Diverticulitis
What is Diverticulitis?
Diverticulitis is inflammation or infection of small pouches that form in your colon. These pouches are called diverticula. They develop when weak spots in the colon wall bulge outward over time.
Having diverticula is common and usually harmless. This condition is called diverticulosis. Most people have no symptoms at all. But when one or more pouches become inflamed or infected, it becomes diverticulitis. This can cause sudden and severe abdominal pain.
Diverticulitis ranges from mild to severe. Mild cases may resolve with rest and antibiotics. Severe cases can lead to complications like abscesses, perforation, or blockages. These require urgent medical care. Understanding your risk and catching inflammation early helps prevent serious problems.
Symptoms
- Sudden pain in the lower left side of the abdomen
- Pain that worsens with movement or coughing
- Fever and chills
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Bloating and abdominal tenderness
- Loss of appetite
- Blood in the stool, though less common
Many people with diverticula have no symptoms until inflammation occurs. Pain typically appears suddenly and may feel constant. The severity of symptoms can help doctors assess if complications are present.
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Causes and risk factors
Diverticulitis happens when diverticula in the colon become inflamed or infected. The exact cause is not fully understood. Bacteria from trapped stool or food particles may trigger infection. A diet low in fiber can increase pressure in the colon and contribute to pouch formation. Age is a major factor, with most cases occurring after age 40. Other risk factors include lack of exercise, obesity, smoking, and certain medications like steroids or NSAIDs.
Lifestyle choices play a key role in risk. Eating processed foods and red meat while avoiding fruits, vegetables, and whole grains raises your chances. Chronic constipation and straining during bowel movements add stress to the colon wall. Genetics may also contribute, as diverticular disease can run in families. Addressing these root causes through diet and lifestyle changes can reduce your risk significantly.
How it's diagnosed
Doctors diagnose diverticulitis using a combination of medical history, physical exam, and testing. Your doctor will ask about symptoms and press on your abdomen to check for tenderness. Blood tests help identify infection and inflammation. An elevated white blood cell count often indicates active infection and helps assess severity. Rite Aid offers blood testing that measures WBC levels to detect signs of inflammation.
Imaging tests provide a clearer picture. A CT scan is the most common test to confirm diverticulitis and check for complications. It can show inflamed pouches, abscesses, or perforations. Colonoscopy is usually avoided during acute episodes to prevent perforation. Your doctor may recommend one later to rule out other conditions like colon cancer. Early testing helps catch problems before they become serious.
Treatment options
- Rest your digestive system with a clear liquid diet during flare-ups
- Gradually add low-fiber foods, then return to high-fiber eating as symptoms improve
- Take antibiotics as prescribed to clear infection
- Use pain relievers like acetaminophen, but avoid NSAIDs which can worsen inflammation
- Increase daily fiber intake to 25 to 35 grams to prevent future episodes
- Stay hydrated by drinking at least 8 glasses of water daily
- Exercise regularly to support healthy bowel function
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce colon pressure
- Quit smoking to lower inflammation risk
- Consider surgery for severe cases, recurrent episodes, or complications like abscesses or perforation
Concerned about Diverticulitis? Get tested at Rite Aid.
- Simple blood draw at your nearest lab
- Results in days, not weeks
- Share results with your doctor
Frequently asked questions
Diverticulitis pain is usually sudden and severe in the lower left abdomen. It feels constant and may worsen with movement, coughing, or pressing on the area. Some people describe it as a sharp or cramping sensation that does not go away on its own.
Mild diverticulitis may improve with rest and a liquid diet. But most cases need antibiotics to clear the infection. Without proper treatment, the condition can worsen and lead to serious complications. Always see a doctor if you suspect diverticulitis.
Diverticulosis means you have small pouches in your colon, but they are not inflamed. Most people have no symptoms. Diverticulitis is when one or more pouches become inflamed or infected. This causes pain, fever, and other symptoms that require treatment.
A white blood cell count measures infection and inflammation in your body. Elevated WBC levels suggest active diverticulitis and help doctors assess severity. Rite Aid offers blood testing that includes WBC to detect signs of inflammation early.
Yes, diet plays a major role in prevention. Eating a high-fiber diet with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains reduces colon pressure. Drinking plenty of water and limiting red meat and processed foods also helps. Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight lower your risk.
During a flare-up, stick to clear liquids and avoid solid foods temporarily. Once symptoms improve, avoid foods that may irritate your gut like nuts, seeds, popcorn, and spicy foods, though recent research suggests these may be safe for most people. Focus on gradual fiber increases and foods that support gut health.
Mild cases often improve within a few days with antibiotics and dietary changes. Most people feel better in 7 to 10 days. Severe cases requiring hospitalization may take several weeks. Follow your treatment plan closely to prevent recurrence.
Yes, untreated diverticulitis can lead to abscesses, perforation, or bowel obstruction. A perforation allows intestinal contents to leak into the abdomen, causing a serious infection called peritonitis. These complications require emergency surgery. Early diagnosis and treatment prevent most serious outcomes.
See a doctor immediately if you have severe abdominal pain, fever, or vomiting. Seek emergency care if you have signs of complications like rapid heart rate, confusion, or severe tenderness. Regular check-ups and blood tests help monitor inflammation and catch problems early.
Most people manage diverticulitis with medication and lifestyle changes. Surgery is reserved for severe cases, recurrent episodes, or complications like abscesses or perforations. Your doctor will discuss surgery if conservative treatment fails or if you have multiple flare-ups within a short time.