Diverticulosisanddiverticulitistogether are called diverticular disease.
Diverticula are small outpouchings in the wall of the colon (large intestine).
Theyre thought to happen because the colon walls develop weak spots.
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Diverticula are common, especially in people over age 50, but they dont usually cause symptoms.
Indeed, many people dont know they have any until they’re seen during acolonoscopy.
However, if diverticula become inflamed, they can cause diverticulitis, which can be painful and inconvenient.
The theory was that these types of food could get stuck in the diverticula and cause an infection.
Its now understood that eating a high fiber diet may help avoid complications from diverticular disease.
Foods to Eat
Most people dont have a problem because of their diverticula.
In that case,eating high-fiber foodsor a modified diet might be part of a prevention plan.
Its not agreed upon ifprobioticswill or wont help in recovering from a diverticulitis flare-up.
People should ask their healthcare provider about the use of probiotics for diverticulitis.
Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle changes may not be able to prevent diverticular disease or diverticulitis.
But its generally recommended that people make a few changes to their lifestyle to avoid potential complications.
If the symptoms are more serious, or if there are complications,antibioticsmight be prescribed.
The antibiotics might be taken for seven to 10 days.
Antibiotics and other medications may be used.
Fluids may also be given through an intravenous line (IV).
Its important to get instructions from a healthcare provider about what to do if there are symptoms of diverticulitis.
But most people who have diverticula in their colon never have any symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Its not thought that foods trigger diverticulitis.
Eating a healthy diet with enough fiber is usually recommended to avoid flare-ups and complications.
Its no longer recommended that people avoid nuts, seeds, and popcorn if they have diverticular disease.
The symptoms of diverticulitis may go away in a few days.
If symptoms dont improve or they get worse, other treatments might be needed.
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