Diverticulitis

How can I know that I have diverticulitis?

Diverticulitis means inflammation of the colon. In most cases, it is the left colon that is affected. Without a CT scan, there is no way of telling. Clinical features include fever, pain on the left side and anorexia. However, a CT scan is usually required to confirm the diagnosis. 

Once the condition settles down with antibiotics and pain pills, you may need to undergo a barium enema or a sigmoidoscopy to look for diverticuli (small outpouchings in the colon). If you do have diverticulosis, the treatment is change in diet-meaning more fiber, avoiding constipation and lots of water.

Remember, surgeons will push you for surgery, but many people have diverticuli and surgery is not essential. If your diverticuli do not cause no symptoms (bleeding or pain), just avoid the surgeon.