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You are here : Healthopedia.com > Medical Encyclopedia > Diseases and Conditions > Diverticulitis: Prevention & Expectations
      Category : Health Centers > Digestive System

Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis | Symptoms & Signs | Diagnosis & Tests | Prevention & Expectations | Treatment & Monitoring | Pictures and Images | Attribution


What can be done to prevent the disease?

The key is to prevent the diverticulosis from developing. Eating a diet high in fiber and low in dietary fat is thought to decrease the risk of diverticulosis. Once diverticula form, there are no other ways known to prevent the disease.

What are the long-term effects of the disease?

Most people will recover without long-term health effects. However, because diverticulosis still exists, the disease can occur again. If it happens many times, surgery may be needed to remove part of the colon.

Severe cases may also lead to other serious complications, such as:

  • developing a hole in the bowel
  • abdominal infections such as peritonitis
  • life-threatening blood infections known as sepsis
  • blockage of the bowel
  • Death may also occur.

    What are the risks to others?

    The disease is not catching and poses no risk to others.


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    Diverticulitis: Diagnosis & Tests

     

    Diverticulitis: Treatment & Monitoring

    Author: Minot Cleveland, MD
    Reviewer: Kathleen A. MacNaughton, RN, BSN
    Date Reviewed: 09/20/02









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    Page Last Updated: 6th April, 2009