If diverticulosis has been diagnosed, patients are advised to increase the amount of fibre in their diets to around 25-30 g a day. This may be done by eating more fruit and vegetables, wholemeal bread and pasta, wholegrain cereal, brown rice and pulses such as lentils and beans. Fibre supplements and bulk-forming agents such as ispaghula and methylcellulose may also be recommended. Although symptoms may worsen slightly when the more fibre is added to the diet, this should settle down after a few weeks.
When increasing the amount of roughage in the diet, it is essential to increase the amount of fluid (water) drunk; the recommended daily amount is 2 litres.
Mild colicky pain can be reduced by taking an anti-spasmodic medication or peppermint tea. Paracetamol may be used for pain relief; however, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen should not be used as they may make symptoms worse.
Diverticulitis
If the diverticula have become inflamed, then the condition is usually treated with rest, painkillers and broad-spectrum antibiotics; this should lead to an improvement within 2-3 days. Other conditions resulting from the diverticulitis (for example, anaemia) will also have to be treated. Patients will then be required to increase their fibre and liquid intake, as described for diverticulosis (above).
In serious cases, patients may need to be hospitalised, where they may be fed intravenously (known as parenteral nutrition). Surgery may also be necessary to remove the affected part of the bowel. Surgical procedures include colonic resection (where the damaged portion of the digestive tract is removed, and the healthy sections reconnected) and colostomy (where the colon is temporarily or permanently brought out onto the surface of the skin, and waste is collected into a bag).
Tips for Preventing Diverticular Disease
- Exercise regularly
- Eat more fibre
- Drink plenty of fluids (especially water)
- Do not delay bowel urges
Favourites (IE)
Print This
Email This
