Suggest Treatment For Diverticulitis And Regular Bowel Movements

Posted on Mon, 30 Jan 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 30 Jan 2017 Answered on

Thu, 2 Mar 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : What is the best medication to help regular bowel movements when you have diverticulitis and irritable bowel which means that mostly I am constipated but have pain like diahorrea and I suffer bouts of it so I am scared to take any type of laxative

Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Fiber supplements should be taken regularly

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.

In case of diverticulitis it is very important to take plenty of fiber rich food as well as fiber supplements. Laxatives are broadly of two types. The first type is purgative: that which increases the urge to pass stool. This category should be strictly avoided. The other type is bulk forming laxatives: which absorb water and increase the bulk of the stool. This is safe and must be taken. Miralax (PEG) is possibly the best type in this category and you can take this for regular bowel movements.

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Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar