🩺 Diverticulitis

Easy Questions & Answers for Patients

❓ What is diverticulitis?

💡 Diverticulitis happens when small pouches in your colon become inflamed or infected.
These pouches are called diverticula.

❓ What causes diverticulitis?

Some common causes include:

· 🥦 Low-fiber diet (not enough fruits and vegetables)

· 🚶 Lack of activity

· ⚖️ Aging (pouches become more common as people get older)

· 💩 Constipation or straining

❓ What are the symptoms?

You may notice:

· 🤰 Belly pain, often on the lower left side

· 💩 Constipation or diarrhea

· 🌡️ Fever or chills

· 🤮 Nausea or vomiting

· 💨 Bloating or gas

❓ How is diverticulitis diagnosed?

🩺 Doctors may use:

· 🔬 Blood tests to check for infection

· 📸 CT scan of the abdomen

· 💬 Medical history and physical exam

❓ How is diverticulitis treated?

✅ Mild cases:

· 💊 Antibiotics (if infection is present)

· 🥣 Clear liquids or soft diet

· 🛌 Rest

✅ Severe cases:

· 🏥 Hospitalization

· 💉 IV antibiotics

· ⚠️ Surgery in some cases

❓ How can I prevent diverticulitis?

✅ Tips:

· 🥦 Eat high-fiber foods: fruits, vegetables, whole grains

· 💧 Drink plenty of water

· 🚶 Stay active

· 🚽 Don’t ignore the urge to poop

· ⚖️ Maintain a healthy weight

❓ When should I see a doctor?

📞 Call your doctor if you have:

· Severe belly pain

· Fever with abdominal pain

· Persistent vomiting

· Blood in your stool

· Symptoms that keep coming back

🩺 Key Messages

✅ Diverticulitis is treatable and often preventable
✅ Eating fiber, drinking water, staying active, and healthy bowel habits help
⚠️ Ongoing or severe symptoms should always be checked by a doctor