Diverticulitis Remedies | Symptoms, Natural Treatment and Diet

Diverticulitis is a common disorder of the digestive system that affects the colon in particular. This occurs when pouches inside the colon are inflamed. Diverticulitis can lead to extreme abdominal pain.

Symptoms of Diverticulitis

In most instances, the common symptom of diverticulitis is abdominal pain. The pain is associated with tenderness in the left side of the lower abdomen. When the situation gets worse, the person may experience any of the following symptoms:

• Nausea. Because diverticulitis is caused by food particles clogging the colon, a person may feel bloated and may be nauseated.
• Vomiting. The nauseating feeling can be accompanied by vomiting.
• A hot sensation even without a fever.
• Cramping in the abdominal area.
• Constipation.

Most people who experience diverticulitis find that their situation can easily get worse in the short span of a single day. It may start as a light pain, becoming sharp later and causing vomiting. It feels like you have appendicitis but you can confirm if its diverticulitis with a CT scan.

Remedies for Diverticulitis

In cases where the condition is at its worst, the only means to alleviate pain is through surgery. However, this is only for those whose condition cannot be remedied by anything other than surgery.

For most people who wanted treatment at home, the following are some of the preferred methods of treatment:

• For home remedy, the best means to heal diverticulitis is through management of food intake. This means that one should avoid eating whole grain foods to rest the colon so as not to worsen the condition. Once the condition gets better, which is usually about 2 days later, one may start eating foods rich in fibers.
• Another treatment at home is to take your doctor’s prescribed antibiotics to alleviate the pain. However, one must remember that antibiotics will not cure the condition. It will only help prevent infection while eliminating pain. Usually, antibiotics are paired with the meal management approach.
• Another approach is body fluid restoration through IV injection administered by a qualified medical professional. This also serves as the main source of nutrients for patients especially when they are prohibited from consuming whole foods.

In instances where other symptoms become severe, home treatment may not be the best option. Instead, the patient has to be brought to a hospital to remain under a doctor’s supervision. This is especially important when vomiting, nausea, and other symptoms become so severe as to require hospitalization and surgery.

Diet for Diverticulitis

• Essentially, you need to tackle a faulty diet. A recurrence indicates that the dietary measures are defective.
• Since, the investigations show nothing abnormal, but the patient is suffering from pain and fever, it could be a complication.
• Diverticulitis can lead to – perforation/ abscess formation/ obstructed bowel /Fistula/ generalized peritonitis.
• Is there any rectal bleeding?
• The first step is to check and prevent constipation. The diet should comprise of high-fibre foods – fruits, vegetables, salads, whole grains and cereals. Steer clear of refined, processed foods.
• Avoid the use of laxatives. They cause a see-saw pattern between constipation and diarrhoea.
• Drink ample water. At least 3 liters is recommended.
• Give the stomach and bowels a rest. Barley-water, gruels, coconut water, juices are advocated. Gradually embark on soft, boiled foods.
• If required, start an antibiotic therapy.

Related Topics
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• Complications Of Diverticulitis | Diverticulitis Obstruction Treatment
• Diverticulitis Surgery: Operation Procedure For Diverticulitis
• Symptoms of Diverticulitis and Diverticulosis | Acute and Chronic Symptoms
• Home remedies for Diverticulitis