Q&A: How Can I Treat My Diverticulitis?

Q: How can I treat my diverticulitis?

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A: Diverticulitis, a condition that can cause severe and sudden pain in the abdomen, affects the digestive system and occurs most commonly in the colon.

You may have a brief (acute) bout of diverticulitis that goes away after treatment with antibiotics and a liquid diet. But in some cases, the condition occurs off and on (intermittently) over the long term (chronic). You should consult your physician if it is intermittent and chronic.

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Treatment after recovery from an attack of diverticulitis is aimed at preventing another attack. Treatment may include:

• Gradually increasing the amount of fiber in the diet through fruits, vegetables, wheat bran and possibly the regular use of a fiber supplement
• Getting plenty of fluids daily
• Having regular doctor visits to monitor your condition. If you have diverticulitis, the doctor may see you about two days after treatment begins to make sure you are improving. A colonoscopy or barium enema X-ray probably will be done about six weeks later, after symptoms are under control, to look for any other problems, such as inflammatory bowel disease or colon cancer.

Visit the BlackDoctor.org Digestive Disorders center for more helpful articles and tips.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ‘Ask Dr. Renee’. Follow me on Twitter @AskDrRenee and on my website.