Diverticulitis happens when small pouches in the colon (diverticula) get inflamed or infected. You usually feel sudden pain on the lower left side, fever, nausea, and a change in bowel habits. Some people only have mild discomfort; others get severe pain and can’t keep food down. Knowing the main signs helps you act fast.
Doctors use blood tests and a CT scan to confirm diverticulitis and see if there are complications like an abscess or perforation. If the scan shows a simple case, many patients can be treated at home with antibiotics, rest, and a low-fiber or clear-liquid diet for a short time. Severe cases often need hospital care, IV antibiotics, or surgery.
If you have mild symptoms, rest, drink clear fluids, and avoid solid foods until a doctor tells you otherwise. Take acetaminophen for pain unless your doctor says otherwise. Avoid anti-inflammatory pills like ibuprofen unless cleared by your provider; they can raise the risk of complications. Don’t use anti-diarrheal medicines without medical advice, since they can make things worse during an active infection.
Call emergency services or go to the ER if you have a high fever, severe belly pain, fainting, fast heart rate, persistent vomiting, or signs of a hard, tender belly. These may point to a complication such as a perforation or peritonitis, which need urgent care.
After the acute episode, your doctor will advise on diet and lifestyle to reduce recurrences. Aim for a high-fiber diet with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fiber supplements if needed. Drink plenty of water and keep active—regular exercise lowers the chance of another attack. Avoid smoking and try to maintain a healthy weight.
If you have repeated flare-ups or develop complications like abscesses, fistulas, or bowel obstruction, elective surgery may be recommended to remove the affected colon segment. Talk with your surgeon about risks, recovery time, and what to expect after surgery.
Follow-up usually includes a colonoscopy weeks after recovery to rule out other problems like colon cancer. Always finish the full course of prescribed antibiotics and keep follow-up appointments. If your symptoms change or come back, reach out to your healthcare team quickly.
Common outpatient antibiotics include a combination that covers gram-negatives and anaerobes; your doctor will pick based on local patterns and allergies. If symptoms are severe, hospital care allows IV fluids, IV antibiotics, and drainage of abscesses if needed. Imaging (CT) helps guide treatment choices.
After recovery aim for 25 to 30 grams of fiber daily from foods and supplements if needed. A colonoscopy is scheduled about six to eight weeks after the flare to check the colon. Keep a symptom diary and bring it to follow-ups.
Want quick tips? Keep a fiber plan, stay hydrated, track bowel changes, and get medical help for new or worsening pain. Small daily choices make a big difference in preventing future diverticulitis episodes.
