Diverticulitis - what to ask your doctor: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

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Diverticulitis - what to ask your doctor

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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.

Below are some questions you may want to ask your doctor or nurse 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 when 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?

Alternative Names

What to ask your doctor about diverticulitis

Update Date: 4/15/2009

Updated by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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