Trust your gut
Diverticuli are herniations in the muscular layer of the colon that produce small, saclike swellings. Diverticulitis occurs when these small pouches become inflamed or infected. When this happens it can become painful and cause symptoms ranging from abdominal pain to fever.
Mild Symptoms
You may be put on a liquid diet for a short time. Antibiotics are usually prescribed. If these two steps relieve your symptoms, you may then be prescribed a high-fiber diet. If you still have symptoms, your healthcare provider will discuss more treatment choices with you.
Severe Symptoms
If your diverticulitis is severe or life-threatening, you may require surgery to treat the problem. Your doctor may recommend surgery if you have:
- Bleeding from your rectum or blood in the stool
- Constipation diarrhea, or vomiting lasting more than a few days
- Hole in your colon (perforation)
- Inability to pass waste (bowel obstruction) resulting from a colon blockage
- Intense pain in your abdomen lasting more than a few days
- Multiple severe episodes which can't be controlled by medication and lifestyle changes
- Severe infection resulting in sepsis