Diverticulitis

In the past, patients with colon pockets were placed on a special diet in the mistaken belief that this would help to prevent complications of the pockets. We now know that it is okay to eat seeds, nuts, tomatoes, strawberries, popcorn, etc., and that... Full Answer

Because the most common symptom of diverticulitis is severe abdominal pain, most doctors will have to rule out other causes of abdominal pain before deciding on a diagnosis of diverticulitis. The doctor may order a CT scan, which is similar to an X-ray,... Full Answer

Lower risk of this complication of diverticulosis with diet and avoidance of two drugs. DIVERTICULOSIS IS VERY COMMON About one of every three Americans will develop small pouches (diverticula) of the colon (diverticulosis) by age 60, and two of every... Full Answer

Diverticulitis is an infection in the large intestine. When the large intestine does its work (squeezing bowel movements through the body and out), sometimes the lining is pushed out into little pouches, creating a condition called diverticulosis. If... Full Answer

A doctor usually will take a medical history and do a physical exam if you have symptoms of diverticulitis. If your medical problem affects your abdomen, your doctor will ask questions (medical history) about: Your bowel function, including the number... Full Answer

Surgery for diverticulitis involves removing the diseased part of the colon. You may decide to have surgery for diverticulitis if you have: Repeated attacks of diverticulitis. Surgery to remove the diseased part of the colon often is recommended if you... Full Answer

Medicines to stop infection and to control symptoms often are used to treat attacks of diverticulitis. Medicine choices Antibiotics are given to treat the infection causing the attack. Prescription pain relievers sometimes are needed if... Full Answer

You have three layers in the walls of your intestines. Where there's a little break between muscles, feces can squeeze into the gap and become as hard as clay. When that happens, the small out-pouches (they look a little like small thumbs poking out of... Full Answer

Diverticulitis is caused by little sacs in the intestines that become swollen and inflamed. When these sacs swell, they may cause a tunnel, or fistula, from the intestine to another internal organ, causing infection. Sometimes the sacs in the intestines... Full Answer

The risk for diverticulitis increases as you get older. People over the age of 40 often develop diverticula - the sacs that, when inflamed, cause diverticulitis. Additionally, drugs that decrease the immune system's efficiency can increase your risk for... Full Answer