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 providers recommend a fiber supplement.
  
  
• Clear fluids
  
  
• Mild pain medications

• Simple cases can be treated by your health care provider at his or her office.
  
  
• Treatment for uncomplicated cases usually consists of antibiotics and bowel rest. This usually involves 2-3 days of bowel rest, taking in only clear fluids (no food at all), so your colon may heal without having to work.
  
  
• Complicated cases typically involve severe pain, fever, or bleeding. If you have any of these symptoms, you probably will have to stay in the hospital. Treatment consists of IV antibiotics, bowel rest, and possibly surgery.