Diverticulitis

Our Approach

A mild case of diverticulitis may not require treatment. The type of treatment, when necessary, depends on the severity of your condition. Treatment may include:

• Antibiotics and pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, for milder cases. A liquid diet can also help until symptoms improve.
• A hospital stay with intravenous (IV) antibiotics for more severe cases
• Surgery to remove the affected parts of your bowel for the most severe cases

Diverticulitis diagnosis

Symptoms of diverticulitis may be the same as other conditions, so receiving an accurate diagnosis from a doctor is important. Your doctor will likely do a physical examination and ask questions about:

• Current symptoms and severity of symptoms
• Current medications
• Diet and bowel movement routine
• Medical history
• Previous checks for colon cancer

Your doctor may also do tests including:

• Blood, urine and stool tests
• X-rays
• Ultrasound
• CT scan
• Colonoscopy

What is diverticulitis?

Diverticula are small pouches that form in the bowel lining, usually in the lower part of the colon (large intestine). Pressure on weak spots in the intestine causes these pouches. Straining from constipation is an example of this kind of pressure.

The diverticula are usually harmless, but bacteria can build up if the pouches are blocked with waste. Diverticulitis occurs if the pouches break open and cause inflammation and infection.

Diverticulitis symptoms

Diverticulitis can cause many uncomfortable symptoms. Most often, people feel pain in the abdomen on the lower left side. At times, they may feel it on the right side. People often have constant pain, and it can last for several days.

Other diverticulitis symptoms include:

• Cramping or a feeling of tenderness in the abdomen
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever and chills
• Constipation
• Diarrhea (not common)

Diverticulitis risk factors

About 10% of people older than 40 develop diverticula. Other risk factors include:

• Being overweight
• Irregular bowel movements
• Lack of exercise
• Low-fiber diet
• Not drinking enough water
• Smoking