July 21, 2021
For individuals who have felt the regular, sharp belly ache of a diverticulitis assault, one other flare-up shouldn’t be one thing that you just’d wish to expertise once more, though it could occur: Greater than half of people that expertise diverticulitis as soon as are more likely to have one other flare-up.
Diverticulitis is the title for the situation brought on by irritation or an infection of the diverticula, that are small, bulging pouches that generally develop in weak spots alongside the wall of somebody’s colon or giant intestines.
“Diverticula could type as individuals become older, notably in the event that they’re chubby, don’t train and eat a low-fiber weight loss plan,” says Steven Koerner, D.O., FACOI, gastroenterologist at Hackensack Meridian Medical Group. “In most individuals, these additional bulges alongside the colon wall don’t trigger well being issues, and most of the people don’t understand that they’ve them. However when diverticula turns into infected or contaminated, the ensuing diverticulitis will be fairly painful.”
Signs of a diverticulitis flare-up
For those who suppose that you could have diverticulitis, or in case you’ve been identified earlier than and also you suppose that you just’re having a flare-up, name or see your physician. Widespread signs of diverticulitis embody:
- Fixed belly ache that lasts for days, usually on the decrease left aspect of the stomach (though some individuals expertise it on the decrease proper aspect)
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Fever and/or chills
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Stomach tenderness or cramping
- Rectal bleeding
You’re extra more likely to expertise a diverticulitis flare-up if you’re:
- Over age 40
- Obese or overweight
- A smoker
- Bodily inactive
- Somebody whose weight loss plan is excessive in animal merchandise and low in fiber (most Individuals)
- Somebody who takes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine (NSAIDs), steroids or opioids
Remedy for a diverticulitis flare-up
For those who’re having a diverticulitis flare-up, your physician can prescribe antibiotics to battle the an infection. You’ll want to take the medicine for the complete course that it’s prescribed, reasonably than stopping once you begin to really feel higher. Your physician can also recommend that you just:
- Devour a liquid weight loss plan or low-fiber weight loss plan till your flare-up improves
- Relaxation as wanted
Generally, docs advocate surgical procedure for individuals with extra critical flare-ups or recurrent diverticulitis. Surgical removing of the affected portion of the colon (and the contaminated or infected diverticula) ought to resolve the issue.
Tips on how to decrease your threat of diverticulitis flare-ups
“It will not be attainable to ensure that you just’ll by no means have one other diverticulitis flare-up, however you might decrease your threat of a recurrence in case you comply with sure wholesome way of life habits,” says Dr. Koerner.
Attempt to undertake habits like these:
- Eat a high-fiber weight loss plan, with loads of entire grains, vegetables and fruit
- Drink loads of water
- Train usually
- Give up smoking
Up to now, docs used to inform individuals with diverticulitis that they need to keep away from consuming popcorn, nuts, giant and small seeds (pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds and the whole lot in between) and meals which comprise seeds (together with tomatoes and strawberries) to cut back the danger of a flare-up, however that is an outdated suggestion. Be happy to eat these meals, until they trigger you discomfort.
Subsequent Steps & Sources:
Meet our supply: Steven Koerner, D.O., FACOI
To make an appointment with Dr. Koerner, or a physician close to you, name 800-822-8905 or visit our website.
The fabric supplied by HealthU is meant for use as common data solely and shouldn’t substitute the recommendation of your doctor. At all times seek the advice of your doctor for particular person care.
