How to Get Rid of Diverticulitus

Many people develop small pouches along the long intestine called diverticula. They are more common among older people, with about 10 percent of Americans developing diverticula by the age of 40 and almost half by the age of 60. An inflammation of the diverticula is called diverticulitus. It is most common in the developed world, and some doctors think that it may be caused by a low fiber diet.

Instructions

• 1

  First, recognize the symptoms of diverticulitis. The most common symptom is abdominal pain and tenderness on the lower left side of the abdomen. The pain can be sharp and severe, but it can also be mild and last for days. Other symptoms can include cramping, nausea, vomiting, fever, chills or a change in bowel habits.

• 2

  Get a diagnosis. A doctor will take a medical history and do a physical exam. If necessary, a doctor may recommend a radiological test. For example, he may suggest an abdominal ultrasound or a computerized tomography (CT) scan.

• 3

  The exact treatment will depend on your doctor's recommendations, but several common treatments are bed rest, oral antibiotics, pain killers and a liquid diet. If symptoms subside, a high fiber diet is often recommended. Very severe cases may require a hospital stay or even surgery.