What is a common treatment for diverticulitis?

• A. Antibiotics and rest
• B. Surgery only
• C. Chemotherapy
• D. Radiation therapy

Answer: (A)

A common treatment for diverticulitis involves the use of antibiotics and rest. Diverticulitis occurs when small pouches (diverticula) in the colon become inflamed or infected. The initial management typically includes antibiotics to combat infection and gastrointestinal rest to allow the bowel to heal. Patients are often instructed to avoid food and drink for a short period and may be placed on a clear liquid diet initially before gradually resuming a regular diet as symptoms improve.

In more severe or complicated cases, where there is an abscess, perforation, or prolonged symptoms, surgery may become necessary; however, this is not the first-line treatment for uncomplicated diverticulitis. Options such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy are not relevant to the treatment of diverticulitis, as they are utilized for cancer treatments rather than infections or inflammatory conditions affecting the colon. Thus, antibiotics and rest are the standard initial approach to manage diverticulitis effectively.