Diverticular diseaseis a condition that causes pouches (diverticula) in the lining of the colon.
These are common as people reach age 50 and usually dont cause symptoms.
Photo Composite by Amelia Manley for Verywell Health; Getty Images
Can You Treat Diverticulitis at Home?
Photo Composite by Amelia Manley for Verywell Health; Getty Images
In 80% of cases, diverticulitis is considered uncomplicated.
Uncomplicated diverticulitis can generally be treated outside of a hospital setting, such as at home.
Its important to see a healthcare provider to get a diagnosis.
Some studies show a liquid diet may not be necessary.
However, some people might feel better while on a liquid diet.
This might be after about three to five days.
Diet With Diverticulitis
Diet is challenging because it is extremely personal.
People who live with diverticular disease should ask a healthcare provider to recommend a helpful diet.
Its important to let healthcare providers know about all the ways diet is important to quality of life.
Low-Fiber Diet
Low-fiber foods might be added back into the diet first.
Its usually recommended that these foods are started slowly added in over a few days.
If symptoms dont continue to improve or they get worse, check back in with a healthcare provider.
Paying attention to how certain foods affect symptoms is important when adding them back into the diet.
High-Fiber Diet
Once recovered from diverticulitis, you may need to be on a high-fiber diet.
Adding fiber to the diet can lead to an increase in bloating and gas in some people.
For those who didnt follow a high-fiber diet before having diverticulitis, adding fiber to meals slowly may help.
Its recommended that people get fiber from foods as much as they can.
However, talk to a healthcare provider about afiber supplementif its not possible to eat a high-fiber diet.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications
Diverticulitis often causes pain.
Tylenol may be recommended for pain relief when treating diverticulitis at home.
The role ofnonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs) such as Advil or Motrin (ibuprofen) is less clear.
NSAIDs can cause digestive problems and a risk of bleeding in some people.
The research on using NSAIDs for diverticulitis is mixed.
Its important to talk about OTC options for pain relief with a healthcare provider.
Ask for clear directions on whether acetaminophen and/or ibuprofen should be used.
Probiotics
Probioticsare the good bacteria that are needed in the gut.
They can be found in some foods and are also available as supplements.
There is little evidence that probiotics are helpful for a flare-up of diverticulitis.
Research studies use different types and dosages of probiotics, making it difficult to compare them.
Probiotics might be helpful for long-termgut health, but you should ask a healthcare provider before taking them.
Vitamin D
Some research has explored whethervitamin Dhas a role in diverticulitis.
Vitamin D is important to gut health and overall health.
However, theres no good evidence for it having a role in acute diverticulitis.
It may be helpful in preventing diverticulitis, but this has not been confirmed scientifically.
Getting enough vitamin D is important for everyone.
Apply Heat
Heat is often used to soothe stomach pain from a variety of causes.
Some people find using a heating pad on the abdomen helps with diverticular pain.
Theres no evidence behind using heat for diverticulitis, but its generally a simple and noninvasive method to try.
Its important to be careful with heat and to use a heating pad according to the instructions.
Sleeping with a heating pad is not recommended because it could lead to skin irritation or other problems.
Exercise
Exercise may be helpful in preventing diverticulitis.
There arent any guidelines as to how much physical activity would be helpful for avoiding a flare-up of diverticulitis.
Meeting all those goals is not easy.
Rest usually is recommended during an acute flare-up of diverticulitis.
After recovering, talk to a healthcare provider about increasing your activity level.
Drink Less Alcohol
Drinking alcohol should be avoided during a flare-up of diverticulitis.
Alcohol use disorder may also increase the risk of diverticulitis.
In short, drinking less alcohol is better than drinking more.
If you’ve had diverticulitis before, you may recognize the signs and symptoms.
Its still important to get diagnosed and treated by a trusted professional.
Symptoms of bloating, pain, constipation, and/or diarrhea are common in diverticulitis.
Having these symptoms is a reason to see a healthcare provider.
Make a follow-up appointment with a healthcare provider about a week after symptoms start.
Summary
Diverticular disease is common but doesnt always lead to diverticulitis.
Diverticulitis can usually be treated at home (not in the hospital), and complications are uncommon.
A heating pad may also help with pain relief.
There is less evidence that exercise, vitamin D, or probiotics might be helpful.
Its important to talk with a healthcare provider about how to make lifestyle changes to avoid flare-ups of diverticulitis.
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