Diverticular Disease & Diverticulitis
Small pouches called diverticula can form in the wall of the colon as we get older. They are very common and usually harmless, but can sometimes cause symptoms or become inflamed.
What is diverticular disease?
Diverticular disease and diverticulitis affect the large bowel (colon). Over time, small pouches called diverticula can develop in the bowel wall. Having these pouches is extremely common as we age and is known as diverticulosis.
Most people with diverticula never know they have them. When the pouches cause symptoms such as tummy pain, it is called diverticular disease. If a pouch becomes inflamed or infected, this is diverticulitis.
Key fact: Diverticula are a normal part of getting older for many people and usually cause no problems at all. Simple steps, including eating enough fibre, can help ease symptoms and keep them away.
Three terms explained
| Term | What it means |
|---|---|
| Diverticulosis | Pouches are present in the bowel, but cause no symptoms |
| Diverticular disease | The pouches cause symptoms such as tummy pain |
| Diverticulitis | One or more pouches become inflamed or infected |
Symptoms
Diverticular disease
- Tummy pain, usually in the lower left side
- Pain that often eases after passing wind or having a poo
- Bloating
- Constipation, diarrhoea, or both
- Occasionally, blood in the stool
Diverticulitis (more serious)
- More severe, constant tummy pain (usually on the left)
- A high temperature (fever)
- Feeling sick or being sick
- A change in bowel habit, sometimes with blood or mucus
- Feeling generally tired and unwell
When to seek help: See your GP if you have ongoing tummy pain or a change in bowel habit. Seek urgent medical advice if you have severe tummy pain with a fever, as diverticulitis sometimes needs prompt treatment.
Causes & risk factors
Diverticula are thought to form when weak spots in the bowel wall give way under pressure, for example from straining with constipation. Factors linked to a higher risk include:
Low-fibre diet
Not eating enough fibre increases pressure in the bowel
Getting older
The bowel wall naturally weakens with age
Constipation & straining
Increases pressure on the bowel wall
Being overweight
Excess weight is linked to higher risk
Lack of physical activity
Not being very physically active contributes to risk
Smoking & NSAIDs
Smoking and some painkillers (anti-inflammatories) increase risk
Diagnosis
- Diverticulosis is often found by chance during tests done for another reason
- A CT scan is the main test if diverticulitis is suspected
- A colonoscopy or CT colonography may be used to look at the bowel lining
- Blood tests can check for signs of infection
Treatment & management
Diverticular disease
- A high-fibre diet and plenty of fluids, increasing fibre gradually
- Managing constipation
- Simple pain relief such as paracetamol
- Avoid NSAIDs and opioid painkillers, which can upset the bowel
Diverticulitis
- Mild cases can often be managed at home, sometimes with antibiotics
- More serious cases may need hospital treatment
- Occasionally surgery to treat or prevent complications
Living with it & prevention
Most people with diverticular disease manage well with simple changes:
- Eating plenty of fibre (fruit, vegetables, wholegrains)
- Drinking enough fluids
- Staying physically active
- Keeping to a healthy weight
Tip: These simple lifestyle changes can reduce symptoms and lower the chance of future flare-ups. Increase fibre gradually to avoid bloating.
References & further reading
- NHS. Diverticular disease and diverticulitis. nhs.uk
- Guts UK Charity. Diverticular disease. gutscharity.org.uk
- NICE NG147. Diverticular disease: diagnosis and management. nice.org.uk
This page is for general information and does not replace advice from your doctor or specialist team.
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