Diverticular disease and diverticulitis affect the large intestine (bowel), causing stomach pain and other discomforts. These conditions happen when small pouches, called diverticula, form in the intestinal walls.
If you have a diverticulitis flare-up, you may experience sudden and intense lower belly or lower back pain, a high fever that doesn’t go away, frequent nausea and vomiting, ongoing diarrhoea, or blood in your stool. These symptoms could mean you need hospital care, as serious cases can lead to complications that require urgent treatment.
Knowing when to go to the hospital is important to manage the condition properly and avoid further health issues.
Common Symptoms of Diverticular Disease
Diverticular disease is when pouches form in the walls of your intestine. On their own, they may not cause problems. But when they do, you might notice:
- Ongoing belly pain, often on the lower left side
- Pain that improves after passing gas or having a bowel movement
- Constipation (trouble passing stool)
- Diarrhoea (frequent loose stools)
- Bloating and cramping
- Blood in the stool (red or dark-coloured)
The NHS advises getting medical help if you notice sudden, severe tummy pain, fever, or blood in your stool. These may be signs of diverticulitis that need urgent treatment.
What Happens During Diverticulitis?
When those pouches get infected or inflamed, the condition is called diverticulitis.
Signs of diverticulitis include:
- Severe, constant stomach pain (often lower left belly)
- Fever over 38°C (100.4°F)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Rectal bleeding or mucus
When to Go to the Hospital with Diverticulitis?
It’s essential to monitor your symptoms closely. Seek immediate hospital care if you experience:
- Severe Abdominal Pain: Especially if it’s sudden, intense, and unrelenting.
- High Fever: Persistent temperature above 38°C (100.4°F).
- Excessive Nausea and Vomiting: Leading to an inability to keep down fluids.
- Signs of Infection: Such as chills, weakness, or fatigue.
- Rectal Bleeding: Noticing blood in your stool or on toilet paper.
- Inability to Pass Gas or Stool: Suggesting a possible bowel obstruction.
These symptoms may indicate a severe diverticulitis flare-up, requiring prompt medical attention.
Complications that Require Hospitalisation
Severe cases of diverticulitis can lead to complications that necessitate hospital care:
- Abscess Formation: Pockets of pus that develop in the abdomen.
- Perforation: A tear or hole in the intestinal wall.
- Peritonitis: Infection of the abdominal lining due to perforation.
- Fistulas: Abnormal connections between the intestine and other organs.
- Intestinal Obstruction: Blockage preventing the passage of contents through the intestine.
If you suspect any of these complications, it’s imperative to seek immediate medical care.
Diagnosis of Diverticular Disease
If you have diverticula but no symptoms (known as diverticulosis), they’re often found by chance during routine tests such as a colonoscopy for bowel screening. According to the NHS, many people don’t know they have diverticula until these tests are carried out.
If you visit your GP with symptoms like stomach pain or changes in bowel habits, they’ll carry out an assessment. This typically involves enquiring about the type of symptoms you’re experiencing, their severity, and frequency, as well as your medical history, diet, and bowel habits.
Your doctor may also examine your abdomen to check for tenderness or lumps. In some cases, they might perform a rectal exam to feel for any signs of pain or swelling inside the back passage. They will also ask about:
- The type, severity, and frequency of your symptoms.
- Your medical history, diet, and bowel movements.
Your doctor may also:
- Examine your abdomen by pressing on your stomach to check for pain or lumps.
- Do a rectal exam by gently feeling inside your back passage to check for tenderness.
- Tests to Confirm Diverticular Disease
To make a clear diagnosis, your doctor may recommend:
- Blood and urine tests – To check for infection or inflammation.
- Imaging tests (CT, MRI, or ultrasound scans) – To examine your abdomen and look for signs of diverticulitis or complications.
- Colonoscopy, CT colonoscopy, or flexible sigmoidoscopy – Procedures where a thin tube with a camera is inserted into the bowel to check for diverticula, rule out other conditions, and locate any bleeding.
These tests help doctors confirm the diagnosis and provide the right treatment for your symptoms.
Final Thought
Diverticular disease and diverticulitis can cause discomfort and, in some cases, serious complications. While mild symptoms can often be managed with diet and lifestyle changes, severe pain, fever, or bleeding may require urgent medical attention.
If you’re wondering about diverticulitis life expectancy, most people with the condition live a normal life when properly managed. However, getting the right diagnosis is important since symptoms can be similar to other conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do you know if diverticulitis is serious?
Diverticulitis can become serious if you experience blood in your stool, a fever over 100.4°F (38°C) that doesn’t go away, nausea, vomiting, or chills. These signs could mean an infection or complications, so it’s important to see a doctor if they don’t improve.
2. When do you need to go to the hospital for diverticulitis?
You should go to the emergency room (ER) if you have severe lower belly or lower back pain, a high fever, ongoing nausea and vomiting, persistent diarrhoea, or blood in your stool. These symptoms could mean your diverticulitis has worsened and requires urgent medical care.
3. How long does a diverticulitis attack last?
For most people (about 95%), a mild diverticulitis attack clears up within a week without serious problems. However, in around 5% of cases, symptoms may persist and require medical treatment.
4. What foods should you avoid with diverticulitis?
If you have diverticulitis, certain high-fibre foods can make symptoms worse. It’s best to avoid:
- Whole grains like brown rice and whole wheat bread.
- Fruits and vegetables with skin and seeds, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and berries.
- Nuts and seeds, which can be hard to digest.
- Beans, as they may cause bloating and discomfort.
- Popcorn, can be difficult to pass through the digestive system.
5. Can diverticulitis be life-threatening?
Most cases of diverticulitis, even when complicated, respond well to treatment and don’t affect life expectancy. However, in rare cases, a bowel perforation or ruptured abscess can lead to life-threatening complications. Seeking timely medical care helps prevent serious risks.
