Digestive Health More Digestive Diseases Diverticulitis Guide Diverticulitis Guide Overview Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment Diverticulitis Symptoms By Amber J. Tresca Amber J. Tresca Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Amber J. Tresca is a freelance writer and speaker who covers digestive conditions, including IBD. She was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at age 16. Learn about our editorial process Updated on May 22, 2023 Medically reviewed by Robert Burakoff, MD, MPH Medically reviewed by Robert Burakoff, MD, MPH LinkedIn Robert Burakoff, MD, MPH, is board-certified in gastroentrology. He is the vice chair for ambulatory services for the department of medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York, where he is also a professor. He was the founding editor and co-editor in chief of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Symptoms Causes Complications Treatment Prevention Frequently Asked Questions Next in Diverticulitis Guide What Causes Diverticulitis? Diverticulitis can cause symptoms like a change in bowel habits, gas, chills, and nausea. The most common symptom of diverticulitis is left-sided abdominal pain. Diverticula are small pockets that can form in the colon (large intestine) in areas of intestinal wall weakness. They don't cause symptoms unless they become infected and/or inflamed. When this happens it is known as diverticulitis. Even with symptoms, most cases of diverticulitis can be treated at home. However, complications can occur, sometimes requiring treatment in the hospital. This article discusses some of the common symptoms of diverticulitis along with its causes and potential complications. It also covers treatment for this condition. Verywell Symptoms of Diverticulitis Abdominal pain is the most common symptom of diverticulitis. It is often chronic and can go on for several days. In most cases, the diverticula form in the last part of the large intestine, which is called the sigmoid colon. The sigmoid colon is located on the left side of the abdomen, which is why stomach pain from diverticulitis usually affects the left side of the abdomen. The pain usually occurs after eating. In some cases, the pain can affect the right or both sides of the abdomen. This may occur if there are diverticula in other parts of the colon. The pain of diverticulitis occurs in the lower part of the abdomen and is not felt higher up, like under the ribs, as is the case with some other digestive conditions. Other common symptoms of diverticulitis can include: Chills Nausea Constipation Cramping Bloating Diarrhea (occasionally) Gas Fever Lack of appetite Vomiting Complications from diverticulitis, such as a fistula, abscess, or bowel perforation can cause other symptoms. Less common symptoms of diverticulitis can include: Bladder irritation or urinary symptoms Blood in the stool Rectal bleeding Why Am I So Tired With Diverticulitis? Diverticulitis and Diverticulosis: What's the Difference? Diverticulosis is when small pouches form on the inside of your colon, where its walls have become weaker. Diverticulitis is a condition that occurs when these pockets become infected or inflamed. Diverticulosis vs. Diverticulitis Causes of Diverticulitis The causes of diverticulitis can vary. Genetics may play a role in up to 50% of diverticulitis cases. In some cases, as with older age or genetics, a risk factor can't be changed. Other factors, diet or smoking, can be changed through lifestyle choices. Additional causes include: Bacterial infection Changes in nerve and muscle capacity Alcohol consumption Obesity Studies have shown the use of corticosteroid medications also is a risk factor in developing diverticulitis and can contribute to complications. Verywell/ Mira Norian What Does a Diverticulitis Attack Feel Like? Complications While they are not common, several different complications may occur along with diverticulitis. Abscess An abscess is a bacterial infection that causes a pocket of pus to form. Abscesses associated with diverticulitis may cause fever and abdominal pain. They are treated with antibiotics and/or drainage. Fistula A fistula is a tunnel that forms in the body and connects areas of the body that are not normally connected—such as two organs or an organ and the skin. Symptoms of a fistula (which depends on location) can include a break in the skin, swelling, pain, passing air while urinating, passing stool through the vagina, a visible skin break, or drainage from the area. A fistula may be treated with surgery or with the use of a seton, which is a thread that is gradually tightened until the fistula is closed. Perforation A perforation is a hole in the colon. It is a serious condition that requires treatment immediately in order to prevent complications such as peritonitis, which is a potentially fatal infection. The symptoms of a perforation can include severe abdominal pain, fever, chills, bleeding from the rectum, and nausea and vomiting. Bowel Obstruction A bowel obstruction is a blockage in the intestine that prevents the passage of stool. When diverticulitis leads to a bowel obstruction the symptoms can include: Abdominal painDistention (swelling) and bloatingConstipationThin stoolsNauseaVomiting An obstruction might be treated in the hospital through the use of a nasogastric (NG) tube, or in some cases may require surgery. Does Diverticulitis Affect Life Expectancy? Treatment Diverticulitis can be managed at home, but you should always see a healthcare provider if you have symptoms. They will evaluate you and will provide instructions for treatment at home or tell you to go to the hospital. Home Remedies Rest may help reduce the pain of diverticulitis, as can a heating pad placed on the abdomen. You also may consider trying a liquid diet while you have symptoms. Be sure to talk with your healthcare provider about over-the-counter pain medications such as Tylenol (acetaminophen) because non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may not be recommended. Diet After the first few days, during which some people may benefit from a diet of clear liquids, you may start adding back some low-fiber foods. You can slowly add certain foods including: Well-cooked vegetablesCanned or cooked fruitsMeat and eggsDairy products Keep track of how different foods are digested and how they might affect your symptoms. As you recover, you may change to high-fiber foods to prevent further episodes of acute diverticulitis. Foods to Avoid With Diverticulitis Surgery Surgery may not be needed in many cases, even among people who experience a complication of diverticulitis. Antibiotics, for example, are a standard treatment, although they may be used less often than they once were in people with uncomplicated diverticulitis. Surgical treatment will depend on the specific situation. A small abscess may not require surgery but fistula caused by diverticulitis typically is treated with surgery. So are cases in which people have become unstable because of severe sepsis (infection). People with recurring painful episodes due to chronic diverticulitis also may benefit from surgery. When to See a Healthcare Provider Abdominal pain should prompt a call to your healthcare provider. When it is severe or accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, nausea, vomiting, and rectal bleeding, it is a reason to go to the emergency department right away or even to call 911. In most cases diverticulitis is uncomplicated, but severe symptoms could signal that you're having complications that can be serious and life-threatening. Even if your diverticulitis symptoms feel like a flare-up that you've had before, call your healthcare provider. Prevention High-quality diet choices may help to prevent diverticulitis. For example, red meat consumption may increase the risk of diverticulitis. Research suggests that alcohol use may be associated with a higher risk of bleeding from diverticulosis, but not diverticulitis or other complications. Other lifestyle factors include: Maintaining a healthy weightExercising and staying physically activeAvoiding or stopping smoking It's also recommended that people living with diverticulitis avoid regular use of NSAIDs (defined as two or more times per week). Aspirin used to prevent cardiovascular disease is an exception. Overview of the Diverticulitis Diet Diverticulitis Doctor Discussion Guide Get our printable guide for your next doctor's appointment to help you ask the right questions. Download PDF Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. Summary Diverticulitis is a condition that happens when small pockets that form in your large intestines, called diverticula, become infected and inflamed. The symptoms include left-sided abdominal pain, along with chills, nausea, and changes in bowel habits like gas or constipation. There are many causes, including exercise, smoking cessation, and dietary changes, that you can control. Other risk factors, such as an older age, cannot be changed. Treatments vary based on the severity of your symptoms and any complications, such as a perforation that requires surgical care. Your healthcare provider or a gastroenterologist (digestive system specialist) can discuss your treatment options with you. Frequently Asked Questions Will diverticulitis symptoms return if I've had them before? It's possible. Recurrence of acute diverticulitis within 10 years will happen in 8% to 36% of cases. Lifestyle changes, medication, and careful monitoring by your healthcare provider can help prevent this. Learn More: Signs of a Diverticulitis Flare-Up and How to Manage It What else can cause symptoms of diverticulitis? There are other medical conditions that can be mistaken for diverticulitis because of similar symptoms. These conditions include irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, appendicitis, and cholecystitis (gallbladder inflammation). Learn More: Drugs to Avoid With Diverticulitis Can diverticulitis go away on its own? It can. Many people with uncomplicated diverticulitis will see their symptoms go away in about a week with self-care. It's still important that you speak to a healthcare provider so they can diagnose the severity of your case and discuss treatment with you. Learn More: Does Diverticulitis Go Away? Causes and Risk Factors of Diverticulitis 11 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Symptoms & causes of diverticular diseases. Imaeda H, Hibi T. The burden of diverticular disease and its complications: West versus east. Inflamm Intest Dis. 2018;3(2):61-68. doi:10.1159/000492178 Onur MR, Akpinar E, Karaosmanoglu AD, Isayev C, Karcaaltincaba M. Diverticulitis: a comprehensive review with usual and unusual complications. Insights Imaging. 2017;8(1):19-27. doi:10.1007/s13244-016-0532-3 Peery AF, Shaukat A, Strate LL. AGA clinical practice update on medical management of colonic diverticulitis: Expert review. Gastroenterology. 2021;160(3):906-911.e1. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2020.09.059. Tursi A. Diverticulosis today: unfashionable and still under-researched. Therap Adv Gastroenterol. 2016;9(2):213-28. doi:10.1177/1756283X15621228. Penn Medicine. Diverticulitis. Strate LL, Morris AM. Epidemiology, pathophysiology, and treatment of diverticulitis. Gastroenterology. 2019;156(5):1282-1298.e1. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2018.12.033. Carabotti M, Falangone F, Cuomo R, Annibale B. Role of dietary habits in the prevention of diverticular disease complications: A systematic review. Nutrients. 2021;13(4):1288. doi:10.3390/nu13041288 Qaseem A, Etxeandia-Ikobaltzeta I, Lin JS, Fitterman N, Shamliyan T, Wilt TJ, et al. Colonoscopy for Diagnostic Evaluation and Interventions to Prevent Recurrence After Acute Left-Sided Colonic Diverticulitis: A Clinical Guideline From the American College of Physicians. Ann Intern Med. 2022 Mar;175(3):416-431. doi:10.7326/M21-2711 Pulzato I, Boero E, Shaipi E, Cardinale L. "Sigmoid diverticulitis mimicking cholecystitis" a clinical challenge. Ultrasound J. 2019 Jun 11;11(1):14. doi:10.1186/s13089-019-0127-6. National Institutes of Health. Diverticular disease and diverticulitis: Treating acute diverticulitis. Additional Reading Ansari P. Intra-Abdominal Abscesses. Merck Manual Professional Edition. Baum JA. Colonic Diverticulitis. Merck Manual Professional Edition. By Amber J. Tresca Amber J. Tresca is a freelance writer and speaker who covers digestive conditions, including IBD. She was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at age 16. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit