would colonic irrigation be recommended for someone with diverticulitis

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Comment by Alison Beaver on May 7, 2009 - 12:23pm

Hi,
Can you tell us more about your diverticulitis? Is it being treated, and if so, how?

We are not able to recommend any treatments to anyone, as only your doctor and you have the information (your current and past health history, for instance) necessary to deem what is appropriate for your condition.

What you can find here is current research on the best treatment options (both "traditional" and "alternative") for a particular condition. Others may also share their advice and stories if they have tried a treatment.

With that said, I did not find any information in the literature regarding a treatment option for diverticulitis being a colon irrigation. Was this recommended or suggested to you by a friend or a doctor?

From my understanding, diverticulitis is an inflammation, and may require antibiotics and/or a change in diet to be resolved.

Also, from my understanding, colonic irrigation has many risks associated with it, and under the best circumstances, it is used to prepare the colon for surgery. I did not see it being recommended for use as a "toxin cleansing" treatment in any of the relevant medical journals. The other concern I personally have with colon irrigation is that it is not a treatment that is overseen by any health organization, and can be performed by individuals without licenses or certifications. Some people do not mind this, and only care about the person's experience---that is the choice you would have to make.

However, the medical journals just provide one piece of the puzzle. If a colon irrigation is not being used to prep for surgery, then it may fall under the "complementary and alternative" medicine category. The NCCAM (National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine) discusses hydrotherapy as a low-risk, possibly beneficial treatment, but distinctly states that they are not referring to colon irrigation or other internal water treatments.

- Would you like more information on the pros/cons of colon irrigation?
- What do you hope to gain from this procedure?
- Can you tell us more about your current condition?
- Do you already have a person/clinic/organization chosen to perform this treatment? If so, what are their credentials?

Hope to hear back from you soon!

Comment by Anonymous on September 5, 2009 - 1:41pm

I am being treated with antibiotics and pain medication - I was looking for some sort of relief of the intense bloating associated with diverticlitis. Have been 2 1/2 weeks on antibiotics and introducing more fiber into my diet little at a time. Any suggestions?

Comment by Susan Cody on September 5, 2009 - 4:10pm

Dear Anon

Thanks for your question and I'm sorry you are experiencing such uncomfortable symptoms.

Our encyclopedia recommends the following to relieve you of your symptoms:

"Medications
Antibiotics and other microbe-fighting drugs are given to eliminate the infection. Pain medications and drugs are given to decrease the abdominal pain. Generally, once the antibiotics start to work, the pain will subside.

Fluids
For mild inflammation, you can drink clear liquids for the first two to three days. For a more severe case, you will be admitted to the hospital, where fluids are given intravenously. Antibiotics will be administered to you via an intravenous line. If you have nausea and vomiting, a plastic tube may be inserted through your nose into your stomach. This will help with the vomiting and make you feel more comfortable.

Preventive Care
Changes in your diet can help prevent future attacks of diverticulitis.

◦Increase the amount of fiber you eat by eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
◦Supplement your diet with a fiber product, as recommended by your doctor.
◦Avoid laxatives, enemas, and narcotic medications that can lead to constipation."

Anon - diet is key to eliminating (or at least reducing) the bloating associated with diverticulitis. I hope this diet advice helps you and you get some relief soon.

Comment by Alison Beaver on May 7, 2009 - 12:30pm

I had one additional thought: what does your primary doctor (who is treating your diverticulitis) recommend?

I was just reading that diverticulitis can lead to bleeding, infections and small tears/perforations in the colon. That concerns me that you would possibly introduce water (or other liquids, as is sometimes used in the irrigation) into your colon that could have perforations or tearing--not sure if that procedure would cause further damage to an already-susceptible area??

Comment by Anonymous on October 29, 2009 - 4:01pm

I am a sufferer on diverticulitis and have the same question that I have been researching. From what I found it is not recommended to have colonic irrigation treatment with our condition. Diet seems to be the best treatment and trust me, take it seriously. I went through the meds and diet, started feeling better, then fell off the wagon and nearly ended up back in the hospital. Look up Sherry Brescia. She is a sufferer and nutritionist specializing in it now. She has a diet plan that might work for you. Weather you decide to do it or not there is a lot of great advice

Best of luck

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