What is diverticulitis?
Diverticulosis is a common condition that occurs when small bulges or pouches (diverticula) push through the lining of the large intestine (colon). Diverticulitis occurs if these pouches become inflamed or infected. This can cause mild to severe abdominal pain, fever, and other uncomfortable symptoms. Diverticulosis and diverticulitis are referred to as “diverticular disease.”
If you have severe abdominal pain along with a fever, you should talk to a medical professional. At MedStar Health, our gastroenterologists are experts in diagnosing and treating diverticulitis with the most updated, evidence-based treatment approaches based on your individual needs and health.
What are the most common symptoms of diverticulitis?
If diverticula become inflamed or infected, diverticulitis symptoms may include:
- Abdominal pain in a specific part of the abdomen (often the lower left half)
- Fever
- Change in bowel habits (such as constipation)
Symptoms of diverticulitis can be mild to severe but should almost always be evaluated by a healthcare provider. Some signs are similar to symptoms of other gastrointestinal conditions, so it’s important to get to the root of what’s causing your symptoms. Many mild episodes of diverticulitis can be treated with dietary changes at home. In other cases, oral antibiotics or hospital admission is necessary for treatment.
Risk factors and causes of diverticulitis
Several factors can increase your risk of developing an infection or inflammation (diverticulitis), such as taking high doses of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Motrin and Aleve.
Studies show that eating nuts and seeds does not cause diverticulitis. These foods are good sources of fiber and don’t need to be avoided.
Diagnosing diverticulitis
To diagnose diverticulitis, your healthcare provider will conduct a thorough history and physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms and medical history. They may also recommend:
- A CT scan, which may reveal a segment of inflammation and pouches (diverticulum) within the colon
- Blood work, which can show signs of an infection or inflammation
How is diverticulitis treated?
In many cases, we can observe and treat mild diverticulitis at home. If your pain isn’t severe and you don’t have any bowel obstruction, hydration and some dietary changes can help you recover. Your gastroenterologist may recommend limiting your solid food and fiber intake until you’re healed, at which point you should resume a diet rich in fiber. In some cases, a healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics to help you clear the infection.
If you have moderate to severe diverticulitis or signs of complications, such as a risk of perforation, you will likely need to be admitted to the hospital. There, your healthcare providers will treat you with antibiotics delivered intravenously and complete bowel rest.
Diverticulitis can recur in the same place after treatment, but you will recognize it if you’ve had it before. Patients who have recurrent diverticulitis may be more likely to need antibiotics for treatment.
Our providers
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Omolola Akinmadelo, FNP-BC, DNP
Gastroenterology & Kidney Transplant Surgery
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Bilal Ali, MD
Hepatology & Gastroenterology
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Heather Norton Benedetto, FNP
Gastroenterology
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Bergen Iris Kassoff, PA
Gastroenterology
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Lauren Livesay, FNP-C
Gastroenterology
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Denise Marlatte, FNP
Gastroenterology
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Nicole Mitchell, CRNP
Gastroenterology
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Tehetena Mulugeta, PA
Gastroenterology
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Raena S. Olsen, DO
Gastroenterology
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Alicia Helman Panko, AGNP-C
Gastroenterology
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Kathryn Peacher, CRNP, NP, C
Gastroenterology
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Dana Arlease Sloane, MD
Gastroenterology
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Anusha Vittal, MD
Gastroenterology
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Amber Mechelle Wells, AGACNP-BC
Gastroenterology
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Molly Robeson Wilcox, FNPBC
Gastroenterology
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Angeline Kathlene Williams, AGACNP
Gastroenterology
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Frequently asked quesitons
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Does eating nuts or seeds cause diverticulitis?
No, this is a common myth. There is no evidence that these foods cause diverticulitis. In fact, nuts and seeds are high-fiber foods that should be incorporated into a well-balanced diet.
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What foods should I eat or avoid to treat diverticulitis?
Whether or not you have diverticulitis, it’s important to eat a diet high in fiber, which can prevent constipation. However, if your diverticula becomes inflamed or infected, eating a low-fiber diet can help your digestive system rest. Your doctor may recommend that you avoid solid foods and focus on liquids while you have diverticulitis symptoms. Liquids may include:
- Clear broth
- Water
- Sports drinks
- Plain tea or coffee
You can slowly resume normal eating habits once your bowels have recovered and return to a high-fiber diet.
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Will I need surgery for diverticulitis?
Past treatment recommendations suggested that patients with two episodes of diverticulitis in the same year or a total of three episodes should undergo surgery to remove the affected part of the colon. Today, we can more effectively manage diverticular disease with dietary changes and, at times, antibiotics. As a result, surgery is not recommended as frequently to treat diverticulitis. However, in instances where diverticulitis isn’t responding to non-surgical treatment or you’ve developed complications, your doctor may recommend minimally invasive or open surgery.
Treatment will always vary based on your specific condition, symptoms, medical history, and risks of complications. Talk to your gastroenterologist about what diverticulitis treatment will be most beneficial for you.
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Can I prevent diverticular disease?
Because we don’t know exactly what causes diverticulosis and diverticulitis, there’s no way to prevent diverticular disease. However, it can be helpful to eat a high-fiber diet, stay hydrated, and be physically active to reduce your risk of constipation and straining during bowel movements.