Diverticulitis is a condition in which pouches (diverticula) form along the walls of the colon. When infected, the sacs become inflamed, causing diverticulitis. Although the cause of this condition is debated, it is most commonly associated with a low-fiber diet. Fortunately, there are several methods you can use to try to reduce your chances of developing diverticulitis. If you're concerned about the chances of this condition developing, read about the symptoms discussed in Method 2. Knowing what to look out for can help you recognize this condition early so you can start treatment right away.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Preventing Diverticulitis
Step 1. Consume 25-35 g of fiber a day
Fiber, which is naturally found in many foods, can help make bowel movements easier. Fiber increases stool size; if the stool is not large enough, the large intestine is forced to make more effort to push the stool out. When the colon puts in more effort, pockets become more likely to form. Foods rich in fiber include:
- Fruits such as prunes, apples, and pears.
- Legumes such as black beans and large kidney beans.
- Vegetables such as potatoes, squash, and spinach.
- Whole grains such as gran cereals, brown rice, and oatmeal.
Step 2. Stay hydrated
Although the amount of water you drink depends on your size and how much exercise you do, you should try to stay hydrated every day. Water can help cleanse the intestines. When you don't get enough water, you can become constipated, which can lead to diverticulitis.
While this may vary from individual to individual, men should generally aim to drink about 3 L (which is equivalent to 13 cups) of water each day. Women should generally drink 2 L, which is equivalent to 9 cups, of water every day
Step 3. Exercise regularly to fight diverticulitis
Frequent exercise can help keep bowel movements regular. This means you are less likely to develop constipation, a condition that can sometimes lead to diverticulitis. Exercise helps reduce the amount of time it takes food to pass through the digestive system.
Aim to exercise for 30 minutes, 5 days a week. This can include cardio such as running and cycling, and resistance training such as weightlifting or rock climbing
Step 4. Avoid straining during bowel movements
If you happen to be constipated, don't try to strain to have a bowel movement, as this can cause the stool to get trapped in any pouches it may have, which can lead to diverticulitis.
Instead, if you're constipated, check with your doctor for stool softeners or other forms of treatment that will allow you to pass stools without straining
Method 2 of 3: Recognizing Symptoms
Step 1. Call your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms
If you experience more than a few of the following symptoms, you should see a doctor as you may have diverticulitis. The earlier you become aware of this condition, the sooner you will be able to begin the healing process.
Step 2. Be aware of any pain experienced in the abdomen
When the pouches in the colon become inflamed, it can cause pain. You may feel pain on the right or left side of the colon, depending on where the pouch is formed.
Step 3. Watch out for any fevers or chills
When the pouch becomes infected with bacteria, the body may increase its internal temperature to fight infection. The body's immunity is strengthened at high temperatures, so the body will naturally increase its temperature to fight bacteria.
- Chills may occur as a reaction to a fever. You may alternately feel very hot and very cold.
- Beware if the appetite is not as big as usual. Loss of appetite may also be associated with fever which may occur in response to infection in the colon.
Step 4. Be aware of any discomfort with gas and bloating
When pouches in the large intestine form and become infected, the digestive system is disturbed. Digesting food takes longer, which causes gas to accumulate in the stomach.
This can be very bloating and uncomfortable
Step 5. Watch out for diarrhea
While constipation is generally a part of diverticulitis, you may also experience diarrhea. When the colon is stressed more, more water can pass as a waste product, instead of being absorbed into the body. This can cause you to have diarrhea..
Diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which can further lead to dizziness
Step 6. Be aware of any muscle spasms
When you are constipated, food passing through your system can put great pressure on the intestinal walls. This pressure can cause stomach cramps, muscle spasms, and pain.
Step 7. Look for blood in the stool
This can occur when the mucosal walls become very inflamed and the pouch begins to bleed. This can cause blood to appear in the stool. Call your doctor if you see blood in your stool.
Method 3 of 3: Treating Diverticulitis
Step 1. Talk to your doctor about going on a liquid diet
If you notice this condition early, you can go on a liquid diet that will help cleanse your system and allow your organs to heal. You will be able to return to a solid diet once your symptoms have subsided.
For more intense situations, you may be put on an intravenous fluid diet, which means that you will have to stay in the hospital while the colon heals. These intravenous foods contain carbohydrates, vitamins, protein, fat, and minerals to ensure you get a balanced diet
Step 2. Obtain intravenous antibiotics
Antibiotics can help cure any bacterial infection that may have developed in the pouch. The antibiotic commonly prescribed for this condition is ciprofloxacin.
200-400 mg of this drug is generally given twice daily, although the dose depends on the severity of the infection
Step 3. Take medication to reduce pain from diverticulitis
You can talk to your doctor about taking acetaminophen to fight the pain of this condition. Mesalazine can also be taken to fight stomach pain.
There are also medications that can be taken to control muscle spasms. These drugs include buskopan. Take this medicine according to the doctor's prescription
Step 4. Consider surgery as a last resort
If you have had diverticulitis several times, you may have to have surgery to remove pouches in your colon. After surgery, you will have to be fed intravenously for about a month.
This surgery is performed under general anaesthesia
Warning
- Seek medical help if you suspect that you have diverticulitis.
- Consult with your doctor before changing your lifestyle or diet.
