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Suggest Treatment For Diverticulitis

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Posted on Mon, 28 Mar 2016
Question: Diverticulitis problem
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Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (34 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
if mild then clear fluids and antibiotics

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

Diverticultis implies that there is inflammation or infection of the diverticula in the colon.

Treatment would depend on whether the flare up/inflammation is mild or severe.

If mild then you can try the following: (1) clear liquid diet for at least a few days
(2) course of antibiotics, 2 antibiotics may be needed
(3)can advance the diet slowly as symptoms decrease which should be within 2 to 3 days

There are some criteria that we use to determine if a person needs to be admitted to the hospital-(1) if you are not tolerating or able to take fluids at this time
(2)high fever, severe abdominal pain
(3)no response to medication
(4)other medical illnesses complicated by the diverticular disease

You would still need to see your doctor for the diverticulitis even if it is mild because a prescription for antibiotics is needed.

After the acute flare up, you would need to make sure to use a high fiber diet,low fat diet.

Summary: if mild- clear fluids, antibiotics
If severe- need to be in hospital, antibiotics, nothing by mouth

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Diverticulitis

Brief Answer: if mild then clear fluids and antibiotics Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic Diverticultis implies that there is inflammation or infection of the diverticula in the colon. Treatment would depend on whether the flare up/inflammation is mild or severe. If mild then you can try the following: (1) clear liquid diet for at least a few days (2) course of antibiotics, 2 antibiotics may be needed (3)can advance the diet slowly as symptoms decrease which should be within 2 to 3 days There are some criteria that we use to determine if a person needs to be admitted to the hospital-(1) if you are not tolerating or able to take fluids at this time (2)high fever, severe abdominal pain (3)no response to medication (4)other medical illnesses complicated by the diverticular disease You would still need to see your doctor for the diverticulitis even if it is mild because a prescription for antibiotics is needed. After the acute flare up, you would need to make sure to use a high fiber diet,low fat diet. Summary: if mild- clear fluids, antibiotics If severe- need to be in hospital, antibiotics, nothing by mouth I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions