LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Diverticulitis: Diverticula
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In complicated diverticulitis, bacteria may subsequently infect the outside of the colon if an inflamed diverticulum bursts open. If the infection spreads to the lining of the abdominal cavity, (peritoneum), this can cause a potentially fatal peritonitis. Sometimes inflamed diverticula can cause narrowing of the bowel, leading to an obstruction. Also, the affected part of the colon could adhere to the bladder or other organ in the pelvic cavity, causing a fistula, or abnormal connection between an organ and adjacent structure or organ, in this case the colon and an adjacent organ.
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Treatment of diverticulitis is entirely different. When it flares up, people are put on a liquid diet and oral antibiotics. If the process is quite extensive and painful, hospitalization is necessary to provide nutrition through intravenous feeding and to administer antibiotics by vein. In the most serious of all attacks, it might be necessary to remove the section of colon that is studded with inflamed diverticula.
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For diverticulitis to occur, there must be diverticulosis, the presence of diverticula. Diverticulosis can occur anywhere in the colon but it is most typical in the sigmoid colon, the S-shaped segment of the colon the left lower part of the abdomen. (Sides are from the patient's perspective so the left lower part of your abdomen is nearest your left hand).
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The surface of the colon is hyperemic because of inflammation as a result of diverticulitis. The erosion of the mucosa by the stool in the diverticula can produce inflammation and hemorrhage.
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Fortunately, only 15 percent to 20 percent of people with diverticulosis ever develop diverticulitis. Best of all, you can help prevent both types of diverticular disease by including more high-fiber foods in your diet.
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This diverticulitis diet is a high fiber diet for managing diverticulosis, and for reducing effects of diverticulitis. The increased fiber (the American Dietetic Association recommends 20 to 35 grams daily, including 6-8 grams of soluble fiber) in this diverticulitis diet plan produces more bulk in the stool, reducing pressure in the colon and assisting the more regular and complete elimination of waste, thereby preventing the formation of further diverticula.
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Diverticula