Question 1

can you cure diverticulitis?

Accepted Answer

Maybe: Diverticulitis is an infection that occurs in/around a diverticulum (a weakness or blowout of the wall of the colon), usually treated with antibiotics. This may solve the infection, but it can happen again, as the diverticulum is still there, along with others as well, as they are usually multiple. Preventive measures may help diminish more attacks, but surgery may be necessary to 'cure' !

Question 2

how common is diverticulitis?

Accepted Answer

Not common: Diverticulosis is present in 60% of the population above the age of 60.  Diverticulitis is present in a very low percentage of patients. The treatment depends on the severity of the attack

Question 3

how do you treat diverticulitis

Accepted Answer

Antibiotics/liquids: Diverticulitis is treated initially with intravenous antibiotics and oral clear liquids with a change to oral antibiotics when the pain is resolving and the signs of infection (fever & elevated white blood count) are improving.  A colonoscopy is indicated a few weeks after resolution to be sure there is not a cancer.  Cases complicated by perforation may require immediate surgical intervention

Question 4

can diverticulitis be dangerous?

Accepted Answer

Possibly: Most cases of diverticulitis are mild and readily treated with antibiotics and diet change. However, diverticulitis is a spectrum from mild to severe. The most severe cases require emergency surgery and can result in the need for a temporary colostomy formation. Talk to your physician about when or if you should consider an elective operation for removal of part of your colon.

Question 5

diverticulitis food plan? grains?

Accepted Answer

1st, fiber free: With acute diverticulitis, rx involves antibiotics.  Initial diet rx is with liquids only, allowing the inflammation to decrease. As inflammation decreases, diet is advanced to full liquids, low fiber solids (rice, plain pasta, potato, fish, chicken), then increasing fiber (cooked fruits and veggies first, progressing to fresh fruits and veggies, whole grains). Process usually takes about 7-10 days.

Question 6

how typical is diverticulitis in kids?

Accepted Answer

Never seen it: I've been in pediatrics now for 3 decades and never seen or heard of a case of diverticulitis.

Question 7

how can i tell if i have diverticulitis?

Accepted Answer

See a doctor NOW: Classic presentation is fever, abdominal pain (usually left sided), and elevated white blood cell count.  Some people don't have the classic presentation.  Other things, like appendicitis, pelvic inflammatory disease can present similarly .  Need to see a doc, get examined, maybe get a ct scan.  Mild cases- rx antibiotics as outpt;more severe -inpt rx, and/or drainage of pus, or surgery.

Question 8

what is diverticulitis a risk factor for?

Accepted Answer

Diverticulitis can lead to::   Abdominal abscess, Bowel perforation.

Question 9

what is the best medicine for diverticulitis?

Accepted Answer

Antibiotics: If you are describing an active infection from acute diverticulitis, then appropriate oral or intravenous antibiotics are indicated. Diverticulosis is un-infected small pouches on the colon that are not treated with antibiotics, but with proper dietary changes of higher fiber foods & avoiding junk foods.

Question 10

what are some of the tests for diverticulitis?

Accepted Answer

The tests for Diverticulitis include::   Complete blood count, Xray of chest, CT of abdomen, Xray of abdomen, Barium enema, Ultrasound of abdomen, Colonoscopy, Sigmoidoscopy, Angiogram.

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