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Diverticulitis - what to ask your doctor
What to ask your doctor about diverticulitis
Diverticulitis is inflammation of small pouches (diverticula) that can form in the walls of your large intestine. This leads to fever and pain in your belly, most often the lower left part.
Below are some questions you may want to ask your health care provider about diverticulitis.
Questions
What causes diverticulitis?
What are the symptoms of diverticulitis?
What type of diet should I be eating?
- How do I get more fiber in my diet?
- Are there foods that I should not be eating?
- Is it OK to drink coffee or tea, or alcohol?
What should I do if my symptoms become worse?
- Do I need to change what I eat?
- Are there medicines that I should take?
- When should I call the doctor?
What are the complications of diverticulitis?
Will I ever need surgery?
References
Bhuket TP, Stollman NH. Diverticular disease of the colon. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease . 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 121.
Stocci L. Diverticulitis. In: McNalley PR, ed. GI/Liver Secrets Plus . 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 47.
Review Date: 7/22/2016
Reviewed By: Subodh K. Lal, MD, gastroenterologist with Gastrointestinal Specialists of Georgia, Austell, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
