Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis (cont.)
IN THIS ARTICLE
- Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis Overview
- Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis Causes
- Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis Symptoms
- When to Seek Medical Care
- Exams and Tests
- Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis Treatment
- Self-Care at Home
- Medical Treatment
- Surgery
- Next Steps
- Follow-up
- Prevention
- Outlook
- Synonyms and Keywords
- Authors and Editors
- Pictures of Diverticulitis (Diverticulosis) - Slideshow

- Viewer Comments: Diverticulitis (Diverticulosis) - Symptoms at Onset of Disease
Medical Treatment
Diverticulosis with symptoms is usually treated as follows. This therapy is designed to soften stools and help them pass faster, which removes the conditions that cause diverticula in the first place.
- High-fiber diet: Some health care practitioners recommend a fiber supplement
to prevent constipation.
- Clear fluids
- Mild pain medications
Treatment for diverticulitis depends on the severity of the condition.
- Simple cases can be treated by a health care practitioner at his or her office.
- Treatment for uncomplicated cases usually consists of antibiotics and bowel rest. This usually involves
two to three days of bowel rest, taking in only clear fluids (no food at all), so
the colon may heal without having to work.
- Complicated cases typically involve severe pain, fever, or bleeding. If an individual has any of these symptoms, he or she will probably be admitted to the hospital. Treatment consists of IV antibiotics, bowel rest, and possibly surgery.
Next: Surgery »
Viewer Comments & Reviews
Diverticulitis (Diverticulosis) - Symptoms at Onset of Disease
The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:
The symptoms of diverticulitis (diverticulosis) can vary greatly from patient to patient. What were your symptoms at the onset of your disease?
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Diverticulitis »
Diverticula are small mucosal herniations protruding through the intestinal layers and the smooth muscle along the natural openings created by the vasa recta or nutrient vessels in the wall of the colon.
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