Diverticula usually develop when naturally weak places in your colon give way under pressure. This causes marble-sized pouches to protrude through the colon wall. Diverticulitis occurs when diverticula tear, resulting in inflammation, and in some cases, infection.
What is the difference between diverticulosis and diverticulitis?
Diverticulosis occurs when small, bulging pouches (diverticula) develop in your digestive tract. When one or more of these pouches become inflamed or infected, the condition is called diverticulitis.
Will diverticulitis shorten my life?
Diverticulitis can be treated and be healed with antibiotics. Surgery may be needed if you develop complications or if other treatment methods fail and your diverticulitis is severe. However, diverticulitis is generally considered to be a lifelong condition.
What is the best diet for diverticulosis?
Diet for Diverticulosis
- Beans and legumes.
- Bran, whole wheat bread and whole grain cereals such as oatmeal.
- Brown and wild rice.
- Fruits such as apples, bananas and pears.
- Vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, corn and squash.
- Whole wheat pasta.
How do you fix diverticulosis?
Diverticulitis is treated using diet modifications, antibiotics, and possibly surgery. Mild diverticulitis infection may be treated with bed rest, stool softeners, a liquid diet, antibiotics to fight the infection, and possibly antispasmodic drugs.
What foods trigger diverticulitis?
Common foods such as those low in fiber or high in sugar that may increase the risk of developing diverticulosis or trigger diverticulosis symptoms include:
- Red meats.
- Processed meats.
- Fried foods.
- Full fat dairy products.
What foods should be avoided with diverticulosis?
Foods to avoid with diverticulitis include high-fiber options such as:
- Whole grains.
- Fruits and vegetables with the skin and seeds.
- Nuts and seeds.
- Beans.
- Popcorn.
What foods should you avoid if you have diverticulitis?
When to go to the emergency room for diverticulitis?
In any case, if you experience any of the severe symptoms of diverticulitis or one of the symptoms that mimic something potentially more serious, you should go to the emergency room for treatment as soon as possible.
Can I have diverticulitis with no pain?
No. Diverticulitis happens if one or more of the pockets gets inflamed or infected. This can cause severe pain in your belly. Diverticulosis often brings no symptoms at all.
What are the risk factors for diverticulitis?
Diverticulitis occurs when diverticula tear, resulting in inflammation or infection or both. Several factors may increase your risk of developing diverticulitis: Aging. The incidence of diverticulitis increases with age. Obesity. Being seriously overweight increases your odds of developing diverticulitis. Smoking.
