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Remedies for Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis is a painful condition that is defined as the inflammation or infection of diverticula. Diverticula are small pouch-like herniations that form along the wall of the GI tract. When diverticulitis becomes a problem, several remedies can be used to ease pain and discomfort and prevent additional herniations from forming. These options include dietary changes, drug therapy, intravenous feeding and surgical intervention.

  1. Dietary Changes

    • According to Dr. Michael Picco, mild cases of diverticulitis can benefit from dietary changes that will allow the diverticula to heal. You may be put on a clear liquid diet so that the gastrointestintal tract has time to heal from the stress of digesting solid foods. Dr. Picco lists water, broth, gelatin, tea and coffee without milk or cream, fruit juices without pulp and popsicles that do not have fruit added as foods that are allowed on a liquid diet. If a liquid diet is not recommended for your case, you may be put on a low-fiber diet. This will also give the digestive system time to heal since reducing the amount of fiber consumed takes some of the stress off of the GI tract. Dr. Picco lists white rice, low-fiber cereals, fruits without skins or membranes, tender meat and poultry, milk and eggs as part of a low-fiber diet. You should stick to this diet for several days until your symptoms improve. Then you may gradually add more fiber to your diet.

    Drug Therapy

    • Several types of drugs may be used to treat diverticulitis. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, antibiotics may be used to treat cases of infected diverticula. Antispasmodic drugs may be given in order to give the muscles of the digestive tract the opportunity to relax, helping to avoid additional strain and the formation of more herniations. When diverticulitis flares up, it may become very painful. Information from Johns Hopkins Medicine indicates that injections of painkillers may be used to treat the pain of severe cases of diverticulitis. If you are put on medications for your diverticulitis, be sure to take each medication as directed. If you experience bothersome side effects, let your doctor know so alternatives can be discussed.

    Intravenous Feeding

    • Know Your Options, a medical handbook published by the Reader's Digest Association, lists intravenous feeding as an option for treating severe cases of diverticulitis. When the lining of the gastrointestinal tract is inflamed, eating solid foods and drinking liquids can cause further irritation and pain. Intravenous feeding will give the digestive tract a complete rest, giving it time to heal.

    Surgical Intervention

    • In very severe cases of diverticulitis, surgical intervention may be required. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, if a diverticulum becomes abscessed, a surgical procedure may be necessary to drain the abscess and prevent further infection. When diverticulitis becomes recurrent, a surgical procedure may be done to remove the inflamed or infected part of the colon. If surgery is recommended, discuss any concerns with your doctor so that you have all the information you need to make a decision.

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