Presence of small pouches or diverticula in the lining of the large intestine is called diverticulosis. Diverticulosis usually occurs in older adults.
It is usually a harmless condition. A large number of people with diverticulosis do not experience any symptom. Occasionally, diverticulosis causes mild to moderate abdominal discomfort, pain, constipation and bloating.
However, sometimes, diverticulosis may progress into diverticulitis that triggers severe abdominal pain, accompanied by stomach cramping, fever, nausea, vomiting and constipation or diarrhea.
Generally, home care is sufficient for treating the symptoms of diverticulosis. Dietary changes can provide respite from the bothersome condition.
Antibiotics are needed for killing the bacteria growing in the pouches in the lining of the colon that are associated with the painful symptoms of diverticulosis. Surgery is needed for treating serious cases of diverticulosis that causes recurrent diverticulitis.
Diverticulosis Treatment
High Fiber Diet
Symptoms of diverticulosis can be treated by increasing fiber intake. By easing bowel movement, the fibers in your diet help to reduce the pressure in the large intestine, thereby providing relief from the symptoms of diverticulosis. Regular bowel movement prevents diverticulosis from progressing to diverticulitis. However, during severe diverticulitis flare-ups, you must reduce fiber intake. A liquid diet is usually recommended for patients recovering from diverticulitis.
However, with improvement in the symptoms, fiber rich foods are gradually introduced to the diet to prevent further flare-ups. A diet comprising of whole grains, fruits and vegetables can meet your optimum dietary fiber requirement. Try to consume 20 to 35 grams of dietary fibers daily.
Fiber Supplement
If you cannot meet your optimal fiber requirement solely through diet, consume fiber supplements. Psyllium husk and methylcellulose are popular fiber supplements that are recommended for treating the symptoms of diverticulosis. These supplements should be taken with a glass of water to diminish the risk of constipation.
Antibiotics
If a bacterial infection is believed to be responsible for the severe symptoms of diverticulosis, your physician will prescribe antibiotic drugs for killing the bacteria.
Pain Relief Medication
Moderate to severe abdominal pain in people with diverticulosis is usually treated with acetaminophen.
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Exercise
To get rid of the symptoms of diverticulosis, exercise daily. Regular physical activities ease bowel movement, thereby lowering pressure in the colon caused by accumulation of the bowel content. People with diverticulosis should perform moderate intensity workouts at least for 30 minutes, five days each week.
Fish Oil
Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil help to fight inflammation of the diverticula. Moreover, these essential fatty acids are also good for the health of the large intestine. People with diverticulosis can include fatty fish in their daily diet or consume fish oil pills.
Probiotics
By introducing good bacteria in the digestive tract, probiotic foods and supplements help to restore the healthy microbe balance in the intestines. This strengthens the immune system and enhances the natural ability of the body to suppress growth of harmful bacteria in the diverticula.
Slippery Elm
Slippery elm is an herbal remedy for diverticulosis. By stimulating mucus secretion in the gastrointestinal tract, it reduces irritation in the colon and accelerates the healing process.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.