Diverticulitis: Symptoms, Treatment at Home or Hospital, and the Diet That Helps

Many people over 50 have small pouches (diverticula) in the wall of the large bowel. Usually they cause no problems. When a pouch becomes inflamed or infected, it is called diverticulitis, and it typically causes pain low on the left side of the tummy.

Imagine a dull ache low in your belly that turns into constant pain with a temperature. Recognising diverticulitis early means you get assessed quickly, and most people recover with simple treatment at home.

The terms explained

• Diverticulosis: having the pouches, usually with no symptoms
• Diverticular disease: the pouches cause symptoms such as tummy pain and bloating
• Diverticulitis: the pouches are inflamed or infected

Symptoms of diverticulitis

• Constant tummy pain, usually low on the left side
• High temperature
• Feeling sick, or a change in bowel habit (constipation or diarrhoea)
• Sometimes blood in the poo

Treatment

Mild diverticulitis is often treated at home with pain relief such as paracetamol, fluids and rest. A doctor will decide whether you need antibiotics; guidelines in some countries now suggest they are not always necessary for mild cases in people who are otherwise well. Severe cases or complications are treated in hospital.

Go to hospital urgently if you have

• Severe or rapidly worsening tummy pain
• A high temperature with shivering or feeling very unwell
• Heavy bleeding from your bottom
• Repeated vomiting

But shouldn’t I avoid nuts and seeds?

That old advice isn’t supported by evidence. A diet high in fibre from fruit, vegetables, whole grains, beans and pulses, with plenty of water and regular exercise, is what helps prevent flare-ups. Increase fibre gradually to avoid bloating.

Sources: NHS, “Diverticular disease and diverticulitis”; NICE guideline NG147, “Diverticular disease: diagnosis and management”; US National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), “Diverticular disease”. This guide is for general information and does not replace advice from your own nurse, doctor or pharmacist.