How to Manage Diverticulitis

You have a sudden, intense pain in your lower abdomen, centering toward the left. It came on with little to no warning. You also have a fever and some uncomfortable digestive symptoms, like vomiting or diarrhea. What is this? While a doctor is the only one who can diagnose your condition, you may have diverticulitis. Diverticulitis develops when small pouches in your digestive tract become infected, causing quite a bit of pain. This can be dangerous, so see your doctor right away! After your appointment, here are some tips to use to deal with your condition.

Things You'll Need

• Acetaminophen
• Bland foods that are low in fiber
• High-fiber foods like fruit and whole grains

Show More

Instructions

How to Manage Diverticulitis

• 1

  Talk to your doctor to make sure that the diagnosis is diverticulitis. Your doctor will want to do some tests to see how bad the infection is. Most cases can be treated at home with medication and dietary changes.

• 2

  Follow your doctor's orders. You will likely be asked to rest for a few days and eat low-fiber, bland foods, such as broths and crackers, while your body heals.

• 3

  Use acetaminophen for the pain when it becomes severe. You may also need to take an antibiotic to clear up the infection.

• 4

  Once your body has begun to heal, start increasing the fiber in your diet gradually. People who suffer from frequent diverticulitis need to eat a high fiber diet to prevent more cases from occurring.

• 5

  Increase the amount of fluids that you drink. Pure water is one of the best preventions for diverticulitis.

• 6

  Always go to the restroom when you feel the need to have a bowel movement. Waiting to go will increase the chances of another diverticulitis attack.

• 7

  Get plenty of exercise. This will help your bowel to function normally, and will also keep the rest of your body functioning well.