Diverticulitis and diverticulosis - discharge
Diverticular disease - discharge
You were in the hospital to treat diverticulitis. This is an infection and inflammation of an abnormal pouch (called a diverticulum) in your intestinal wall (most commonly in the sigmoid colon). This article tells you how to take care of yourself when you leave the hospital.
Diverticulosis occurs when small bulging sacs or pouches, called diverticula, form on the inner wall of the intestine. Most often, diverticula form in the large intestine (colon), but they may also occur in the in the jejunum in the small intestine. In most cases, diverticula cause no symptoms. In a small percentage of patients, diverticula can cause problems if they become inflamed or if they bleed.
In most patients with diverticulosis, the diverticula do not cause any problems or symptoms. In some cases, a small, hard piece of stool is trapped in the opening of the diverticula, which then become inflamed. When this occurs, the condition is called diverticulitis. A small tear may develop in the lining of the intestine inside the diverticula, which can lead to an infection at the site and sometimes death of the segment of colon containing the diverticula.
When You're in the Hospital
You likely had a CT scan or other tests that helped your health care provider diagnose your symptoms and check your colon. This will help tell if there are complications from your diverticulitis. You may have received fluids and medicines that fight infections through an intravenous (IV) tube in your vein. You were probably on a special diet to help your colon rest and heal.
If your diverticulitis was very bad, or a repeat of a prior episode, you may need surgery.
Your provider may also recommend that you have further tests to look at your colon (large intestine) such as colonoscopy. It is important to follow up with these tests.
What to Expect at Home
Your pain and other symptoms should go away after a few days of treatment. If they do not get better, or if they get worse, you should contact the provider.
Once these pouches have formed, you have them for life. If you make a few simple changes in your lifestyle, you may not have diverticulitis again.
Self-care
Your provider may have given you antibiotics to treat any infection. Take them as you were told to. Make sure you finish the whole prescription. Contact your provider if you have any side effects.
Do not put off having a bowel movement. This can lead to a firmer stool, which will make you need to use more force to pass it.
Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. Do not smoke. Exercise regularly. Avoid constipation.
Fiber supplements such as psyllium may decrease your risk of diverticulitis.
If you are taking NSAIDs (such as naproxen or ibuprofen) ask your provider if you can stop them. NSAIDs can increase the risk of diverticulitis.
Diet
When you first go home or after an attack, your provider may ask you to drink liquids only at first, then slowly increase your diet. In the beginning, you may need to avoid whole-grain foods, fruits, and vegetables. This will help your colon rest.
After you are better, your provider will suggest that you add more fiber to your diet and avoid certain foods. Eating more fiber may help prevent future attacks. If you have bloating or gas, cut down the amount of fiber you eat for a few days.
High fiber foods include:
- Fruits, such as tangerines, prunes, apples, bananas, peaches, and pears
- Tender cooked vegetables, such as asparagus, beets, mushrooms, turnips, pumpkin, broccoli, artichokes, lima beans, squash, carrots, and sweet potatoes
- Lettuce and peeled potatoes
- Vegetable juices
- High-fiber cereals (such as shredded wheat) and muffins
- Hot cereals, such as oatmeal, farina, and cream of wheat
- Whole-grain breads (whole wheat or whole rye)
- Unlike old recommendations, you do not need to avoid corn, nuts, or seeds if you have diverticulosis or diverticulitis.
When to Call the Doctor
Contact your provider if you have:
- Blood in your stools
- Fever above 100.4°F (38°C) that does not go away
- Nausea, vomiting, or chills
- Sudden belly or back pain, or pain that gets worse or is very severe
- Ongoing diarrhea
References
Bhuket TP, Stollman NH. Diverticular disease of the colon. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 121.
Kuemmerle JK. Inflammatory and anatomic diseases of the intestine, peritoneum, mesentery, and omentum. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 128.
Peery AF, Shaukat A, Strate LL. AGA clinical practice update on medical management of colonic diverticulitis: expert review. Gastroenterology. 2021;160(3):906-911. PMID: 33279517
Version Info
Last reviewed on: 10/30/2024
Reviewed by: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Gastroenterologist, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
