Diverticular disease

What is Diverticulitis?

• Acute diverticulitis is a painful, relatively sudden condition that can usually be treated without surgery.
• Symptoms usually appear within a few days and can include:
  • Abdominal pain and tenderness, often on the lower left side.
  • Fever.
  • Change in bowel habits (such as diarrhea or constipation).
• Your doctor can usually treat diverticulitis with a special diet, plenty of rest and, in some cases, antibiotic medications.
• Once treated, most people start feeling better within a few days.
• Approximately 20 percent of patients will have another flare-up, or recurrence. This usually happens within five years.
• There may be several steps you can take to lower your risk of future attacks.
• Diverticulitis is a common disorder.
• If diverticulitis keeps recurring, surgery may be considered.

Preventing Recurrence

REACH FOR FOODS HIGH IN FIBER

• Fiber is a form of carbohydrate that helps keep the digestive system healthy.
• Studies suggest that eating enough fiber can help you avoid another flare-up of diverticulitis and reduce the need for surgery in the future.
• After your diverticulitis has cleared, you will want to slowly start getting more fiber in your diet.
• Americans should aim to get at least 25 grams of fiber per day, but most get only half of what they need.²
• The best way to do this is to eat more plant foods throughout the day. Try getting at least 8 grams at breakfast, lunch and dinner to meet your daily requirement.
• Here are some simple, satisfying ways to add fiber to your daily meals:
  • Berries.
    • Throw some blueberries or raspberries into a smoothie or stir them into a bowl of yogurt. One cup of berries will add 4 to 8 grams of fiber to your meal.
  • Beans.
    • Beans and lentils are packed with fiber: each ½-cup serving contains 5 to 8 grams. Take your taco up a notch by adding some black beans to the mix, or try an online recipe for homemade hummus and dip with carrots and celery for some crunchy, satisfying finger food.
  • Nuts and popcorn.
    • Contrary to what you may have heard, these foods are fine to eat after you recover. Looking for a way to conquer a sweet-and-salty craving between meals? Pair a handful of nuts or a few cups of air-popped popcorn with a piece of fresh fruit. Three cups of popcorn and a pear, for instance, pack more than 8 grams of fiber together.
  • Green veggies.
    • When eating salad, choose spinach or kale over regular lettuce. Oven-roast asparagus or Brussels sprouts in balsamic vinegar for a delicious addition to dinner. One cup of these veggies contains 4 grams of fiber.

BREAK A SWEAT FOR AT LEAST 90 MINUTES A WEEK

• You probably know that exercise is great for keeping a healthy heart, mind and weight. Some studies even suggest that it can help prevent diverticulitis.
• Healthy adults should get at least 90 minutes of vigorous activity every week.
• Vigorous activity is the kind that gets your heart pumping and makes you break a sweat. Great examples are:
  • Jogging.
  • Swimming laps.
  • Taking aerobics classes.
  • Playing competitive sports.

TAKE ASPIRIN OR PARACETAMOL FOR MINOR ACHES AND PAINS

• Some studies suggest that certain over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, such as aspirin and NSAIDs, which include ibuprofen and naproxen, may raise your risk of a future flare-up.
• For occasional aches and pains, it is best to choose Paracetamol.
• Always remember to read and follow all of your medicine labels and do not exceed dosing guidelines. For pain that lasts longer than a week, see a doctor. 

TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT GETTING A COLONOSCOPY AFTER YOUR CONDITION IMPROVES

• In rare cases, diverticulitis can actually be a warning sign for colon cancer. Getting a colonoscopy can rule out this possibility.
• If you have not had a colonoscopy recently, talk to your doctor about getting one a couple months after you recover.

Questions For Your Doctor

• How can I tell if I am getting enough fiber in my daily diet?
• Am I healthy enough to begin/continue vigorous physical activity after I recover?
• Is there any reason I should not take aspirin or other pain relievers?
• Should I get a colonoscopy soon to make sure I don’t have colon cancer?