Diverticulitis: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Diverticulitis is a condition affecting the colon (large intestine), beginning with the formation of small outward-bulging pouches called diverticula in the weak points of the colon wall, a common condition known as diverticulosis that often causes no symptoms in itself. But when one of these pouches becomes inflamed or infected, the condition develops into diverticulitis, which causes symptoms. The chances of forming diverticula increase with age, and low dietary fiber is thought to play an important role.

The most prominent sign of diverticulitis is abdominal pain, often in the lower left part of the abdomen (where the most affected part of the colon is located), and the pain is persistent and may last for days, unlike transient intestinal cramps. The pain is often accompanied by fever and chills, a change in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea), nausea, and sometimes bloating and tenderness when pressing on the abdomen. The condition's severity ranges from a mild, uncomplicated attack to a severe attack that may be associated with complications such as abscess formation, perforation of the colon, or obstruction, conditions requiring urgent care.

Diverticulitis is diagnosed by clinical assessment, blood tests, and often a CT scan that confirms the diagnosis and determines its severity and the presence of complications. Treatment depends on severity: in mild uncomplicated attacks, home treatment with rest and dietary modification (sometimes a liquid or low-fiber diet temporarily during the acute attack) with painkillers may suffice, and antibiotics in selected cases by the doctor's decision. Severe attacks or those with complications may need hospital admission and intravenous antibiotics, and sometimes draining an abscess or surgery. After getting over the acute attack, it is important to gradually move to a fiber-rich diet, because it helps prevent future attacks. Seeing a doctor for persistent abdominal pain with fever is advised to assess the condition and avoid complications.

• Persistent abdominal pain often in the lower left, may last days.
• Fever and chills.
• A change in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea) and nausea.
• Bloating and tenderness when pressing on the abdomen.

• Inflammation or infection of diverticula (the small pouches in the colon wall).
• Low dietary fiber is thought to contribute to the formation of diverticula.
• Aging (diverticula are more common in older adults).

• Clinical assessment and blood tests.
• A CT scan to confirm the diagnosis and determine severity and complications.
• Colonoscopy later after the acute attack resolves (not during it).

Mild uncomplicated attacks

• Rest, dietary modification (liquids or low fiber temporarily), and painkillers.
• Antibiotics in selected cases by the doctor's decision.

Severe or complicated attacks

• Hospital admission and intravenous antibiotics.
• Sometimes draining an abscess or surgery.

After the attack

• Gradually moving to a fiber-rich diet to prevent attacks.

This content is educational and does not replace medical advice.

• Formation of an abscess around the colon.
• Perforation of the colon and peritonitis (serious).
• Obstruction or a fistula, and bleeding.

• A fiber-rich diet (vegetables, fruits, whole grains).
• Drinking plenty of water and regular physical activity.
• Maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding smoking.