Diverticulitis
Inflammation or infection of small pouches (diverticula) that form in the walls of the large intestine, causing severe abdominal pain, fever, and digestive problems.
Last updated:
This condition typically requires medical attention
If you suspect you have diverticulitis, please consult a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and treatment.
Statistics & Prevalence
Diverticular disease is one of the most common gastrointestinal conditions in Western countries. About 200,000 hospitalizations for diverticulitis occur annually in the US. Approximately 50% of people over 60 and nearly 70% over 80 have diverticulosis (the pouches). Of those, 10-25% will develop diverticulitis (inflammation/infection). The condition has been increasing in younger adults - rates in those under 50 have risen by 50% since 2000. Diverticulitis accounts for approximately $2.2 billion in healthcare costs annually in the US.
What is Diverticulitis?
Common Age
Most common in adults over 40, risk increases with age
Prevalence
About 35% of US adults under 50 and 58% over 60 have diverticulosis; 10-25% develop diverticulitis
Duration
Acute episodes last 7-10 days with treatment; can become recurrent or chronic
Why Diverticulitis Happens
Common Symptoms
- Severe left lower abdominal pain
- Fever and chills
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Bloating and gas
- Abdominal tenderness
- Loss of appetite
- Cramping
- Blood in stool (less common)
- Urinary symptoms if near bladder
Possible Causes
- Inflammation of intestinal pouches (diverticula)
- Micro-tears in diverticula wall
- Bacterial infection of pouches
- Low-fiber diet increases risk
- Age-related weakening of colon wall
- Increased colon pressure from straining
Note: These are potential causes. A healthcare provider can help determine the specific cause in your case.
Quick Self-Care Tips
- 1During a flare: follow your doctor's instructions for diet modification
- 2Gradually increase fiber intake to 25-35 grams daily when not in acute episode
- 3Drink plenty of water (8-10 glasses daily) especially with high-fiber diet
- 4Exercise regularly - 30 minutes most days reduces risk of recurrence
- 5Maintain a healthy weight - obesity increases risk
- 6Quit smoking - doubles your risk of complications
- 7Limit red meat and processed foods
- 8Avoid NSAIDs like ibuprofen if prone to flares (use acetaminophen instead)
- 9Know your warning signs for when to seek emergency care
- 10Take probiotics to support gut health after recovery
Disclaimer: These are general wellness suggestions, not medical treatment recommendations. They may help manage symptoms but should not replace professional medical care.
Home Remedies & Natural Solutions
Clear Liquid Diet (During Acute Episode)
Rest the bowel during a flare with clear broth, water, tea, gelatin, and popsicles. Gradually add low-fiber foods (white rice, eggs, yogurt) as symptoms improve over 2-3 days. Then slowly transition back to normal high-fiber diet.
High-Fiber Diet (Prevention)
Aim for 25-35 grams of fiber daily from fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Increase fiber GRADUALLY (5g per week) to avoid [bloating](/condition/constipation). Fiber softens stool and reduces colon pressure. This is the #1 preventive measure.
Heat Therapy
Apply a heating pad to the lower abdomen during mild pain episodes. Helps relax muscles and improve comfort. Use for 15-20 minutes at a time. Do not use during acute infection with fever.
Probiotics
May help restore healthy gut bacteria and reduce inflammation. Studies show possible benefit in preventing recurrence. Choose multi-strain probiotics. Discuss with doctor, especially during active infection.
Regular Exercise
Moderate exercise (walking, swimming, cycling) for 30 minutes most days significantly reduces diverticulitis risk. Exercise promotes healthy bowel function and reduces colon pressure. Also helps maintain healthy weight - another protective factor.
Note: Home remedies may help relieve symptoms but are not substitutes for medical treatment. Consult a healthcare provider before trying any new remedy, especially if you have underlying health conditions.
FDA-Approved Medications
Important: The medications listed below are FDA-approved treatments. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any medication. This information is for educational purposes only.
Amoxicillin-Clavulanate (Augmentin)
Broad-spectrum antibiotic commonly prescribed for uncomplicated diverticulitis. Covers the typical bacteria involved. Usually taken for 7-10 days.
Warning: May cause diarrhea, nausea, rash. Allergic reactions possible. Complete full course even if feeling better.
Metronidazole (Flagyl) + Ciprofloxacin
Combination antibiotic therapy for moderate diverticulitis. Metronidazole covers anaerobic bacteria, ciprofloxacin covers gram-negative bacteria. Standard 7-10 day course.
Warning: Metronidazole: no alcohol during use (severe reaction). Ciprofloxacin: tendon rupture risk, photosensitivity. Report any numbness/tingling.
Mesalamine (for chronic diverticular disease)
Anti-inflammatory medication sometimes used to prevent recurrence. May reduce chronic inflammation in the colon. Evidence is mixed but some patients benefit.
Warning: Not standard first-line treatment. May cause headache, nausea. Kidney function should be monitored.
Lifestyle Changes
- ✓Eat a high-fiber diet with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes
- ✓Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water daily
- ✓Exercise for at least 30 minutes most days of the week
- ✓Maintain a healthy weight - lose excess weight if needed
- ✓Quit smoking - significantly reduces risk of complications
- ✓Limit red meat to 2-3 servings per week maximum
- ✓Avoid regular NSAID use (ibuprofen, aspirin) - use acetaminophen
- ✓Respond promptly to the urge for bowel movements - don't delay
- ✓Manage [stress](/condition/anxiety) - it can affect gut health
- ✓Get regular screening colonoscopy as recommended by age
- ✓Consider probiotics for gut health maintenance
- ✓Learn your personal trigger foods and avoid them
Risk Factors
- Age over 40
- Low-fiber diet
- Obesity
- Lack of physical activity
- Smoking
- Regular NSAID use
- Western diet (high fat, low fiber)
- Family history
- Male sex (higher risk for younger adults)
Prevention
- Eat 25-35 grams of fiber daily from whole foods
- Drink adequate water throughout the day
- Exercise regularly (at least 150 minutes per week)
- Maintain healthy weight
- Don't smoke
- Limit red meat and processed foods
- Avoid excessive NSAID use
- Respond promptly to bowel urges
When to See a Doctor
Consult a healthcare provider if you experience any of the following:
- Severe abdominal pain, especially in lower left side
- Fever above 101°F (38.3°C) with abdominal pain
- Unable to keep food or fluids down
- No bowel movement for more than 3 days with pain
- Blood in stool
- Abdominal pain that keeps getting worse
- Signs of dehydration
- Previous diverticulitis with recurring symptoms
- Abdominal rigidity or board-like abdomen (EMERGENCY)
- Severe pain with high fever and vomiting (EMERGENCY)
Talk to a Healthcare Provider
If your symptoms are persistent, severe, or concerning, please consult with a qualified healthcare professional for proper evaluation and personalized advice.
Frequently Asked Questions about Diverticulitis
Click on a question to see the answer.
Yes! The old advice to avoid seeds, nuts, corn, and popcorn has been debunked. Multiple large studies show these foods do NOT increase diverticulitis risk. In fact, nuts and seeds are high in fiber and may actually be protective. Current guidelines recommend eating a varied, high-fiber diet including these foods.
Diverticulitis typically causes severe, localized pain (usually left lower abdomen) with fever and elevated white blood cell count. [IBS](/condition/ibs) causes diffuse, cramping pain that comes and goes without fever. Diverticulitis is diagnosed by CT scan showing inflammation. IBS is diagnosed by symptom pattern. You can have both conditions. See our [Diverticulitis vs IBS comparison](/compare/diverticulitis-vs-ibs) for detailed differences.
Most people (75%) with uncomplicated diverticulitis are treated successfully with antibiotics alone. Surgery is considered for: complicated cases (abscess, perforation, fistula), recurrent episodes (though guidelines are evolving), or emergency situations. Elective surgery removes the affected section of colon. Recovery takes 4-6 weeks.
Yes, recurrence is common. After a first episode, about 20-35% of people will have another within 5 years. A high-fiber diet, regular exercise, maintaining healthy weight, and not smoking significantly reduce recurrence risk. Some doctors prescribe medications to prevent recurrence in high-risk patients.
More Digestive Issues Conditions
References & Sources
This information is based on peer-reviewed research and official health resources:
- 1
- 2
Diverticulitis Information
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
View Source
Was this information helpful?
Your feedback is anonymous and helps us improve our content.
Medical Disclaimer
The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions you have regarding a medical condition. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency services immediately.
Explore QuickSymptom
Last Updated:
Reviewed by QuickSymptom Health Team
This content is for educational purposes only.
Not a substitute for professional medical advice.