The best treatment options for diverticulitis will vary depending on the severity of symptoms and any complications that may have arisen. However, some common treatment options include:
- Diet changes: To give your digestive system a chance to rest and recover, your doctor might suggest avoiding solid foods and following a clear-liquid diet for a few days. If your symptoms are mild or have started to improve, you may be able to try eating low-fiber foods until your condition gets better. As your condition improves, your doctor will likely encourage you to add more high-fiber foods to your snacks and meals.
- Antibiotics: If an infection is present, antibiotics may be necessary to treat the infection and prevent it from spreading. These can include:
- metronidazole (Flagyl, Flagyl ER)
- amoxicillin
- moxifloxacin
- It’s important to take your full course of prescribed antibiotics, even if your symptoms improve after the first few doses. The type and duration of antibiotics used will depend on the severity of the infection.
- Pain management: To reduce pain or discomfort from diverticulitis, your doctor might recommend over-the-counter pain medications, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen.
- Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove damaged or infected tissue. The type of surgery will depend on the extent of the damage and the individual case.
- Needle drainage. In this procedure, a needle is inserted into your abdomen to drain an abscess of pus.
- Lifestyle changes: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing stress, and staying active can help promote overall health and well-being, and can help prevent diverticulitis flare-ups.
It’s important to keep in mind that the best treatment options for diverticulitis will depend on the individual case, and that different treatments may be recommended for different patients. If you have diverticulitis, it’s important to work closely with your healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan for you.