What to expect from a GP consultation for diverticular disease

Your GP may ask about pain location and pattern, constipation or diarrhoea, bloating, blood or mucus in stool, fever, nausea, weight change and how symptoms affect eating. They may feel your abdomen and check your general condition. Diverticular disease can cause pockets in the bowel without inflammation, while diverticulitis involves inflammation and may need different care. Depending on your symptoms, your GP may arrange blood or stool tests, imaging or specialist review, while also considering other bowel conditions.

Record when pain and bowel changes occur, what you eat, your fluid intake and any medicines that affect digestion. Bring details of previous bowel tests and family history. Follow advice about fluids, fibre or temporary dietary changes rather than making major restrictions alone. Take prescribed treatment as directed and arrange the planned review. Tell your GP if symptoms are not settling, recur often or interfere with normal activities.

Seek urgent medical care for severe or worsening abdominal pain, a hard or swollen abdomen, repeated vomiting, inability to pass stool or gas, heavy rectal bleeding, fainting, confusion, or fever with marked illness. Contact your GP promptly for persistent bleeding, unexplained weight loss, ongoing change in bowel habit or pain that is becoming more frequent.

Ask whether your symptoms suggest uncomplicated diverticular disease or inflammation, whether tests are needed, how to adjust fibre and fluids, which pain medicines are suitable, and what changes should trigger urgent review.