Diverticulitis is a disease that causes small pouch-like pockets (diverticula) to form along the lining of the colon. When they become infected they cause inflammation, which leads to diverticulitis. Although the cause has not yet been identified, it is very often associated with a low-fiber diet. Fortunately, there are methods that can be used to try to reduce the likelihood of developing the disease. If you are concerned that you are at risk and want to know the symptoms, read on so that you can address the problem as soon as possible and start treatment immediately.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Preventing Diverticulitis
Step 1. Consume 25 to 35 grams of fiber per day
Fiber, which occurs naturally in many foods, can help make the passage of stool easier. This element increases the mass of feces; when the stools are not adequately bulky, the colon is forced to exert a greater effort to push them out and when it puts more pressure, diverticula are more likely to form. Foods rich in fiber are:
- Fruits such as plums, apples and pears.
- Beans such as black and red ones.
- Vegetables such as potatoes, squash and spinach.
- Whole grains, bread and brown rice, and oatmeal.
Step 2. Stay hydrated
Although the amount of water you need to drink each day depends on your weight and how much physical activity you do, you should try to hydrate yourself regularly. Water can help empty the intestines. If you don't get enough water, you can become constipated, which can lead to the development of diverticulitis.
Although it can vary from individual to individual, men should generally drink around three liters of water each day and women around 2.2 liters
Step 3. Get regular exercise to combat this condition
Training can often help keep the bowel regular. This means that you are less likely to become constipated, a condition which, as mentioned, can sometimes lead to diverticulitis. Exercise helps reduce the amount of time food takes to pass through the digestive system.
Aim for 30 minutes of exercise, five days a week. You can include cardio exercises, such as running and mountain biking, and resistance training, such as weight lifting or rock climbing
Step 4. Don't strain when you have to defecate
If you happen to be constipated, do not force yourself to try to discharge yourself, as this could cause stools to become trapped in one of these bags and diverticulitis could be triggered.
If, on the other hand, you tend to be constipated, you should make an appointment with your doctor to get stool softeners or some other form of treatment that allows you to unload effortlessly
Part 2 of 3: Recognizing the Symptoms
Step 1. If you are experiencing more than one of the following symptoms, you should make an appointment with your healthcare provider, as you may have diverticulitis
The sooner you start treating the condition, the faster the healing process will begin.
Step 2. Check for any pain you feel in the abdomen
When the "pockets" in the colon become inflamed they can cause pain. You may feel pain on the right or left side of the colon, depending on where they formed.
Step 3. Keep track of any fever or chills
When the pouches become infected with bacteria, the body can raise the core temperature in an attempt to fight the infection. The immune defenses are strengthened when the temperature is higher, so the body instinctively tries to raise it.
- Chills may develop as a reaction to fever. You may experience sensations that alternate between very hot and very cold.
- Take note if you don't have the same appetite as ever. Loss of appetite is also another symptom associated with fever that can develop in response to infection in the colon.
Step 4. Pay attention if you experience discomfort from gas and abdominal bloating
When diverticula form and become infected, the entire digestive system is affected. Digesting food takes longer, therefore gases can accumulate more easily in the abdomen.
This can cause a great deal of swelling and discomfort
Step 5. See if you have diarrhea
Although constipation is generally a characteristic feature of diverticulitis, diarrhea can also occur. When pressure is exerted on the large intestine, more water can pass as a waste product, rather than being absorbed into the body. This can cause diarrhea.
Diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which in turn can cause dizziness
Step 6. Make a note of any muscle spasm that may occur
When you become constipated, the passage of food through the digestive system can exert strong pressure on the walls of the intestine, which can cause abdominal cramps, muscle spasms and pain.
Step 7. Check your stool for blood
This can occur when the mucosal lining becomes severely inflamed and the diverticula begin to bleed, resulting in bleeding. See your doctor if you notice any blood in your stool.
Part 3 of 3: Treating Diverticulitis
Step 1. Talk to your doctor about whether a liquid diet is appropriate
If the pathology is identified in the initial phase, the doctor can put you on a liquid diet to help free the intestine and allow the organs to heal. You will be able to return to a solid diet when the symptoms subside.
If the situation is serious enough, you can be put on an intravenous liquid diet, which means you will have to stay in the hospital while the colon heals. The intravenously injected liquid contains carbohydrates, vitamins, proteins, fats and minerals to ensure you have a balanced diet
Step 2. Take intravenous antibiotics
These drugs help eliminate any bacterial infections that may have developed in the pouches. A common antibiotic prescribed for this problem is ciprofloxacin.
A dose of 200 to 400 mg twice a day is usually given, although the dosage depends on the severity of the infection
Step 3. Take medication to reduce pain caused by diverticulitis
You can discuss with your doctor whether it is appropriate to take acetaminophen to combat the pain caused by the disease. Another anti-inflammatory that helps fight abdominal pain is mesalamine.
There are also medications you can take to control muscle spasms. Among these is the Buscopan. Follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor
Step 4. Consider surgery as a last resort
If you have suffered from diverticulitis multiple times, surgery may be required to remove the pouches from the colon. After surgery, you will need to be fed intravenously for about a month.
This surgery is done under general anesthesia
Warnings
- See your doctor if you think you have developed diverticulitis.
- Talk to your doctor before changing your lifestyle or diet.
