Abdominal pain or tendernessChange in bowel habitsFeverChillsNausea and vomitingFrequent urinationLoss of appetiteConstipationDiarrheaBloatingRectal bleeding
What Does Diverticulitis Pain Feel Like?
The pain can come on suddenly and severely, or it may increase in severity over a period of days. It can also fluctuate in intensity.
Advanced Symptoms of Diverticulitis
Fever over 100 degrees F (38 degrees C)Worsening or severe abdominal painInability to tolerate fluidsFeeling light-headed, dizzy, or showing other signs of low blood pressure.
If you have any of these symptoms, get in touch with your doctor as soon as possible. Obesity A body mass index of 30 or over means you’re obese. Smoking People who smoke cigarettes are more likely to get diverticulitis. Certain medications Steroids, opioids, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) increase the risk of diverticulitis.
Can Nuts and Seeds Increase Your Risk of Diverticulitis?
This theory explains why, for decades, doctors advised people with diverticulosis (the presence of diverticula) not to eat nuts, seeds, or popcorn, which they believed could block the openings of the diverticula and lead to flare-ups of diverticulitis.
Can a Low-Fiber Diet Cause Diverticula to Form?
Research suggests that the link between a low-fiber diet and an increased risk of diverticulitis is simply that — a link without a causal relationship, at least for now.
Gather information about your full medical history, including preexisting conditions and risk factorsExamine your abdomen to check for tendernessPerform a rectal exam to check for rectal bleedingPerform a blood test to check your white blood cells and determine if you have an infectionOrder a diagnostic test to get a picture of your colon and determine if diverticula are present and whether they are inflamed or infected
The most common test used to diagnose diverticulitis is a CT scan. A CT scan uses both X-rays and computer technology to create three-dimensional images of your colon.
Prognosis of Diverticulitis
While some people with diverticulitis will require intravenous antibiotics or even surgery, many can be treated at home. Your doctor may recommend hospitalization if you have the following characteristics or symptoms:
You are older.You are unable to take oral fluids.You have other existing health conditions.The inflammation or infection you are experiencing is particularly severe.
Diet Options
For mild cases, doctors prescribe a light or low-residue diet. Sometimes a clear liquid diet for a few days is required to treat diverticulitis. This allows your digestive tract to rest and begin healing and will also keep you hydrated. Foods and drinks to consume might include:
Clear brothsClear soupsJuices without pulp, such as apple juicePlain gelatinIce chipsWaterTea without milk
As you begin to feel better, you can start reintroducing foods into your diet, including:
Canned or cooked fruit and vegetables with no skin or seedsEggs, fish, and poultryWhite breadLow-fiber cerealMilk, yogurt, and cheeseWhite rice, pasta, and noodles
Medication Options
For most patients, bowel rest and a liquid diet should be enough to manage uncomplicated diverticulitis. The guidance states that doctors may prescribe antibiotics for some patients, including those who are immunocompromised or medically frail. These broad-spectrum antibiotics are commonly used:
Metronidazole (Flagyl)Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim (Bactrim, Septra)Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)Amoxicillin and clavulanate (Augmentin)
Surgery Options
Alternative and Complementary Therapies
Exercise regularlyStay hydratedAvoid smoking
It’s also recommended to eat a diet high in fiber. Fiber-rich foods like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables soften stool and help it pass more easily. About 25 percent of people with diverticulitis develop complications. Some of these include:
AbscessFistulaPeritonitisRectal bleedingIntestinal obstruction
You can help prevent diverticulitis complications by maintaining a healthy weight, eating enough fiber, not smoking, exercising regularly, and visiting the doctor on a regular basis.
Black Americans and Diverticulitis
Hispanic Americans and Diverticulitis
Native Americans and Diverticulitis
It’s believed that this disparity is largely due to the higher rate of diverticulitis risk factors like smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity among Native Americans.
But conditions related to diverticulitis aren’t limited to those affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Diverticulitis has been associated with other ailments, too.
Colorectal Cancer
Heart Disease
Type 2 Diabetes
Dementia
The AGA describes itself as a “trusted voice in the gastrointestinal community.” The group’s website is an excellent place to start if you’re looking for general information on diverticulitis. Glean insights on getting tested and potential complications, and download its comprehensive patient info PDF to your phone, tablet, or computer for quick reference at your next doctor’s appointment. Canadian Society of Intestinal Research (GI Society) Diverticulitis can have a huge impact on your life, and it’s the GI Society’s aim to make living with this condition easier. Its website offers general information about diverticulitis as well as practical tips, such as managing diverticular disease as a young person. Read advice on recommended fiber intake and physical activity, or check out the Q&A section or videos. American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) The ACG is committed to enhancing patient care based on the most recent research available. On its site, you’ll learn about diverticulitis causes, treatment options, prevention, and more. It offers a wealth of multimedia resources, too. This includes podcasts, videos, brochures, and a “Find a Gastroenterologist” search tool.
Favorite Resources for Diet Advice
Mayo Clinic Not sure what to eat with diverticulitis? While your doctor might give recommendations and tips, it can be difficult to remember everything you’ve heard. No worries — the Mayo Clinic does a superb job highlighting foods that are safe to eat with diverticulitis. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) We can’t talk about diverticular disease without including the NIDDK. Even if you know the benefit of consuming fiber to manage diverticulosis or prevent another episode of diverticulitis, you may not know how much to eat. The NIDDK provides a breakdown of the best fiber-rich foods to consume, as well as how much to eat each day. For more on how to add more fiber to your diet, check out our article.
Favorite Site for Online Support
Diverticulitis Support Group Diverticulitis can be overwhelming and frustrating, so there’s comfort in knowing you’re not alone with this illness. Local in-person support isn’t always an option. But with an online group, you can lean on others for diet and medication advice, or simply for emotional support, anytime of the day or night.
