Bowel perforations, bowel abscesses or fistulas, all require antibiotic therapy and surgery. People can die of colonic perforations if the infection isn't kept under control.

In the past people have been advised to avoid eating seeds and nuts because they could get stuck in diverticuli and cause diverticulitis. But studies have shown this not to be true. Eating seeds and nuts is considered safe in people with diverticulosis.

People who have diverticulosis could reduce complications by keeping bowels moving well and avoid constipation.

Physicians recommend screening for colon cancer after the age of 50, even in healthy individuals with no history of colon cancer, colon polyps, other bowel problems or bleeding.

Colonoscopies or alternative types of screening such as a barium enema or CT colonography will show the presence of diverticuli.

Even if diverticuli are not bleeding or infected, it is important to keep the colon healthy and the bowels moving with a high fiber diet, regular exercise, and drinking lots of fluids throughout the day, Turgeon says.

med.umich/