What happens if diverticular disease is not treated?

Diverticula are small pouches in the bowel wall. They may cause no symptoms, or they may be associated with constipation, abdominal pain, or bleeding in the stool. When a pouch becomes inflamed, pain and fever may occur. Infection can spread around the bowel, and severe inflammation can create an abscess, narrowing, or a hole that allows bowel contents to escape. These complications need medical assessment rather than home treatment alone.

Arrange a GP Consultation for ongoing abdominal pain, a change in bowel habit, or blood in the stool. The clinician may review your medicines, examine your abdomen, and decide whether tests or hospital care are needed. Nutrition Counselling can help you build a suitable fibre and fluid plan once urgent problems have been excluded. Avoid starting laxatives or changing fibre sharply during severe pain without advice.

Go to urgent care for severe or worsening abdominal pain, a swollen abdomen, repeated vomiting, inability to pass stool or gas, fever with marked weakness, fainting, or heavy or persistent blood in the stool. A sudden rigid abdomen or confusion may indicate a serious complication and needs emergency attention.

Ask whether your symptoms suggest diverticulosis or inflammation, which warning signs to watch for, how to manage constipation safely, and whether follow-up testing is needed.