What should you know about minor diverticulitis?

Diverticula are small pouches that can form in the bowel wall. Diverticulitis occurs when a pouch and nearby tissue become inflamed. Common features include steady pain, often in the lower abdomen, tenderness, feverishness, nausea or a change in bowel habit. Constipation may occur, but it is not required. Symptoms may overlap with bowel infection, urinary problems or other abdominal conditions, so a symptom does not by itself identify diverticulitis. A clinician uses your history and examination to judge the next step.

Contact a GP for advice if new abdominal pain persists or returns, especially with fever, vomiting or altered bowel movements. Rest, drink fluids if you can keep them down, and follow the eating plan advised for your symptoms. Use only pain relief that is suitable for you and take antibiotics only when prescribed. Once the acute symptoms settle, discuss bowel habits, fibre changes and whether nutrition counselling could help. Do not use laxatives or make a major diet change without advice when pain is active.

Get urgent medical help for severe or rapidly worsening abdominal pain, a hard or swollen abdomen, repeated vomiting, faintness, confusion, heavy rectal bleeding, or inability to pass stool or gas. Seek prompt advice for persistent fever, dehydration or symptoms that are not improving. These features can indicate a complication or another urgent abdominal problem and should not be managed at home alone.

Ask whether your symptoms need examination or testing, what foods and fluids are suitable now, which pain medicines are safe for you, and when to arrange review. Ask how to reduce future bowel problems after recovery.