Treating Diverticulitis Flare Ups with Omeprazole

Understanding Diverticulitis and How It's Treated

Diverticulitis is a digestive condition that affects the diverticula, small pouches that can form in the wall of the colon. When these pouches become inflamed or infected, it results in the condition known as diverticulitis. This painful condition causes abdominal pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, and changes in bowel habits.

Diverticulitis is commonly treated with antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, and liquids/soft foods to give the colon a rest. One of the most common medications prescribed for diverticulitis is omeprazole. This article will cover the details of how omeprazole is used to treat diverticulitis.

What Causes Diverticula and Diverticulitis?

Diverticula form when weak spots in the colon wall push outwards from pressure. This pressure comes from straining during bowel movements, coughing, or heavy lifting. These small pouches are common in adults and don't cause problems at first.

However, diverticula can become inflamed if food particles or feces get trapped in them. This leads to infection and swelling - resulting in diverticulitis. Attacks of diverticulitis can range from mild to severe. Repeated episodes can even lead to complications like bleeding, tears, blockages, or abscesses in the colon wall.

Symptoms of Diverticulitis

Common signs and symptoms of diverticulitis include:

• Abdominal pain - usually in the lower left side
• Fever
• Nausea or vomiting
• Bloating and gas
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Abdominal tenderness

The pain may be severe, lasting for several days. It typically starts out crampy before becoming more constant. The area of the colon with diverticula is irritated and inflamed.

Getting an Accurate Diagnosis

Seeing your doctor is important to accurately diagnose diverticulitis and rule out other possible conditions with similar symptoms. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and perform a physical exam of your abdomen.

If diverticulitis is suspected, further testing may include:

• Blood tests to check infection and inflammation
• CT scan for detailed images of the colon
• Colonoscopy after the attack has resolved

These tests help confirm the location and severity of diverticulitis for proper treatment planning.

How Omeprazole Can Help Treat Diverticulitis

Once diagnosed with diverticulitis, treatment focuses on clearing up the infection and resting the colon. This is where omeprazole comes in. So what exactly is omeprazole and how can it help?

What is Omeprazole?

Omeprazole belongs to a class of medications called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). It works by decreasing the amount of acid made in your stomach. By making your stomach contents less acidic, omeprazole can help treat issues stemming from excess stomach acid.

The generic name for omeprazole is Prilosec. It is sold over-the-counter as well as in prescription strength. Some other examples of similar PPI medications include esomeprazole (Nexium), lansoprazole (Prevacid), pantoprazole (Protonix), and rabeprazole (Aciphex).

How Omeprazole Helps Diverticulitis

So why is reducing stomach acid important in the treatment of diverticulitis? While the diverticula affected are located in the colon rather than stomach, decreased stomach acid offers several key benefits:

• Prevents irritation to the colon from refluxed stomach acid
• Reduces pain and discomfort in the abdomen
• Allows inflamed areas to heal more effectively
• Decreases side effects from antibiotics or other meds

The anti-inflammatory effects often quickly help to start feeling better until the antibiotics fully treat the infection. Omeprazole makes the whole gastrointestinal system less reactive so the colon has a better chance to recover.

Other Medications for Diverticulitis

While omeprazole helps treat diverticulitis symptoms and reduce stomach acid levels, other medications are also often prescribed. This multi-treatment approach provides the best chance for the colon to heal.

Other common diverticulitis medications may include:

• Antibiotics - Treat infection causing the flare up
• Pain relievers - Ease abdominal discomfort and allow rest
• Anti-spasmodics - Relax intestinal and colon muscles to reduce cramping
• Stool softeners - Make bowel movements less straining

Following the diverticulitis diet is also key. This involves clear liquids or soft, low fiber foods that are easy to digest while inflammation resolves. Examples include broths, plain rice, applesauce, yogurt, eggs, etc.

What are Appropriate Doses of Omeprazole for Diverticulitis?

Omeprazole dosage for diverticulitis depends on the formulation - over-the-counter strength Prilosec contains 20mg omeprazole per tablet. Prescription doses come in 20mg or 40mg tablets. Here are general dosage guidelines:

• Over-the-Counter Prilosec - 20 mg once daily for up to 2 weeks
• Prescription omeprazole - 40 mg once daily for 4-8 weeks

Prescription omeprazole is often needed beyond the few weeks of standard antibiotic treatment - to allow diverticula more time to fully heal before normal diet is resumed. This helps prevent recurrent attacks of diverticulitis.

Tips for Taking Omeprazole

Follow these tips to get the most effectiveness from omeprazole treatment:

• Take it first thing in the morning before eating
• Swallow the capsule or tablet whole; do not crush or chew
• Continue taking daily even after feeling better
• Complete the full treatment course prescribed
• Stay upright for 30-60 minutes after taking
• Notify your doctor if side effects develop

Waiting at least 15-30 minutes before eating food allows your stomach adequate time to absorb the medicine. This prevents the omeprazole from being diluted and washed out of the stomach before it can decrease acid secretion.

Monitoring for Side Effects

While generally well tolerated, omeprazole can potentially cause some side effects such as:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Gas or abdominal pain
• Constipation
• Increased risk of infections
• Difficulty absorbing vitamins

Contact your doctor if any worrisome reactions develop. Rarely omeprazole needs to be discontinued.

Preventing Future Diverticulitis Flare Ups

Successfully treating an acute diverticulitis attack with omeprazole and antibiotics helps start the healing process. But preventing future episodes is also crucial. Strategies to keep diverticula trouble free include:

• Eat a high fiber diet with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Drink 6-8 glasses of fluids daily
• Exercise regularly to prevent constipation
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Take a probiotic supplement

Avoiding foods that can get lodged in diverticula is also recommended. These problem foods include seeds, nuts, popcorn kernels, and gristly meats. Being diligent with these preventative steps greatly reduces chances of repeat diverticulitis flare ups.

In cases of recurrent or treatment resistant diverticulitis, surgery may ultimately be needed. This involves removing the damaged part of the colon. But most patients find success controlling symptoms with conservative treatment and diligent prevention techniques.

See Your Doctor for Ongoing Monitoring

Even after an attack has resolved, it's important to follow up with your physician. They will examine your condition and determine if longer treatment is needed. Routine colonoscopies help screen for complications like strictures, fistulas, or cancerous changes.

Omeprazole and other PPIs may be recommended for long term maintenance therapy if you experience frequent recurrences. This keeps stomach acid suppressed and prevents it from re-inflaming healed diverticula.

Tracking your symptoms and staying on top of diverticulitis management is crucial. Don't hesitate to ask your doctor about appropriate use of omeprazole or get referred to a gastrointestinal specialist if needed.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.