The most common symptom of diverticulitis is left-sided abdominal pain, but it can also cause a change in bowel habits, fever, and nausea or vomiting.
Even with symptoms, most cases of diverticulitis can be treated at home. However, complications can occur, sometimes requiring treatment in the hospital.
Frequent Symptoms of Diverticulitis
Abdominal pain is the most common symptom of diverticulitis. It is often chronic and can go on for several days.
In most cases, the diverticula form in the last part of the large intestine, which is called the sigmoid colon. It is located on the left side of the abdomen, which is why stomach pain from diverticulitis usually affects the left side of the abdomen. The pain usually occurs after eating.
In some cases, the pain can affect the right or both sides of the abdomen. This may occur if there are diverticula in other parts of the colon. The pain of diverticulitis is located in the lower part of the abdomen and is not felt higher up, like under the ribs, as is the case with some other digestive conditions.
Other common symptoms of diverticulitis can include:
Chills Constipation Cramping Bloating Diarrhea (occasionally) Gas Fever Lack of appetite Nausea Vomiting
Rare Symptoms of Diverticulitis
Complications from diverticulitis, such as a fistula, abscess, or bowel perforation can cause other symptoms.
Less common symptoms of diverticulitis can include:
Bladder irritation or urinary symptoms Blood in the stool Rectal bleeding
Complications
While they are not common, there are several different complications that may occur along with diverticulitis.
Abscess
An abscess is a bacterial infection that causes a pocket of pus to form. Abscesses associated with diverticulitis may cause fever and abdominal pain. They are treated with antibiotics and/or drainage.
Fistula
A fistula is a tunnel that forms in the body and connects areas of the body that are not normally connected—such as two organs or an organ and the skin.
A fistula may be treated with surgery or with the use of a seton, which is a thread that is gradually tightened until the fistula is closed.
Bowel Obstruction
A bowel obstruction is a blockage in the intestine that prevents the passage of stool. When diverticulitis leads to a bowel obstruction the symptoms can include:
Abdominal painDistention (swelling) and bloatingConstipationThin stoolsNauseaVomiting
An obstruction might be treated in the hospital through the use of a nasogastric (NG) tube, or in some cases may require surgery.
Perforation
A perforation is a hole in the colon. It is a serious condition that requires treatment immediately in order to prevent complications such as peritonitis, which is a potentially fatal infection.
The symptoms of a perforation can include severe abdominal pain, fever, chills, bleeding from the rectum, and nausea and vomiting.
When to Worry About Left-Sided Abdominal Pain
Diverticulitis can be managed at home, but you should always see a healthcare provider if you have symptoms. They will evaluate you and will provide instructions for treatment at home or tell you to go to the hospital.
A Word From Verywell
In most cases diverticulitis is uncomplicated, but severe symptoms could signal that you’re having complications that can be serious and life-threatening. Even if your diverticulitis symptoms feel like a flare-up that you’ve had before, call your healthcare provider.
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