Question 1

what is diverticulitis?

Accepted Answer

Inflammation inside: Diverticulitis is to denote the inflammation usually by infection inside a small pouching-out pocket from the wall of colon usually in the descending and sigmoid colon. 

It may cause severe local pain and systemic symptoms such as fever. Occasionally, it may rupture and slowly extend to the urinary bladder, called enterovesical fistula. 

Talk and work with doctor for detail...

Question 2

diet for diverticulitis?

Accepted Answer

Early vs. Late: Acute diverticulitis is associated with swelling of the colon that may create a temporary partial blockage of the colon. Therefore, we often advocate no food or just liquids during the initial phase of treatment. When food is resumed, it is common to recommend a low-residue diet early on.  After the inflammation resolves, we often recommend high-fiber diets, which may reduce the risk of recurrence.

Question 3

is diverticulitis serious?

Accepted Answer

It can be.: Diverticulitis occurs when a small pocket on the wall of the colon ruptures.  If the hole seals quickly, one may be treated as an out-patient with oral antibiotics.  Often, the inflammation is more severe, requiring IV antibiotics in the hospital.  Rarely the hole doesn't seal, requiring emergency surgery to remove the ruptured segment of colon.

Question 4

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 5

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 6

what is diverticulitis vs osis?

Accepted Answer

Bad/Not-So-Bad: Diverticulosis is the condition where little pockets form on the colon at natural weak points.  This is very common in the western world, presumably secondary to our diet, and increases with age.  Diverticulitis is the condition where one of these pockets ruptures, leading to the release of intestinal contents into the abdominal cavity, causing (sometimes severe) inflammation and pain.

Question 7

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 8

can you die from diverticulitis?

Accepted Answer

It is rare: Diverticulitis has various potential complications which ranges from minor infection which responds well to oral antibiotics, to severe infection and peritonitis caused by spillage of stool from colon into the abdominal cavity. In severe cases it usually needs surgery and in these cases patient may end up having a colostomy. These days it is so rare to die from diverticulitis.

Question 9

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 10

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.

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