How to Treat Diverticulitis

Being diagnosed with diverticulitis doesn't have to be devastating. A few simple changes in your lifestyle could help alleviate your symptoms. Diverticulitis is an infection or inflammation in pouches in the digestive tract, most commonly affecting the sigmoid colon, which is part of the large intestine. It mostly affects those who are over 40, but it isn't uncommon for a younger person to experience diverticulitis.

Instructions

• 1

  Make an appointment with your doctor if you have pain and tenderness in the lower lower left quadrant of your back, fever, bleeding, constipation, cramps, chills or vomiting. These could be signs of diverticulitis or another serious illness.

• 2

  Take all antibiotics your doctor prescribes and rest your colon for a couple of days by avoiding whole grains, fruits and vegetables.

• 3

  Rest for a few days until your symptoms subside.

• 4

  Add your high-fiber foods back into your diet after your symptoms have subsided, usually at least two to four days.

• 5

  Start a bowel movement routine by trying to go around the same time each day.

• 6

  Drink at least five to six glasses of liquid a day. Dehydration could make it difficult to have a comfortable bowel movement.