22 Key Points to Know About Living with Diverticulitis

Living with diverticulitis can be a frustrating and painful experience, but knowledge truly is power when it comes to managing it. Diverticulitis stems from small pouches—called diverticula—that can form in the lining of your digestive tract, most often in the colon. While having diverticula (a condition known as diverticulosis) is relatively common—especially with age—they don’t always cause problems. However, when these pouches become inflamed or infected, that’s when diverticulitis strikes, often bringing symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, fever, or changes in bowel habits. The good news? With the right understanding of the warning signs, potential triggers, and treatment options, living a comfortable and healthy life with diverticulitis is entirely possible. That’s why we’ve expanded our list to 22 essential symptoms, causes, and treatments—so you can feel empowered, proactive, and ready to take control of your gut health.

1. Causes Of Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis does not always occur in everyone who lives with diverticula. When a person has these nodules in their colon, it is not a guarantee they will become inflamed or infected; this only occurs if there is too much pressure on the colon. These pockets are weak, and any amount of pressure can cause one to tear or in more severe cases, burst. This causes inflammation and can cause an infection depending on how much bacteria are able to make their way into the torn diverticula. Inflammation due to pressure does not always equal an infection, but it does increase a patient’s likelihood of developing an infection.

2. Pain In The Abdomen

One of the most prevalent signs of diverticulitis is a pain in the abdomen on the left side of the bodythat lasts longer than several days. It is not nearly as common on the right side of the body, but that does not mean it will not ever occur on the right side. Ethnicity, diet, and other factors play a significant role in the development of diverticulitis on the right side. If this pain lasts longer than a day or two, it is more likely a symptom of diverticulitis than a more common issue such as an upset stomach or constipation.

3. Nausea And Vomiting

Pain is not the only symptom of this health issue; nausea and vomiting in addition to pain on the lower left side of the abdomen is another telling sign of diverticulitis. Most patients who experience nausea or vomiting as a result of diverticulitis notice it occurs off and on for several days and is accompanied by pain. While these are two symptoms that appear in any number of health-related issues, the presence of nausea and vomiting along with pain is what makes this issue more prevalent. Nausea can and sometimes will occur without vomiting and can still be a sign of diverticulitis.

4. Other Signs Of Diverticulitis

When the lower abdomen is in pain, and there is a presence of nausea and vomiting, it could be accompanied by a few other less common symptoms. They include fever, tenderness in the abdominal area, constipation, and in certain circumstances, diarrhea. Individually, none of these symptoms are an overwhelming cause for concern, however, a patient who notices one or more of these signs along with nausea and vomiting and pain the lower abdomen should contact their doctor right away to discuss the potential for diverticulitis. It is possible that a patient is suffering from diverticula even if they are young and otherwise quite healthy, outside of these symptoms.

5. Diagnosing Diverticulitis

It is not always easy to diagnose this health issue due to the fact the signs and symptoms are not especially unique to this health problem. Medical professionals look for a way to rule out other common causes of these side effects to diagnose the onset of diverticulitis. In order to do so, a doctor must perform an abdominal check to diagnose the issue. Women are asked to undergo a pelvic exam due to the likelihood of pelvic disease as evidenced by these symptoms. If there is tenderness, the doctor will continue the exam to diagnose diverticulitis to begin a treatment plan for each patient with a positive diagnosis.

6. Additional Testing For Patients With Potential Diverticulitis

Once abdominal pain is reported in a patient, medical professionals perform several other tests to look for diverticulitis. Blood and urine tests are ordered to check for any signs of infection. Women who are not yet past the age of childbearing are required to take a pregnancy test as pregnancy is a common cause of many of the symptoms of diverticulitis, and it must be ruled out. Stool tests are necessary if any patient presents diarrhea as a side effect, and liver function is tested to rule out more serious health problems. Finally, doctors might order a CT scan to verify the presence of infected pockets around the colon.

7. Treating Diverticulitis For Minor Infections

If a patient is suffering from only mild discomfort and signs of this health issue, doctors address the problem as a minor issue as well. Antibiotics are typically prescribed for patients with these symptoms as they are effective in managing and flushing the infection from the body. Since the bowels are profoundly affectedby this health issue, medical professionals recommend that patients forgo solid food in favor of only liquids for two or three days while the bowel is healing. A doctor will tell the patient when they may begin to add solids back into their diet based on the presentation of symptoms after beginning antibiotics.

8. Treating Severe Diverticulitis

While most who are suffering from diverticulitis experience a very mild version with manageable side effects and few complications, other patients have a worse time living with this condition. Some are already ill with other health issues, have a weak immune system, or a frail body. If this is the case, a doctor will recommend a more aggressive form of treatment that includes antibiotics issued intravenously in the hospital. Severely complicated infections could require patients have a tube inserted into their body to drain the infection from the pockets on the colon if they are present in a CT scan. Although both of these situations are very rare, they do happen.

9. Surgery For Diverticulitis

Most patients will not go through a surgical situation to handle their diverticulitis. It is only necessary if the patient also has more significant health issues. Anyone with an auto-immune disease or similar health complications that compromise the immune system will undergo surgery to remove any portion of the intestine with a perforation, fistula, or other diseased areas. The operation used to handle issues of this nature is referred to as a bowel resection. Some patients require an additional colostomy when the infection is so severe it does not allow the colon and rectum to be reconnected. This is a rare phenomenon and is most easily avoidable with an early diagnosis.

10. Lifestyle Changes Capable Of Preventing Diverticulitis

Preventing diverticulitis in many people is as simple as making specific lifestyle changes that include regular exercise. A half hour of exercise each day is enough to avoid many health issues, including weight gain, obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. Consuming more fiber is another easy way to prevent this kind of health complication from occurring. Foods packed with fiber are helpful in the digestive tract as they soften the stool and make it easy to pass. When feces is not stuck in the colon longer than necessary, a person has a smaller chance of suffering from bowel issues and diverticula.

11. Increased Fluid Intake Is A Form Of Prevention

Medical professionals ask their patients with diverticulitis to increase their daily water intake. If an individual is not drinking the recommended amount of water regularly, they increase their risk of developing these pockets that can eventually turn into pain and infection. Drinking ample water is one way to prevent the backup of waste as well as contributing to the positive effects of fiber intake. Water should be consumed every day even when the patient is not thirsty. A doctor can recommend how much water is necessary for their patient's height, weight, and age to allow for the optimal results.

12. Living With Diverticulitis

Living with diverticula is not difficult or even something many people are aware of if they have never experienced an infection. Living with this problem is not entirely problematic, provided sufferers are quick to call their doctor for an exam at the onset of symptoms. By making healthy lifestyle changes, patients can help avoid the start of this health problem in the first place. In addition, this condition is much easier to live with and treat when it is diagnosed early on. Not allowing for diverticulitis to worsen will typically help a person heal faster as well as minimize any long-term effects. As long as a patient takes care of their body, their body will take care of them in return.

13. Impact of Stress on Digestive Health

Chronic stress can play a hidden but powerful role in triggering or worsening diverticulitis flare-ups. High stress levels often contribute to digestive issues such as constipation, bloating, or cramping—all of which can increase pressure in the colon and irritate diverticula. Incorporating stress-reduction techniques like deep breathing, yoga, or mindfulness meditation into your routine can support both gut health and overall well-being. Managing emotional health is just as important as managing physical symptoms.

14. The Fiber Confusion: When Less Is More During Flare-Ups

While fiber is essential for long-term digestive health, eating too much during an active diverticulitis episode can actually worsen symptoms. During flare-ups, doctors often recommend a temporary low-fiber or even clear liquid diet to give the colon time to rest and heal. Once inflammation has subsided, fiber can be gradually reintroduced. It’s all about timing—knowing when to scale back and when to load up can make a huge difference in recovery.

15. Role of Probiotics in Prevention

Probiotics—beneficial bacteria that support gut health—are increasingly being studied for their potential in preventing diverticulitis flare-ups. While more research is needed, some evidence suggests that a healthy balance of gut flora may reduce inflammation and help the colon function more efficiently. Probiotics can be found in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kombucha, or taken as supplements with your doctor’s approval.

16. Recognizing Recurring Symptoms Early

Many patients experience more than one diverticulitis episode in their lifetime. Recognizing the earliest warning signs—such as mild cramping, fatigue, or changes in bowel habits—can allow for faster intervention and less severe outcomes. Keeping a symptom journal may help identify personal triggers or patterns that precede a flare-up, helping patients take action before symptoms escalate.

17. Smoking as a Hidden Risk Factor

Smoking has been linked to a higher risk of diverticulitis complications. Nicotine may compromise blood flow to the intestinal lining and impair immune function, increasing inflammation and delaying healing. For patients living with diverticular disease, quitting smoking can be one of the most powerful changes they make to reduce flare-ups and improve overall digestive health.

18. Understanding Diverticular Bleeding

While less common, some individuals with diverticular disease may experience rectal bleeding. This can occur when small blood vessels near diverticula rupture. Though often painless, diverticular bleeding should never be ignored. It typically resolves on its own, but persistent or heavy bleeding requires immediate medical attention. Knowing this rare but serious symptom can ensure timely care.

19. Customized Diet Plans for Long-Term Management

There’s no one-size-fits-all diet for diverticulitis, which is why working with a registered dietitian can be extremely beneficial. A personalized meal plan can help patients manage symptoms, avoid known triggers, and still enjoy a diverse, satisfying diet. For instance, some patients tolerate seeds and nuts well, while others may need to avoid them. Tailoring the diet allows for greater confidence and fewer digestive surprises.

20. Reintroducing Exercise After a Flare-Up

After a diverticulitis episode, resuming physical activity too quickly can backfire. Gentle movement like walking or stretching is encouraged once symptoms subside, but high-impact or abdominal-straining exercises should be avoided until fully recovered. Exercise supports regular bowel function and strengthens abdominal muscles—both key to preventing future episodes—when introduced at the right pace.

21. Diverticulitis and Medication Interactions

Certain medications—like NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen)—can irritate the digestive tract and increase the risk of diverticulitis complications. Patients should consult their doctor about safe pain relief options and ensure that any long-term medication use won’t worsen their condition. Being aware of drug interactions can prevent unnecessary discomfort and support healing.

22. When to Seek a Specialist

While a primary care provider can manage most cases of diverticulitis, patients with recurring or complicated cases may benefit from seeing a gastroenterologist. A specialist can offer more advanced testing, recommend targeted therapies, or explore surgical options if necessary. Knowing when to seek expert care can lead to better outcomes and long-term peace of mind.

Taking Control of Diverticulitis with Knowledge and Action

Living with diverticulitis doesn’t have to mean living in fear or discomfort. With the right knowledge, awareness, and lifestyle changes, most people can manage their symptoms, reduce flare-ups, and lead a full, vibrant life. From recognizing early warning signs to understanding how diet, stress, and even medications play a role, every step you take toward awareness is a step toward better health. Whether you're navigating a current diagnosis or simply trying to prevent future complications, adopting a gut-friendly lifestyle—rich in fiber, hydration, movement, and mindful choices—can make all the difference. As medical research continues to uncover more about diverticular disease, staying informed empowers you to work alongside your healthcare provider and make decisions that truly support your long-term wellness. Remember: the more you know, the better you can take charge. Your digestive health is in your hands—and with the right care, it can thrive.