A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
Back to Intro
Click a letter to see a list of conditions beginning with that letter.
Click 'Back to Intro' to return to the beginning of this section.
Discharge Instructions for Diverticulitis
You have been diagnosed with diverticulitis. This is a condition in which small pouches form in your colon (large intestine) and become inflamed or infected. Follow the guidelines below for home care.
As you recover
Tips for recovery include:
-
Eat a low-fiber diet at first while you recover. Your healthcare provider may advise a liquid diet. This gives your bowel a chance to rest so that it can recover.
-
Include these foods: flake cereal, mashed potatoes, pancakes, waffles, pasta, white bread, rice, applesauce, bananas, eggs, fish, poultry, tofu, and well-cooked vegetables.
-
Take your medicines as directed. Don't stop taking the medicines, even if you feel better.
-
Monitor your temperature and report any rise in temperature to your healthcare provider.
-
Take any prescribed antibiotics exactly as directed. Don't miss any and keep taking them even if you feel better.
-
Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water every day, unless told otherwise.
-
Use a heating pad or hot water bottle to reduce abdominal cramping or pain.
Preventing diverticulitis in the future
Tips for prevention include:
-
Eat a high-fiber diet. Fiber adds bulk to the stool so that it passes through the large intestine more easily.
-
Keep drinking 6 to 8 glasses of water every day, unless told otherwise.
-
Start an exercise program. Ask your healthcare provider how to get started. You can benefit from simple activities such as walking or gardening.
-
Treat diarrhea with a bland diet. Start with liquids only, then slowly add fiber over time.
-
Watch for changes in your bowel movements (constipation to diarrhea).
-
Prevent constipation with fiber and add a stool softener if needed.
-
Get plenty of rest and sleep.
-
If possible, don't take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen. They increase the risk of diverticulitis.
Follow-up care
Make a follow-up appointment, or as advised. You may need a colonoscopy or other imaging test of your colon.
When to call your healthcare provider
Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these:
-
Fever of 100.4°F (38.0°C) or higher, or as advised by your provider
-
Chills
-
Severe cramps in your belly, most often the lower left side
-
Soreness in your belly, most often the lower left side
-
Nausea and vomiting
-
Bleeding from your rectum
Online Medical Reviewer:
Jen Lehrer MD
Online Medical Reviewer:
Raymond Kent Turley BSN MSN RN
Online Medical Reviewer:
Rita Sather RN
Date Last Reviewed:
2/1/2022
© 2000-2024 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.