Overview
Diverticulitis is inflammation or infection of small pouches (diverticula) that can form in the wall of the large bowel with age, especially on a low-fibre diet. Many people have these pouches without trouble, but when one becomes inflamed it causes lower-belly pain, usually on the left, with fever and a change in bowel habit. Mild attacks settle with rest, fluids and antibiotics; a severe attack with a burst pouch is an emergency, so worsening belly pain with fever needs prompt care.
Symptoms
- Persistent lower-belly pain, often on the left side
- Fever and feeling unwell
- A change in bowel habit — constipation or diarrhea
- Bloating and tenderness of the belly
- Sometimes blood in the stools
When to see a doctor
See a doctor for persistent lower-belly pain with fever, and urgently for severe belly pain, a rigid abdomen or heavy rectal bleeding.
Emergency — call 108 or go to the nearest hospital
- Severe, spreading belly pain with high fever and a hard, tender abdomen, or heavy rectal bleeding — go to a hospital immediately
Causes
Inflammation of bowel pouches that form with age and a low-fibre diet; obesity, inactivity and smoking add to the risk.