By Nicole Withers, RN, Clinical Trials of Texas
Diverticulosis is a fairly common condition for people over 40. Most have no symptoms or complaints, and only discover its existence by completing a routine colonoscopy or having radiologic images taken for another ailment. However, for the approximately 20% of these patients who do develop diverticulitis, a condition in which these pockets in the colon (diverticuli) become inflamed and infected, management options are limited.
Physicians typically treat diverticulitis with a combination of antibiotics and sometimes medication for pain. After multiple recurrences, especially over a short period of time, surgery to remove the affected area of the colon is usually recommended. With each recurrence, the odds of having another recurrence increase.
Unfortunately, there are limited treatments available that have shown to decrease or prevent diverticulitis before it happens. The most common recommendation is to eat a diet high in fiber, including fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain breads and cereals. Fiber helps to regulate bowel movements and decrease pressure in the colon. Fiber supplements can also be added to the foods and drinks that you already eat. Additional recommendations include avoiding or limiting alcohol consumption, losing weight, exercising, increasing water intake, and using laxatives when necessary.
Although there are currently no FDA approved medications for the prevention of diverticulitis, there are medications being tested for this indication. Clinical Trials of Texas, a WOAI expert, is currently conducting one of these research studies. If you would like to get more information or volunteer to participate, please call 210-949-0122 or visit SAresearch.com.
