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Hi Eileen

Thanks for your question and welcome!

Most people do use antibiotics for an infection like this as they can be difficult to clear up (by themselves) and it's also very painful for a lot of people.

From our Encyclopedia:

The goals of immediate treatment are to:

◦Resolve the infection and inflammation
◦Rest the bowel
◦Prevent complications

Treatments include:

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.

Surgery
Surgery to remove the section of the bowel with pouches may be recommended if:

◦You have had multiple attacks during a two-year period.
◦A pouch breaks and the contents spread into the abdominal cavity. (This will require cleaning out the abdominal cavity, as well.)
◦When surgery is done on an elective basis, the surgeon will remove part of the disease bowel and hook the normal bowel together.
Read more on our Diverticulitis page here: http://www.empowher.com/media/reference/diverticulitis

How bad is your infection, do you know? Is it mild at the moment, or advancing? Do you get them often? Is there a reason you'd prefer to avoid antibiotics?