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Diverticulitis - what to ask your doctor

Definition

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, usually the lower left part.

Below are some questions you may want to ask your doctor or nurse about diverticulitis.

Alternate Names

What to ask your doctor 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 okay 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?

Review Date: 3/2/2011
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San Diego, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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