What Is Diverticulitis Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment and Prevention Everyday Health Menu NewslettersSearch Diverticulitis What Is Diverticulitis Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment and Prevention By Ashley WelchMedically Reviewed by Ira Daniel Breite, MD Reviewed: May 12, 2022 Medically Reviewed Diverticulitis is an infectious inflammatory condition that occurs in a diverticula, a thinned-out portion of the colon.The condition is a form of Signs and Symptoms of Diverticulitis While diverticulosis doesn’t present symptoms, there are clear warning signs of diverticulitis, the inflamed form of the condition, including: Although many of these symptoms overlap with other What Does Diverticulitis Pain Feel Like The The pain can come on suddenly and severely, or it may increase in severity over a period of days. It can also fluctuate in intensity. Advanced Symptoms of Diverticulitis Fever over 100 degrees F (38 degrees C)Worsening or severe Common Questions & Answers What foods trigger diverticulitis? No specific foods are known to trigger diverticulitis, but a low-fiber, high-animal-fat diet may increase your risk. Contrary to a once-popular belief, nuts, popcorn, and seeds don’t cause diverticulitis Can diverticulitis pain radiate to the back? Symptoms of diverticulitis include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fever, and constipation or diarrhea. Pain often affects the lower left side of the abdomen, but it can radiate to the back, legs, groin, and side as well. Can diverticulitis heal itself? Very mild diverticulitis may improve on its own without treatment. But even the mildest symptoms may require an antibiotic and over-the-counter pain relievers to treat the infection and inflammation, respectively. What is the best treatment for diverticulitis? Your doctor may recommend oral antibiotics, pain relievers, and a liquid diet until your bowel heals. Slowly increasing your fiber intake can also improve symptoms. Severe or complicated diverticulitis may require hospitalization or surgery to treat an abscess, repair a rupture in the bowel wall, or remove diseased parts of the intestines. What drinks should you avoid with diverticulitis? Drinking plenty of fluids can soften your stool, making it easier to pass. Aim for 6 to 8 cups of fluid per day. This can include water, tea, coffee, and fruit juice. Avoid carbonated drinks, which can cause bloating or gas and worsen symptoms of diverticulitis. Causes and Risk Factors of Diverticulitis Aging People older than 40 are more likely to be diagnosed with diverticulitis.Obesity A Certain medications Steroids, Can Nuts and Seeds Increase Your Risk of Diverticulitis This theory explains why, for decades, doctors advised people with diverticulosis (the presence of diverticula) not to eat Can a Low-Fiber Diet Cause Diverticula to Form Research suggests that the link between a low- Editor' s Picks Why Is Fiber Important in Digestive Health? A bloated and upset belly may be a sign you’re not getting enough of this important nutrient. Learn how to get more in your diet and how much is enough.… Learn More How Is Diverticulitis Diagnosed If you are experiencing any of the Your doctor may recommend hospitalization if you have the following characteristics or symptoms:You are older.You are unable to take oral fluids.You have other existing health conditions.The inflammation or infection you are experiencing is particularly severe. Most Recent in Diverticulitis Study Shows Depression Affects IBD Patients and Their Siblings Gut Check Can Cookie Dough Really Harm Your Gut 5 Natural Ways to Manage Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms Early Research Reveals Key Player in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease See all in Diverticulitis Duration of Diverticulitis Treatment and Medication Options for Diverticulitis If you are generally in good health and the inflammation or infection you are experiencing is not severe, your doctor will likely proceed with nonsurgical, at-home treatments for diverticulitis. Diet Options For mild cases, doctors prescribe a light or low-residue diet. Sometimes a clear liquid diet for a few days is required to treat diverticulitis. This allows your digestive tract to rest and begin healing and will also keep you hydrated. Foods and drinks to consume might include:Clear brothsClear soupsJuices without pulp, such as apple juicePlain gelatinIce chipsWaterTea without milk As you begin to feel better, you can start reintroducing foods into your diet, including:Canned or cooked fruit and vegetables with no skin or seedsEggs, fish, and poultryWhite breadLow-fiber cerealMilk, yogurt, and cheeseWhite rice, pasta, and noodles Medication OptionsIn the past, oral antibiotics were considered the first line of therapy for For most patients, Surgery Options In more complicated cases of diverticulitis — an abscess or gross Alternative and Complementary TherapiesThere is very little evidence that alternative therapies and complementary supplements are useful treatments for diverticulitis. You should always consult with your doctor before adding a new supplement to your diet, particularly if you have diverticulitis or other health conditions. More on Fiber 11 High-Fiber Foods Fruit, veggies, nuts, and seeds are some foods naturally high in fiber.… Learn More Prevention of Diverticulitis To Complications of Diverticulitis Left untreated, diverticulitis can lead to life-threatening illness. About 25 percent of people with diverticulitis develop complications. Some of these include:AbscessFistula As with many diseases, age is a You can help Most Popular in Digestive Health 8 Easy Ways to Tame Excessive Gas Home Remedies for Gas and Bloating 3 Ways to Treat Diarrhea 9 Foods That Help Relieve Nausea Research and Statistics How Many People Have Diverticulitis About 50 percent of people in Western countries who experience diverticular bleeding have it in the right colon. BIPOC Communities and Diverticulitis Diverticulitis affects people differently, with complications and hospitalization occurring more among certain races and ethnic groups — namely Black, Hispanic, and Native Americans. Black Americans and DiverticulitisAccording to research, there were about 30 hospitalizations for diverticulitis per 100,000 Black Americans between 2000 and 2010. Diverticular bleeding was more prevalent in Black people during this 10-year period, too. This is likely due to Hispanic Americans and Diverticulitis Hispanic Americans are less likely to have surgery for recurrent diverticulitis, however, and they’re also less likely to have diverticular bleeding, according to research. Native Americans and Diverticulitis It's believed that this disparity is largely due to the higher rate of diverticulitis risk factors like smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity among Native Americans. Editor s Picks in Digestive Health 11 Tips for Better Digestive Health Here' s What May Be Causing Your Digestive Gas Pain 9 Common Digestive Conditions From Top to Bottom What Causes Constipation Related Causes and Conditions of Diverticulitis When left untreated, diverticulitis can cause complications such as a bowel obstruction, perforation, or abscess. But conditions related to diverticulitis aren’t limited to those affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Diverticulitis has been associated with other ailments, too. Colorectal CancerAfter hospitalization for diverticular disease, a person's risk of Heart DiseaseOne study evaluating the risk of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in people with and without diverticular disease found that ACS was significantly higher in the group living with diverticular disease. The exact link is unknown, but chronic inflammation likely contributes to both conditions, and they have similar risk factors (obesity, inactivity, smoking, and Type 2 Diabetes DementiaIncidence of diverticular disease has also been higher in people with More on Digestive Health Seriously Bloated: Warning Signs You Shouldn't Ignore Plus, learn about nine common causes of belly bloat.… Learn More Diverticulitis Resources We Love Favorite Resources for Patient Information Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking Definition and Facts for Diverticular Disease. Show Less NEWSLETTERS Sign up for our Digestive Health Newsletter SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The Latest in Diverticulitis Diverticulitis Causes and Risk Factors Although scientists widely believe constipation is one of the main causes of diverticulitis, you should be aware of other causes and risk factors for ...By Ajai RajSeptember 30, 2022 How Is Diverticulitis Treated? Traditional, Alternative, and Surgical Options to Consider Diverticulitis can happen suddenly, but whether your attack is mild or severe, there are ways to overcome the ache and get back on your feet.By Valencia HigueraMarch 3, 2022 What Are the Potential Complications and Comorbidities of Diverticulitis? Untreated, diverticulitis can be serious, leading to issues such as bowel obstruction and fistula. Get the information you need to lower your risk for...By Rena GoldmanMarch 20, 2018 14 Online Resources for Preventing or Treating Diverticulitis Looking for ways to cope with diverticulitis? Here’s a list of online resources to bookmark the next time you need tips on controlling and managing symptoms...By Valencia HigueraMarch 16, 2018 The Best and Worst Foods for Managing or Preventing Diverticulitis Eating a diet high in fiber can help prevent diverticulitis. But it’s important to avoid fiber if you have the condition.By Angela Lemond, RDNMarch 14, 2018 What Is the Sigmoid Colon, and What Does It Have to Do With Diverticulitis? Everything You Need to Know Diverticulitis often affects the sigmoid colon. Learn how to keep this section of your colon healthy to prevent an attack.By Valencia HigueraMarch 14, 2018 What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Diverticulitis, and How Is It Diagnosed? Pain in your lower left side is the most common symptom of diverticulitis, but you should be aware of other signs as well. 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