Diverticulitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Diverticulitis?
A gastroenterologist, a doctor who treats digestive problems, often treats diverticulitis. A colorectal surgeon, a doctor who operates on the colon, may help if surgery is needed. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is diverticulitis?
Diverticula are small pouches. They push out through weak spots in the wall of the colon. Most often, these pouches are in the lower part of the large intestine (colon). Diverticulitis happens when these pouches become inflamed or infected. Having the pouches without problems is called diverticulosis.
Diverticulitis can come on suddenly and may lead to serious complications. Most often, it is a mild condition that responds well to treatment. Some people will have more than one attack.
Symptoms
Diverticulitis may cause these symptoms:
- Belly pain, most often in the lower left side.
- Constipation or diarrhea.
- Fever and chills.
- Nausea or vomiting.
The pain is typically severe and comes on suddenly, but it may also be mild and get worse over several days.
Some people have serious problems called complications. They include:
- An abscess, a painful, swollen, pus-filled area caused by infection.
- A fistula, an abnormal tunnel between the colon and another part of the body.
- A blockage in the intestines.
- A hole in the colon.
- Peritonitis, an infection of the lining of the belly.
Causes and who gets it
Doctors are not sure what causes diverticular disease. That includes diverticulitis. Certain genes may make some people more likely to develop diverticular disease. People are more likely to get diverticulitis as they age.
These habits and factors may raise the risk:
- A diet low in fiber and high in red meat.
- Lack of physical activity.
- Obesity.
- Smoking.
- Medicines such as NSAIDs (a group of anti-inflammatory pain medicines) and steroids.
Less than 5% of people who have the pouches go on to get diverticulitis.
How doctors diagnose it
Doctors review your health history, do a physical exam, and order tests. In the exam, a doctor may press on your belly to feel for tenderness. Blood tests can check for signs of diverticulitis or its complications. Doctors typically use imaging tests. One is a CT scan, which uses x-rays and a computer to make pictures. An ultrasound, which uses sound waves to make pictures of your organs, may also be used. Doctors often suggest a colonoscopy after diverticulitis has healed. It can check for other problems that look like diverticulitis.
Treatment
Treatment depends on how serious the symptoms are. Some people need to be in the hospital, but often the problem can be treated at home.
Treatment may include:
- Antibiotics, although not all people with diverticulitis need them.
- A clear liquid diet for a short time to rest the colon, then slowly adding solid foods as symptoms improve.
- Pain medicines, such as antispasmodics or acetaminophen.
Doctors suggest these instead of NSAIDs, which may increase the chance of complications. You may need surgery to remove part of the colon if it does not improve or leads to complications. Doctors typically treat complications in a hospital.
Once the pouches have formed, you will have them for life. Eating more fiber and less red meat may lower the risk of diverticulitis. So may being active, not smoking, and keeping a healthy weight. Doctors may add fiber to your diet a little at a time. Most people with diverticular disease do not need to avoid specific foods. Talk with your doctor before you use probiotics.
When to see a doctor
Contact your provider if you have symptoms of diverticulitis. Also get in touch if you have diverticulitis and notice blood in your stools. Do the same for a fever that does not go away, nausea, vomiting, or chills. If you have bleeding from your rectum, even a small amount, see a doctor right away.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have severe belly pain or pressure, faint, have trouble breathing, or have bleeding that will not stop.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. They can check your symptoms, order first tests, and plan follow-up care. They can also work with a gastroenterologist or surgeon when needed.
Common questions
Do I need to avoid nuts, popcorn, and seeds?
No, most people with diverticular disease do not need to avoid them. Doctors used to advise avoiding nuts, popcorn, and seeds. Newer research suggests they are not harmful.
Is diverticulitis the same as diverticulosis?
No, they are different. Diverticulosis means you have the pouches. Diverticulitis means the pouches are inflamed. Most people with diverticulosis never get symptoms or problems.
Does diverticulitis always need surgery?
No, surgery is not always needed. For diverticulitis without complications, doctors may recommend treatment at home. Surgery may be needed if it does not improve or leads to complications.
Can diverticulitis come back?
Yes, it can. Some people will have more than one attack. Some providers think a high-fiber diet may lessen your chances of it coming back.
Sources
- NIDDK (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases) - Diverticular Disease
- MedlinePlus - Diverticulitis
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
