Does diverticular disease cause constipation?

Constipation is a common presentation of Diverticular Disease, although constipation can also have other causes. Diverticula are small pouches that form in the wall of the colon. Changes in stool movement, low fibre intake, reduced fluid intake, or medicines may contribute to constipation around the same time.

Diverticular disease may be associated with constipation, bloating, cramping, or a change in bowel habits. These symptoms do not identify one cause on their own. Constipation may mean stools are hard, difficult to pass, or less frequent than is usual for you. Diverticulitis is different: it is inflammation of a diverticulum and may cause steady lower abdominal pain, fever, or feeling unwell.

A clinician may ask when the change began, whether pain is present, what your stools look like, and which medicines or supplements you take. That history helps separate uncomplicated constipation from a problem needing prompt assessment.

Keep a simple record of bowel movements, stool hardness, pain, and any blood. Unless a clinician has told you to restrict fluids or fibre, drink regularly and increase fibre gradually through foods such as vegetables, fruit, beans, and whole grains. Gentle activity and responding to the urge to open your bowels may help.

Do not suddenly use repeated laxatives or make a major diet change if you have significant pain, vomiting, or marked abdominal swelling. A pharmacist or clinician can help choose an appropriate option and check whether a medicine is contributing.

Seek urgent medical help for severe or worsening abdominal pain, a swollen abdomen with vomiting, inability to pass stool or gas, fever with abdominal tenderness, or black or bloody stools. Arrange a medical review for constipation that persists, keeps returning, or comes with unexplained weight loss, tiredness, or a sustained change in bowel habit.

Ask whether your symptoms fit diverticular disease or another bowel problem, whether any medicines could be slowing your bowel, what fibre and fluid changes suit you, and which warning signs should prompt same-day care.