Managing Recurrent Diverticulitis
About one-third of patients experience recurring diverticulitis or flare-ups, and others develop diverticular bleeding where the pouch breaks open and bleeds [5]. Lifestyle and diet changes and monitoring gut health are essential in managing the condition.
The prevalence of diverticulosis increases with age in men and women of all races and ethnicities, emphasizing the need for regular screenings after the age of 45.
Maintain Healthy Habits
Changing your habits and lifestyle can help prevent diverticulitis flare-ups. Eating plenty of fiber prevents hard stool, constipation, and straining, putting less pressure on the colon and pouches. Less pressure may stop pouches from forming and prevent them from bursting and bleeding [5].
You can follow these recommendations [5]:
- Add more whole grains, fruits, and vegetables to your diet
- Take a fiber supplement
- Drink plenty of water
- Get regular exercise
- Lose weight, if necessary
- Stop smoking
Monitor Gut Health
Regular stool screening may help you monitor diverticulosis and help with the early detection of complications, such as diverticular bleeding. For example, an immunochemical fecal occult blood (iFOB) test identifies trace amounts of blood in the stool. Your doctor may recommend these tests if you develop symptoms [6].
Get Medical Treatment
Surgery to remove the inflamed part of your colon may be necessary if you have frequent flare-ups despite lifestyle changes, your symptoms are severe, or your bowel becomes obstructed. The surgery is minimally invasive and prevents flare-ups in 95% of patients [5].
Screen for GI Health With Diagnox
Colonox-FIT by Diagnox is a medical-grade home stool test that detects hidden blood in the stool. Regular stool screening may help you detect early symptoms linked to diverticulitis so you can promptly follow up with your doctor. Track your digestive health from the comfort of your home with Diagnox.
