A diverticulitis flare-up often improves within a few days to a week, with mild cases resolving on their own or with simple home care (liquid diet, rest) within days, while more severe or complicated flares might take a week or longer, requiring antibiotics and a longer recovery, potentially up to two weeks or more to fully heal, with symptoms like pain usually localized in the lower abdomen.
Mild, uncomplicated diverticulitis typically resolves on its own at home. "Going from a solid, heavy diet to a softer, more liquid diet for a few days usually helps ease symptoms as the body naturally clears a mild infection," Dr Warner says. More intense pain may warrant antibiotics.
Abdominal pain or tenderness: The most common symptom is sudden onset of abdominal pain, typically on the lower left side but can be elsewhere. The discomfort can be constant or intermittent (but usually constant) and may worsen with movement or pressure. Fever: A diverticulitis flare-up can cause a low-grade fever.
Diverticulitis flare-ups happen when small pouches (diverticula) in the colon get inflamed or infected, often due to trapped stool, bacteria, or food particles, triggered by a diet low in fiber, high in red meat/fat, and lack of exercise, plus risks like obesity, smoking, certain meds (NSAIDs), and stress. A high-fiber diet helps prevent them, while foods like nuts/seeds are now considered beneficial, not harmful, for most.
But some people have recurring (repeat) episodes of diverticulitis, and some people develop chronic inflammation. There are different theories about why this happens. It may be because an acute episode didn't heal completely, or it may be related to another chronic condition in your colon.
In about 95 out of 100 people, uncomplicated diverticulitis goes away on its own within a week. In about 5 out of 100 people, the symptoms stay and treatment is needed. Surgery is only rarely necessary.
The majority of people with diverticula will not have any symptoms; this is known as diverticulosis. Symptoms of diverticulitis tend to be more serious and include: more severe abdominal pain, especially on the left side. high temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F) or above.
Treatment may consist of measures including: Taking painkillers to reduce discomfort. These may be over-the-counter pain medicines such as paracetamol or stronger medicines that require a prescription. Taking Buscopan may help with cramping abdominal pain.
Straining to pass stools increases the pressure in the colon or intestines, which may lead to the formation of these pouches. In some cases, one of the pouches can become inflamed and a small tear develops in the lining of the intestine. This can lead to an infection at the site.
Always see your healthcare provider to be sure. You should seek emergency medical attention for diverticulitis if you experience one or more of the following: Blood in stool. Excessive vomiting or severe nausea.
Diverticulitis perforation is a medical emergency with symptoms like sudden, severe abdominal pain (often lower left), high fever, chills, rapid heart rate, nausea, vomiting, and a rigid, tender abdomen, as bowel contents leak into the abdominal cavity (peritonitis). It requires immediate medical attention, with signs of worsening infection like difficulty breathing or confusion signaling sepsis.
Outpatient diverticulitis is commonly treated with either metronidazole-with-fluoroquinolone or amoxicillin-clavulanate. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration advised that fluoroquinolones be reserved for conditions with no alternative treatment option.
Common alternative conditions that can clinically mimic diverticulitis include small bowel obstruction, primary epiploic appendagitis, acute cholecystitis, appendicitis, ileitis, ovarian cystic disease, and ureteral stone disease.
They found that the optimal time for elective resection was after the third attack of uncomplicated diverticulitis and that the probability of surgery after the first hospitalized attack was the same after three attacks.
Does resting help with diverticulitis? Taking a break and allowing your colon to rest for a few days can help reduce inflammation. Using a heating pad on your abdomen while lying down may also provide relief from mild cramps and discomfort.
Recent advances in the surgical management of diverticulitis have significantly improved patient outcomes and treatment strategies. One notable development is the laparoscopic approach, which has been introduced for the diagnosis and definitive treatment of uncomplicated diverticulitis [3].
Classification
While no specific foods are proven to trigger diverticulitis attacks, a diet rich in high-fiber foods can help maintain digestive health and reduce the risk of complications. High-fiber foods soften waste, decreasing pressure in the digestive tract. Examples include: Fruits.
When diverticulitis leads to sepsis, look out for these specific symptoms:
Honestly, recovering from diverticulitis might take up to two weeks. In the initial days of recuperating from straightforward diverticulitis in the comfort of your home, you'll be on a liquid diet, taking it easy, and using the prescribed medications for pain relief.
For managing mild diverticulitis pain or symptoms at home, your healthcare professional may recommend eating only clear foods and clear liquids for a few days. Examples of clear liquids that you can have include: Chicken, beef or vegetable broth. Fruit juices without pulp, such as apple, cranberry and grape juices.
You can usually treat diverticulitis at home. Your GP may prescribe antibiotics. You can take paracetamol to help relieve any pain. Talk to your GP if paracetamol alone is not working.
Diverticulitis perforation is a medical emergency with symptoms like sudden, severe abdominal pain (often lower left), high fever, chills, rapid heart rate, nausea, vomiting, and a rigid, tender abdomen, as bowel contents leak into the abdominal cavity (peritonitis). It requires immediate medical attention, with signs of worsening infection like difficulty breathing or confusion signaling sepsis.
When to Go to the ER for Diverticulitis. Severe diverticulitis symptoms, including sudden, intense, and continuing lower-abdominal or low-back pain, ongoing fever, excessive nausea and vomiting, persistent diarrhea, and blood in your stools, indicate you might need to go to the hospital.
Some studies show 5 days of antibiotics can work for mild diverticulitis. For example, a study in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology found similar results for 5-day and longer treatments. These studies focus on patients with: Mild to moderate diverticulitis.