema x-ray, a flexible sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy, as well as an upper gastrointestinal (UGI) series, an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, a technetium-labeled red blood cell bleeding scan, or an angiogram.

When an individual with diverticulitis is receiving initial treatment they may have to take antibiotics and pain relievers, and have a change in diet that starts with being on clear liquids or a bland diet followed by learning how to increase fiber content in the diet slowly.

Individuals with diverticulitis may have to be hospitalized if the symptoms of diverticulitis worsen, or if they are unable to eat or drink, if they need antibiotics in a vein (intravenous, or IV). Surgery is often needed when sections of the colon have been destroyed, or if there are any complications from diverticulitis such as peritonitis or a total blockage.

Ongoing treatment is usually necessary for the individual with diverticulitis such as regulating the diet to gradually increase the fiber, get plenty of fluids daily, and have regular doctor appointments to monitor the diverticulitis.

If the individual’s diverticulitis worsens or complications such as an abscess, perforation, or bowel obstruction develop than surgery to remove the affected part may be necessary.

To prevent diverticulitis from coming back the individual will always have to be careful to eat a diet high in fiber, and low in fat and red meat, and to drink plenty of water each day, and to exercise regularly.

Related posts:

1. Treatment Options For Diverticulitis - Individuals diagnosed with diverticulitis whether they have symptoms or not will need to undergo treatment. Fiber in a...
2. What Is The Diverticulitis Diet All About - The diet for those who have experienced diverticulitis can be confusing and there can be different diets to...
3. Risk Factors For Diverticulitis And Simple Steps To Prevention - As in any disease, knowing what the risk factors for the disease are can help individuals to be...

If the diverticulitis is severe or the patient is unable to take anything by mouth, hospitalization will be required so the antibiotics can be administered by intravenous method. Broad-spectrum antibiotics, which cover anaerobic bacteria and gram-negative rods, are used.

If the severe diverticulitis includes any complications such as peritonitis, abscess, fistula or total blockage or the attacks are recurring; surgery will be required. Peritonitis and total blockage both require emergency surgery, as they can be life-threatening situations.

Individuals who are discharged from the hospital are given strict instructions as to activity, and diet. They are usually placed on low residue diet to start with.

A low residue diet consists of white bread, refined pasta and cereals, and white rice. They can have limited servings of canned or well-cooked vegetables that do not include skins, seeds or pulp. They are also allowed to eat tender, ground, or well-cooked meat, fish, and poultry. Milk or yogurt, mild cheese, or cottage cheese is usually limited to 2 cups daily. They can drink pulp free juices, and broth from strained soups from the above list of allowed foods.

They must avoid whole grain breads, cereals and pastas, corn bread and muffins, or products that are made from whole grain products. They must avoid bran, seeds, or nuts of any kind. They also must avoid strong cheeses, yogurt that contains fruit skins or seeds, raw vegetables, tough meat and meat with gristle. They cannot eat crunchy peanut butter, millet, buckwheat, flax, or oatmeal. Dried beans, peas, and other legumes, dried fruits, berries, and other fruits with pulp or seeds are forbidden on this diet. They must also avoid eating any chocolate, coconut, or juices with pulp and highly spiced foods or dressings, pepper, hot sauces, and also caffeine in food or beverages.

Later after the colon has had sufficient time to heal the doctor will slowly increase the fiber content of the diet until the patient is eating a high fiber diet.

Foods that contain high fiber content are whole grain foods such as bran cereals and breads, fresh fruits that include the skin and pulp, dried or stewed fruits such as prunes, raisins, and apricots, root vegetables such as carrots, turnips, and also potatoes. Raw or fresh vegetables, such as cabbage are also on the list for foods acceptable for a high-fiber diet. Lettuce is NOT considered to be high fiber; this is surprising to most people.

Cereal brands that are known to be high in fiber and are good to eat first thing in the morning are All-Bran, 100% Bran, Bran Buds, Oat Bran, Oatmeal, and Raisin Bran. Bran can cause rumbling intestinal gas and mild cramping so it is best to increase slowly the amount you eat until your body becomes accustomed to the bran. It is also important when you eat any high-fiber diet to drink at least eight 8oz glasses of water each day.

Fluids are important to any diet, but especially to the high-fiber diet because fiber absorbs liquid. Drink not only water, but also fruit juices with pulp and vegetable juices. You should eat your food slowly, chewing appropriately and thoroughly. Chewing in this fashion allows your saliva and digestive juices to mix thoroughly with the food so that the pancreas can break down the food more easily. It is also important to eat your meals at regular intervals throughout the day.

Related posts:

1. Help! What Can I Eat After An Attack Of Diverticulitis - You have just received the diagnosis of diverticulitis and have been given antibiotics to take, great! Make sure...
2. Risk Factors For Diverticulitis And Simple Steps To Prevention - As in any disease, knowing what the risk factors for the disease are can help individuals to be...
3. What Is The Diverticulitis Diet All About - The diet for those who have experienced diverticulitis can be confusing and there can be different diets to...

The Symptoms of diverticulitis uncomplicated in stable patients are: abdominal pain, fever, leukocytosis and not being able to tolerate oral fluids due to vomiting. The Symptoms of diverticulitis uncomplicated in older or ill patients are: abdominal pain, fever, leukocytosis, an inability to tolerate oral fluids due to vomiting, and in this type the patient is older than 85 years of age or is ill with another medical condition. The Symptoms of diverticulitis complicated are abdominal pain, fever, leukocytosis, with or without sepsis, and the presence of a perforation, abscess, fistula or an obstruction.

The treatment for diverticulitis uncomplicated in stable patients is to administer oral antibiotics and to place the patient on a clear liquid diet, it is advised not to give morphine (Duramorph) because of the risk of increasing intracolonic pressure. The treatment for diverticulitis uncomplicated in older or in ill patients is to administer intravenous antibiotic and to administer intravenous fluids, in order to give the colon a rest. Therefore it is wise not to give anything at all by mouth. Demerol may be given for pain.

To treat diverticulitis complicated it is desired to stabilize the patient with fluids and also antibiotics. A surgical consultation is necessary if damage to the colon is present. The complicating condition must be dealt with in a speedy fashion to prevent further damage.

Determining which type of diverticulitis is the job of the attending doctor when the individual is seen at the emergency room. Symptoms, medical history and test results are factors used to determine the type. The abdominal pain is common to all three. Other symptoms that are common are nausea, vomiting, as well as either constipation or diarrhea. Age, the presence of an additional medical condition, and complications are to be considered. Certain symptoms are similar for all three types of diverticulitis, so the attending must look for other medical factors and the medical history for a diagnosis.

When making the diagnosis it is also important to keep in mind that other conditions can mimic diverticulitis such as irritable bowel syndrome. Computed tomography (CT) scans, the physical exam of the abdomen, and blood tests to check for elevated white blood cell counts and other signs of infection are important tools for arriving at an accurate diagnosis.

Once the diagnosis is made, a treatment plan can be formulated based on the type of diverticulitis.

Related posts:

1. Diverticulitis Treatment - Diverticulitis is an infection or inflammation of the pouches in the digestive tract, most commonly affecting the sigmoid...
2. Hospitalization Or Surgery For Diverticulitis - The more serious cases of diverticulitis (inflamed or infected diverticula) may need hospitalization or surgery in order to...
3. Surgical Treatment Of Diverticulitis - Diverticular disease essentially results from eating a diet that contains too little fiber. Fiber itself is not ingested,...

Doctors will typically treat those who are younger than 50 more aggressively as they are more prone to recurrent attacks, and complications that the doctor will want to head off.

Doctors usually prescribe antibiotics and rest for the colon. Part of resting the colon includes avoiding eating any whole grains, fruits or vegetables for a few days. Mild symptoms usually improve within a few days with treatment at home of rest, and antibiotics.

If the patient with diverticulitis does not experience any complications, the antibiotics prescribed for the condition should clear up the diverticulitis within just a few days, if the condition has been caught early.

If the condition has not been caught early and there are complications to the diverticulitis than emergency surgery may be required.

Diverticulosis is the inflammation and infection of pouches in the colon called diverticula. These diverticula are caused by an increase in pressure in the colon usually resulting from pushing during constipation.

The aging process, which weakens the colon, a low-fiber diet and constipation all, contribute to the formation of diverticula.

Most individuals, even those with diverticula already forming can avoid diverticulitis by eating a high-fiber diet.

To help the colon to rest the doctor may recommend bed rest, a liquid diet, and a pain reliever.

If the individual is experiencing an acute attack of diverticulitis with severe infection a hospital stay may be necessary. The usual course of action for an acute attack of diverticulitis is bed rest, antibiotics and a liquid diet. Usually the antibiotics are given by injection into the vein or surgery may be required if the case is severe.

Surgery is indicated when part of the colon needs to be removed and the remaining sections rejoined (colon resection surgery). This surgery can help to prevent complications. Sometimes this is necessary when a fistula or intestinal obstruction occurs, or if antibiotics alone do not correct the problem. If a large abscess, perforation, peritonitis, or continual rectal bleeding occurs, surgery is also indicated.

Related posts:

1. Treatment Options For Diverticulitis - Individuals diagnosed with diverticulitis whether they have symptoms or not will need to undergo treatment. Fiber in a...
2. Medications For Diverticulitis - Diverticulitis develops when bacteria become trapped in pouches, also called diverticula that have formed along the wall of...
3. Treatment For Diverticular Disease - Diverticulitis is a condition in which diverticuli in the colon rupture. The rupture results in infection in the...