management of diverticular disease

Take home messages

• Diverticular disease is very common as we go older and often causes no problems at all.

• Any new symptoms of pain or change in bowel habit should be discussed with your GP or a specialist registered healthcare professional.

• Urgent attention should be sought for symptoms with bleeding, progressive symptoms, or weight loss.

• Emergency treatment should be sought if there is severe pain or sepsis.

• Dietary management is very important with a high fibre diet being the most important and conversely an attack of diverticulitis, may necessitate resting the bowel with a soft/low fibre or liquid only diet.

This blog was written in associated with Dr Andrew Millar, Consultant Gastroenterologist & Hepatologist and Mrs Sian Shepherd BSc RD – Specialist Gastroenterology Dietitian, and published on BeGoodToYourGut.co.uk.