Diverticulitis Resource Center - All Articles
Health ConditionsDigestive HealthDiverticulitis

Diverticulitis - All Articles

by
Diverticulitis is a condition that occurs when small pouches — called diverticula — develop and push out through part of the colon wall, then become inflamed or infected. Symptoms of diverticulitis include abdominal pain, constipation, fever, chills, and rectal bleeding. Flare-ups can typically be managed with a temporary clear liquid diet and over-the-counter pain medication. Some cases of diverticulitis can cause serious complications and may require antibiotics or surgery.

ALL DIVERTICULITIS ARTICLES

FAQ

What causes diverticulitis?

Diverticula are common in people older than 50, but most people don’t develop diverticulitis. Genetics, obesity, smoking, a low-fiber diet, an inactive lifestyle, and medications like steroids, opioids, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may increase the risk of diverticulitis.

Symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, changes in bowel habits, and rectal bleeding. Complications can include abscess, intestinal obstructions, and holes in the colon. Diverticulitis can be painful, and it may come on suddenly or slowly build in severity.

If you have diverticulitis, doctors may advise a clear liquid diet until the flare has resolved. Afterward, eating a high-fiber diet may help prevent constipation, which can lead to diverticulitis.

A doctor may recommend a clear liquid diet for a few days, followed by a low-fiber diet until you’ve recovered. Over-the-counter pain relievers and stool softeners can help manage symptoms. In moderate to severe cases, antibiotics or surgery might be necessary.

Call your doctor as soon as possible if your abdominal pain is severe or getting worse, you have a fever over 100 degrees F, can’t keep fluids down, or are feeling lightheaded or dizzy.

Meet Our Experts In Diverticulitis
See Our Editorial PolicyMeet Our Health Expert Network
Everyday Health’s team of board-certified physicians and health professionals contribute to the creation and review of content, ensuring that the information is useful, up to date, and accurate.

Yuying Luo, MD

Medical Reviewer

Yuying Luo, MD, is an assistant professor of medicine at Mount Sinai West and Morningside in New York City. She aims to deliver evidence-based, patient-centered, and holistic care ...

See full bio
Lynn Griger photo

Lynn Grieger, RDN, CDCES

Medical Reviewer

Lynn Grieger is a registered dietitian-nutritionist, certified diabetes care and education specialist, certified personal trainer, and certified health and wellness coach. She comp...

See full bio
Waseem-Ahmed-bio

Waseem Ahmed, MD

Medical Reviewer

Waseem Ahmed, MD, is an assistant professor of medicine in the Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles and serves as Directo...

See full bio
ira-daniel-breite-bio

Ira Daniel Breite, MD

Medical Reviewer
Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Ira Daniel Breite, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He is an associate professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, where he also sees patien...

See full bio

Sylvie Tremblay, MSc

Medical Reviewer

Sylvie Tremblay holds a master's degree in molecular and cellular biology, and has years of experience as a cancer researcher and geneticist.

See full bio
See Our Editorial PolicyMeet Our Health Expert Network
EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
  1. Diverticulitis. Mayo Clinic. October 22 2024.