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Stomachache
Pain in the lower right stomach
Stomachache gets worse when pressed
Belly button pain
Abdominal pain
Right lower abdominal pain
Abdominal tenderness
Not seeing your symptoms? No worries!
What is Diverticulitis?
Diverticular disease is a group of conditions in which tiny pouches (diverticula) form in the colon. These pouches bulge out through weak spots in your colon. The pouches can become inflamed (red, swollen) or infected. When the pouches are infected, the condition is called diverticulitis. Risk factors include chronic constipation, aging, obesity and a sedentary lifestyle.
Typical Symptoms of Diverticulitis
- Stomach or abdominal pain in a specific area
- History of diverticulitis or diverticular bleeding - small pouches in the intestines
- Constipation with urge to go but unable to pass stool
- Stomach or abdominal pain
- Pain in the lower left abdomen
- Stomach pain that worsens when the stomach is pressed
- Pain in the lower right abdomen
- Persistent stomach or abdominal pain
Diagnostic Questions for Diverticulitis
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this disease:
- Do you have stomach or abdominal pain in a specific area?
- Have you been diagnosed with diverticula or diverticulitis?
- Do you have constipation where you feel the urge to go but can't pass stool?
- Do you have any stomach or abdominal pain?
- Do you feel pain in your lower left abdomen?
Treatment of Diverticulitis
Treatment typically includes a liquid/light diet and antibiotics until symptoms improve. In severe cases with complications or those who don't respond to medical treatment, surgery may be needed.
Reviewed By:
Samantha Nazareth, MD (Gastroenterology)
Board-certified gastroenterologist. Experience managing gastrointestinal conditions (GERD, IBS, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s, celiac disease, NASH) within healthcare organizations (three ambulatory surgical centers, single-specialty practice, multi-specialty practice and solo practice).
Aiko Yoshioka, MD (Gastroenterology)
Dr. Yoshioka graduated from the Niigata University School of Medicine. He worked as a gastroenterologist at Saiseikai Niigata Hospital and Niigata University Medical & Dental Hospital before serving as the Deputy Chief of Gastroenterology at Tsubame Rosai Hospital and Nagaoka Red Cross Hospital. Dr. Yoshioka joined Saitama Saiseikai Kawaguchi General Hospital as Chief of Gastroenterology in April 2018.
Content updated on Mar 31, 2024
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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See full list
Symptoms Related to Diverticulitis
Diseases Related to Diverticulitis
FAQs
Q.
Diverticulitis Symptoms? Why Your Colon Is Inflamed & Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
Diverticulitis most often causes steady lower left abdominal pain with fever and bowel changes, and while many mild cases improve with rest, a short clear-liquid period, and sometimes antibiotics under medical guidance, red flags like high fever, worsening pain, persistent vomiting, rectal bleeding, or a rigid abdomen require urgent evaluation; CT scanning usually confirms the diagnosis and severe cases may need IV treatment or, rarely, surgery. There are several factors to consider, including who is at risk, when to call a doctor vs go to the ER, and how to prevent recurrences with fiber, hydration, exercise, and smoking cessation; see the complete guidance below to choose the safest next step for your situation.
References:
* Stollman N, et al. American Gastroenterological Association Clinical Guidelines on the Management of Diverticulitis. Gastroenterology. 2021 May;160(6):2104-2115. doi: 10.1053/j.gastro.2021.01.066. PMID: 33582121.
* Hupkens TCE, et al. Diverticular disease: an update on the aetiology, epidemiology and management. Neth J Med. 2020 Jan;78(1):3-9. PMID: 32069794.
* Taylor AL, Glasgow RE. Diverticulitis: a contemporary review. Curr Probl Surg. 2018 Jul;55(7):231-252. doi: 10.1067/j.cpsurg.2018.04.001. PMID: 29933758.
* Schaeffer DF, Rivadeneira DE. Treatment of Diverticulitis. Clin Colon Rectal Surg. 2018 Sep;31(5):339-348. doi: 10.1055/s-0038-1646549. PMID: 30174677.
* Tang JH, Maxner CM, Bledsoe AC. Diverticular Disease: Current Understanding and Future Directions. Clin Colon Rectal Surg. 2021 Jul;34(4):259-269. doi: 10.1055/s-0041-1729115. PMID: 34335198.
Q.
Stabbing Gut Pain? Why Diverticulitis Flares & Your Relief Plan
A.
Diverticulitis flares typically cause sharp, constant lower-left belly pain with tenderness and can include fever, nausea, constipation or diarrhea, and bloating; risks rise with low fiber, aging, gut bacteria shifts, obesity, smoking, and inactivity, and urgent care is needed for severe or spreading pain, high fever, vomiting, or a rigid abdomen. Relief often starts with rest and a short clear-liquid phase then gradual diet advance, with antibiotics and imaging when more severe, while prevention focuses on slowly increasing fiber with good hydration, regular exercise, weight management, not smoking, and follow-up like colonoscopy; there are several factors to consider, see below for detailed steps, when to seek emergency help, and what could change your care plan.
References:
* Strate LL, Morris AM. Diverticular disease: current concepts and management. N Engl J Med. 2019 Apr 18;380(16):1549-1556. doi: 10.1056/NEJMcp1801821. PMID: 31002939.
* Rafferty J, et al. Diagnosis and Management of Acute Diverticulitis: 2020 American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons Clinical Practice Guidelines. Dis Colon Rectum. 2020 Jul;63(7):886-905. doi: 10.1097/DCR.0000000000001713. PMID: 32511131.
* Peery AF. Pathogenesis and current management of diverticular disease. J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2021 May;36(5):1251-1259. doi: 10.1111/jgh.15408. PMID: 33411333.
* Lahiri P, Strate LL. Nutritional Considerations in Diverticular Disease. Curr Gastroenterol Rep. 2019 Oct 1;21(11):60. doi: 10.1007/s11894-019-0720-x. PMID: 31570911.
* Tursi A, et al. Management of uncomplicated and complicated diverticulitis. Gastroenterol Rep (Oxf). 2022 Mar 15;5(2):93-100. doi: 10.1093/gastro/goac002. PMID: 35300508.
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Link to full study:
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.29.24312810v1References
Wilkins T, Embry K, George R. Diagnosis and management of acute diverticulitis. Am Fam Physician. 2013 May 1;87(9):612-20. PMID: 23668524.
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2013/0501/p612.htmlEllison DL. Acute Diverticulitis Management. Crit Care Nurs Clin North Am. 2018 Mar;30(1):67-74. doi: 10.1016/j.cnc.2017.10.006. Epub 2017 Nov 29. PMID: 29413216.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0899588517300941?via%3DihubSymer M, Yeo HL. Nonoperative Treatment of Diverticulitis. Adv Surg. 2021 Sep;55:49-56. doi: 10.1016/j.yasu.2021.05.004. Epub 2021 Jul 6. PMID: 34389099.
https://www.advancessurgery.com/article/S0065-3411(21)00004-X/fulltextAmerican College of Gastroenterology
https://gi.org/topics/diverticulosis-and-diverticulitis/