The length of time a diverticulitis flare-up can last depends on the severity of the case. Mild cases may last a few days to a week and most people can be treated with antibiotics at home. However, more severe cases, such as those where diverticulitis leads to an abscess or infection, may require hospitalization and can last longer.
Generally, a flare-up should improve within a week but it is important to monitor symptoms to ensure the flare-up has been successfully managed. If the symptoms persist or worsen, it is advisable to seek medical advice from a healthcare professional.
What calms diverticulitis down?
Diverticulitis can often be calmed by making changes to your diet and lifestyle. Eating a high-fiber diet with plenty of water is recommended to help reduce the risk of flare-ups. Dietary fiber helps move food through the digestive system and increases the number of stool formed, which helps reduce the pressure on the weakened areas.
Eating fruits and vegetables, legumes and whole-grain products can help provide enough fiber for your diet. In addition, avoiding foods that are difficult to digest, such as red meat, fried and processed foods, and nuts and seeds, can help reduce flare-ups.
In addition to dietary changes, practicing stress management techniques can help to reduce the pain of diverticulitis. Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, yoga, and meditation, can help to ease the symptoms.
Staying active and exercising can also be beneficial in managing diverticulitis. Regular exercise helps the body to stay healthy and can reduce overall inflammation.
Additionally, probiotics may be beneficial in managing symptoms of diverticulitis. Probiotics are live bacteria that can help restore balance to the digestive system and can be taken as a supplement.
Finally, certain medications may be prescribed by a doctor to help reduce the symptoms of diverticulitis. For mild cases of diverticulitis, antibiotics may be prescribed to treat the infection. For more severe cases, opioids or anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed.
It is important to talk to a doctor before taking any medications.
What foods soothe diverticulitis?
Foods that can help soothe diverticulitis include high-fiber foods like whole grains, beans, legumes, nuts, fresh fruits, and fresh vegetables. Eating these foods is important for keeping the digestive system healthy and regular.
It is also important to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water. Additionally, probiotics are beneficial for treating diverticulitis as well. Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts found in yogurt and other fermented foods that can help restore balance to the bacteria in the digestive system.
Additionally, probiotic supplements can also be used to help improve the balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut. Other helpful foods to soothe diverticulitis include herbal teas, applesauce, pureed soups, oatmeal, quinoa, brown rice, bananas, and non-spicy foods.
Staying away from foods that are high in fat, alcohol, and caffeine may also help reduce the symptoms of diverticulitis.
What is the fastest way to get rid of diverticulitis?
The fastest way to get rid of diverticulitis is to treat the underlying cause, change your diet, and take prescribed medications. Diet changes include following a high fiber diet, drinking plenty of fluids, and avoiding certain foods such as nuts, corn, popcorn, seeds, and spicy or fried foods.
You may also need to take antibiotics to treat a bacterial infection. If you have an infection, your doctor may also prescribe anti-inflammatory medications to help reduce inflammation and discomfort.
In some cases, surgery may be necessary in order to remove blockages or treat any abscesses or fistulas. To prevent diverticulitis, it is important to eat a healthy diet that is high in fiber, exercise regularly, and avoid straining during bowel movements.
Additionally, drinking plenty of fluids and keeping a regular bowel movement schedule are also important to prevent diverticulitis.
What triggers diverticulitis flare ups?
Diverticulitis flare ups can be triggered by a variety of potential causes, the most common being a diet low in fiber. Eating a diet that is high in low-fiber foods that are more difficult for the body to digest can increase the pressure in the intestines, leading to a blockage in the colon.
This blockage can potentially cause inflammation and infection in the small pouches that line the colon known as diverticula, leading to diverticulitis.
Other potential triggers of diverticulitis flare ups can include changes in exercise or activity levels, changes in habits, or bouts of constipation or diarrhea. In some cases, specific food or drinks can also trigger flare ups, such as caffeine, alcohol, and processed foods.
In some rare cases, underlying issues such as infection, inflammation, or medication can also be the cause of diverticulitis flare ups. Making lifestyle modifications, such as increasing fiber intake and hydrating adequately, can reduce the risk of diverticulitis flare ups.
Additionally, following a doctor’s instructions for medical treatment for diverticulitis can help keep symptoms under control.