Diverticulitis how do you get it

After taking your medical history and listening to your symptoms, the GP may first want to rule out other conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome IBS , coeliac disease or bowel cancer.

This may involve blood tests. If necessary, you'll be referred for a colonoscopy , a CT scan, or sometimes both. A colonoscopy is where a thin tube with a camera at the end a colonoscope is inserted into your bottom and guided up into your bowel. The doctor will then look for any diverticula or signs of diverticulitis. You'll be given a laxative beforehand to clear out your bowels. You may be offered painkilling medicine and a sedative to make you feel more relaxed and reduce any discomfort.

Sometimes you may need to have a CT scan. This might be done instead of a colonoscopy or in combination with one called a CT colonography or virtual colonoscopy.

For a CT colonoscopy, the scan is done after you've had the laxative. Eating a high-fibre diet may help ease the symptoms of diverticular disease and stop you developing diverticulitis. Good sources of fibre include fresh and dried fruits, vegetables, beans and pulses, nuts, cereals and starchy foods.

Fibre supplements, usually in the form of sachets of powder that you mix with water, are also available from pharmacists and health food shops.

Find out how to get more fibre in your diet. Gradually increasing your fibre intake over a few weeks and drinking plenty of fluids can help prevent side effects associated with a high-fibre diet, such as bloating and farting. Paracetamol can be used to relieve pain.

Some painkillers, including aspirin and ibuprofen , should not be taken regularly as they can cause stomach upsets. Ask a pharmacist about this. Diverticulitis is a condition that affects the digestive system. Learn which foods to eat and to avoid to reduce symptoms, and what to eat during…. Diverticulitis surgery is performed if your condition is severe or life-threatening. Here's how to decide if surgery is right for you and how to….

Fiber is an important nutrient for healthy digestion. Learn the difference between types of fiber and how to identify quality supplements. Colon cleansing, also known as colonic irrigation, involves flushing the colon with fluids to remove waste. Constipation is one of the most common digestive problems.

Learn more about the possible causes and how to treat constipation. Peritonitis is the inflammation of a thin layer of tissue inside the abdomen, caused by bacteria or fungus. Get the facts on this medical emergency. Colonoscopies are highly effective screening tools used to detect colon cancer, rectal cancer, and other conditions. They are very safe, but not…. During a large bowel resection, or colectomy, your surgeon removes diseased sections of your large bowel.

Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Symptoms of diverticulitis. Causes of diverticulitis. What are the complications of diverticulitis? Diagnosis of diverticulitis. Treatment for diverticulitis. Diet and diverticulitis. Surgery for diverticulitis. Home remedies for diverticulitis. Preventing diverticulitis. Risk factors for diverticulitis. Diverticulitis vs. Other forms of diverticulitis. Read this next. Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M. What to Eat on a Diverticulitis Diet. Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph.

Diverticulitis Surgery. Medically reviewed by Andrew Gonzalez, M. Medically reviewed by Grant Tinsley, PhD. Most diverticular bleeding stops on its own; however, if it does not, a colonoscopy may be required for evaluation.

If bleeding is severe or persists, a hospital stay is usually required to administer intravenous fluids or possibly blood transfusions. In addition, a colonoscopy may be required to determine the cause of bleeding and to treat the bleeding. Occasionally, surgery or other procedures may be necessary to stop bleeding that cannot be stopped by other methods.

Intestinal blockage may occur in the colon from repeated attacks of diverticulitis. In this case, surgery may be necessary to remove the involved area of the colon. Important Reminder: This information is intended only to provide general guidance. It does not provide definitive medical advice. It is very important that you consult your doctor about your specific condition. Understanding Diverticulosis What is diverticulosis?

Who gets diverticulosis? What causes diverticulosis? What are the symptoms of diverticulosis? How is the diagnosis of diverticulosis made? Abscess: This is a pus-filled cavity that requires antibiotics. Sometimes, surgery is required to get the pus out. Fistula: These are abnormal tunnels, or tubes, that connect two parts of the body, such as the intestine to the abdominal wall or the bladder.

A fistula can be formed after infected tissues touch each other and stick together; when the infection is over, a fistula forms. Often, surgery is needed to get rid of a fistula. Intestinal obstruction: The colon may become partly or totally blocked if infection has caused scarring. If the colon is blocked completely, emergency medical intervention is needed. Total blockage will lead to peritonitis. If the colon is partially blocked, they will need treatment.

However, it is not as urgent as total blockage. Depending on the degree of scarring and the extent of blockage, a colon resection may be needed. Sometimes, a colostomy may be required. A hole is made on the side of the abdomen, and the colon is redirected through the hole and connected to an external colostomy bag.

Once the colon heals, it is rejoined. In rare cases, the doctors may have to create an internal ileoanal pouch. People who eat a well-balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables have a lower risk of developing diverticulitis. Although blood in a baby's stool is usually not an emergency, a medical diagnosis is vital. Learn about the potential causes of blood in baby stool…. Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach's lining. It can result from bacteria or irritation, and medications and dietary changes can help.

Learn more…. Sometimes undigested bits of foods, such as sweetcorn, appear in the stool. If there are other symptoms, it may be a sign of Crohn's or another…. If a person's stomach feels full, they may have indigestion or constipation. However, this can also be a symptom of a longer-term condition that can…. Diverticulitis and ulcerative colitis are conditions that affect the lower end of the digestive system.

Learn more about each condition here. Everything you need to know about diverticulitis Medically reviewed by Nancy Choi, M.

Share on Pinterest. Risk factors. Share on Pinterest A number of techniques may be used to aid diagnosis. Share on Pinterest Antibiotics may be used to treat some cases of diverticulitis.