Infection can occur. Risk factors are older age and history of diverticula. Low-fiber diet may be a contributing factor to the development of diverticula. The incidence is 1 out of 1,000 people. A high-fiber diet may prevent development of the disease.
Acute diverticulitis requires antibiotic therapy.
After the acute infection has stabilized, diverticular disease is treated by increasing the bulk in the diet with high-fiber foods and bulk additives such as Metamucil. Usually cases are mild and respond well to treatment. Call your health care provider if symptoms of diverticulitis occur. Also call if you have diverticulitis and symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop. Colonoscopy has become a very important diagnostic procedure in detecting diseases of the colon.