What should you know about diverticulitis eMedicine?

Diverticulitis involves inflammation around a pouch in the large bowel. Online descriptions may help you recognise terms such as abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, nausea or fever, but the same symptoms can occur with other problems. A web search cannot examine your abdomen, assess dehydration, review your medicines, or decide whether tests are needed. Use [Diverticular Disease](/conditions/diverticular-disease/) as general background, not as a personal diagnosis.

Avoid comparing yourself with an example case. The location, timing and severity of symptoms matter, as do pregnancy, older age, immune conditions and previous bowel problems.

Write down symptoms, their onset, bowel changes, temperature if measured, medicines and relevant medical history before contacting a clinician. Arrange a [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) when symptoms are new, persistent or recurring. Do not use online advice to choose antibiotics, stop prescribed medicine, or make a restrictive diet. [Nutrition Counselling](/treatments/lifestyle-and-wellness/nutrition-counselling/) can provide individual dietary support after assessment.

Seek urgent help for severe or worsening abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, a rigid or very swollen abdomen, inability to pass stool or gas, faintness, confusion, or significant fever. Blood in the stool also needs prompt assessment. For symptom vocabulary, see [Abdominal Pain](/symptoms/abdominal-pain/) and [Constipation](/symptoms/constipation/), but use urgent services when red flags are present.

Ask what diagnosis fits your findings, whether tests are needed, which self-care steps are suitable for you, and how to contact the service if symptoms change.