Mild diverticulitis: what to know

Diverticulitis occurs when a pouch in the bowel wall becomes inflamed. Pain is often felt in the lower abdomen and may come with fever, nausea, constipation, or a change in bowel habits. Diverticular disease can exist without inflammation, so symptoms need clinical assessment rather than self-diagnosis. A GP may ask about pain, bowel movements, medicines, previous episodes, and other warning symptoms, then decide whether tests or hospital assessment are needed.

Follow the eating and drinking plan given by your clinician; during a painful episode, some people are advised to choose lighter foods temporarily before returning gradually to their usual diet. Drink fluids unless a medical condition limits this. Rest, use only recommended pain relief, and take prescribed antibiotics exactly as directed. Arrange review if symptoms do not begin to settle or return after improving. Nutrition counselling can help with longer-term bowel habits.

Seek urgent medical help for severe or rapidly increasing abdominal pain, a swollen or hard abdomen, repeated vomiting, inability to keep fluids down, faintness, confusion, or heavy rectal bleeding. Fever with worsening pain also needs prompt assessment. Emergency review is especially important if you cannot pass stool or gas. Do not wait for a routine appointment when you feel acutely unwell.

How confident are we in the diagnosis, and do I need tests? What foods and fluids suit me during recovery? Which pain medicines are appropriate, what changes should trigger urgent care, and when should my bowel symptoms be reviewed?