Download: RSS | Email Alerts | SMS Alerts | Podcasts | Mobile
Hot Topics H1N1Spot CrimeSign up: 4,000 free turkeys' locationFood 4 SAMovie Guide
Right Now: 63° Showers

Prevention is the key to diverticular disease management


Last Update: 9/29 2:09 pm
Set Text Size SmallSet Text Size MediumSet Text Size LargeSet Text Size X-Large

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.

Have a question? Clinical Trials of Texas, Inc....
*Your Full Name: 

*Your Email Address: 

Phone: (optional)

City: (optional)

State: (optional)

*Subject: 

*Question: 


Incorrect please try again
Enter the words shown above Enter the numbers you hear
Refresh Image Audio Help


This information is sent to our expert(s). Please see our Ask The Expert/Pro Terms of Use and Privacy Policy



More Expert Advice
Prevention is the key to diverticular disease management
Patients who do develop diverticulitis, a condition in which pockets in the colon become inflamed and infected, have limited management options.
Finally, “Economic Stimulus” money for your own pocket
Yes, it’s true. You’re due a $1,500 gift from the government for the most comfortable and efficient heating & cooling system you've probably ever seen.
  This site is hosted and managed by Inergize Digital.