What should you know about bacterial diverticulitis?

Diverticular disease describes small pouches that form in the bowel wall. Diverticulitis occurs when one or more pouches become inflamed, sometimes with bacterial involvement. A common presentation is steady pain, often in the lower abdomen, with tenderness. Fever, nausea, constipation, diarrhoea, or a change in usual bowel movements can also occur. Symptoms can overlap with other abdominal conditions, so the symptom pattern alone cannot establish the cause.

A clinician may ask when the pain began, where it is located, whether bowel movements have changed, and whether you have fever or vomiting. Examination and, when appropriate, further tests help assess inflammation and complications.

Arrange a GP Consultation if abdominal pain is new, persistent, or returning, especially when accompanied by fever or a bowel change. Rest, drink enough fluid to avoid dehydration, and follow the eating plan recommended for your symptoms. Nutrition Counselling can help you review fibre, fluids, and triggers after the acute episode has settled.

Do not start leftover antibiotics or use strong laxatives without medical advice. Treatment depends on examination findings, severity, other illnesses, and whether a complication is suspected.

Seek urgent care for severe or worsening abdominal pain, a rigid or very swollen abdomen, repeated vomiting, faintness, confusion, inability to keep fluids down, blood in the stool, or fever with marked weakness. These features may indicate dehydration, obstruction, perforation, or another condition needing prompt assessment.

Ask what may be causing the pain, whether you need tests, which foods and fluids are suitable now, whether antibiotics are appropriate, and how to recognise a recurrence or complication.