Best Diverticulitis Medications and the Drugs to Avoid

4. Antispasmodic medications: Antispasmodic medications, such as hyoscyamine, dicyclomine, or scopolamine, can help relieve abdominal cramping, but they may also slow down bowel motility and worsen constipation.

List Of Drugs To Avoid With Diverticulitis

Taking any medication with a medical condition requires caution as some medications may interact with the condition or worsen its symptoms. In addition, some medications may cause side effects that can worsen the condition or interfere with other medications being taken.

You should always be cautious of potential drug interactions, particularly if you are taking multiple medications for different conditions. Drug interactions can occur when two or more medications interact with each other and either enhance or reduce their effectiveness.

What is Diverticulitis?

Diverticulitis is a medical condition that occurs when small pockets or pouches (diverticula) in the lining of the intestine become inflamed or infected. The condition usually affects the large intestine (colon) and can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, constipation or diarrhea, fever, and nausea.

The exact cause of diverticulitis is not known, but it is believed to be associated with a low-fiber diet, aging, and a lack of physical activity. Diverticulitis can also be caused by a blockage of the diverticula with food particles or fecal matter, which can lead to inflammation and infection.

The per capita price of healthcare per year is higher in the United States than in any other nation in the world, according to National Public Radio (NPR). America spends nearly 2.5 times as much per person as the United Kingdom does, despite having comparable wealth and a lower life expectancy.

Diverticulitis is a relatively common condition, particularly in older adults. In the United States, it is estimated that approximately 5-10% of people over the age of 50 have diverticulitis, and the incidence of the condition increases with age. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), about 200,000 people in the United States are hospitalized each year due to diverticulitis.

While diverticulitis is more common in developed countries like the United States, it is becoming more prevalent in other parts of the world as well, particularly as people adopt more Western-style diets low in fiber. Overall, the incidence of diverticulitis is increasing worldwide, likely due to a combination of factors such as aging populations and changes in lifestyle and diet.

List Of Drugs To Avoid With Diverticulitis

People with diverticulitis should avoid medications that can irritate or damage the lining of the intestines, slow down bowel motility, or cause dehydration or electrolyte imbalances. In addition, they should also avoid medications that may cause side effects or interact with other medications that could worsen symptoms or slow down the healing process.

Here are some general tips on medications that should be used with caution in people with diverticulitis:

1. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or aspirin can irritate the lining of the intestines and may worsen symptoms in people with diverticulitis.

2. Opioid pain medications: Opioid pain medications may slow down bowel motility and worsen symptoms of constipation in people with diverticulitis.

3. Antibiotics: Antibiotics are commonly used to treat diverticulitis, but they should be used only as prescribed and for the full course of treatment to avoid bacterial resistance.

4. Antispasmodic medications: Antispasmodic medications, such as hyoscyamine, dicyclomine, or scopolamine, can help relieve abdominal cramping, but they may also slow down bowel motility and worsen constipation.

5. Medications that cause constipation: Some medications that cause constipation, such as antidepressants, antihistamines, and calcium channel blockers, should be used with caution in people with diverticulitis.

6. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): PPIs, such as omeprazole and pantoprazole, are commonly used to treat acid reflux and ulcers, but they may increase the risk of developing Clostridium difficile (C. diff) infection, which can worsen symptoms in people with diverticulitis.

7. Steroids: Steroids, such as prednisone or methylprednisolone, can increase the risk of developing diverticulitis, and they should be used with caution in people with a history of the condition.

8. Diuretics: Diuretics, such as furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide, can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, which can worsen symptoms in people with diverticulitis.

9. Blood thinners: Blood thinners, such as warfarin or heparin, can increase the risk of bleeding in people with diverticulitis.

10. Antacids: Antacids, such as aluminum hydroxide or magnesium hydroxide, can interact with other medications and should be used with caution in people with diverticulitis.

11. Anti-diarrheal medications: Anti-diarrheal medications, such as loperamide or bismuth subsalicylate, should be used with caution in people with diverticulitis, as they can slow down bowel motility and worsen constipation.

12. Iron supplements: Iron supplements can cause constipation and worsen symptoms in people with diverticulitis.

13. Potassium supplements: Potassium supplements can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, which can worsen symptoms in people with diverticulitis.

14. Non-absorbable antibiotics: Non-absorbable antibiotics, such as rifaximin, can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the gut and may worsen symptoms in people with diverticulitis.

15. Statins: Statins, such as atorvastatin or simvastatin, can cause constipation and worsen symptoms in people with diverticulitis.

16. Antidepressants: Some antidepressants, such as tricyclic antidepressants or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can cause constipation and worsen symptoms in people with diverticulitis.

17. Medications that lower blood pressure: Some medications that lower blood pressure, such as beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers, can cause constipation and worsen symptoms in people with diverticulitis.

18. Immunomodulators: Immunomodulators, such as azathioprine or infliximab, are used to treat autoimmune diseases, but they may increase the risk of developing infections in people with diverticulitis.

19. Chemotherapy drugs: Chemotherapy drugs can cause diarrhea or constipation and may worsen symptoms in people with diverticulitis.

20. Supplements: Some supplements, such as psyllium or glucomannan, can cause constipation and worsen symptoms in people with diverticulitis.

In addition to certain medications, there are also certain foods that people with diverticulitis should avoid. These include:

1. Nuts and seeds: These can become trapped in the diverticula and cause inflammation or infection.

2. Popcorn: Like nuts and seeds, popcorn can get lodged in the diverticula and cause irritation or inflammation.

3. High-fat foods: These can slow down digestion and make symptoms worse. Examples include fried foods, fatty meats, and high-fat dairy products.

4. Spicy foods: Spicy foods can irritate the digestive tract and worsen symptoms.

5. Refined grains: These are low in fiber and can cause constipation. Examples include white bread, white rice, and pasta made from refined flour.

6. Sugary foods and drinks: These can cause rapid fluctuations in blood sugar and can worsen symptoms.

Instead, people with diverticulitis should focus on eating a diet that is high in fiber, which can help promote healthy bowel movements and reduce the risk of developing diverticulitis or complications from the condition. Examples of high-fiber foods include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds that have been finely ground or pureed. It is also important to drink plenty of fluids to help keep the digestive system functioning properly.

It is important to note that not all of the medications and foods listed above will cause problems for everyone with diverticulitis and that people with diverticulitis may need to take certain medications to manage other health conditions. However, it is important to talk to a healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medications to ensure that they are safe and effective for each individual’s specific situation.

Best Diverticulitis Medications and the Drugs to Avoid

Amber J. Tresca is a freelance writer and speaker who covers digestive conditions, including IBD. She was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at age 16.

Published on April 15, 2023

Jay Yepuri, MD, MS, is board-certified in gastroenterology. He is a partner with Digestive Health Associates of Texas and a medical director at Texas Health Harris Methodist HEB Hospital .

Table of Contents
Table of Contents

It’s not well-understood what causes inflammation of outpouchings of the colon in diverticulitis, but certain medications may increase the risk or worsen symptoms.

Diverticular disease is a common condition that occurs as people age. Outpouchings called diverticula develop in the colon but often don’t cause symptoms. When they become inflamed, however, they lead to pain, bloating, constipation, and/or diarrhea.

This article will discuss how medications may interact with diverticulitis and the ways that diverticulitis symptoms might be treated through home remedies and prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs.

simonkr / Getty Images

Drugs That Can Increase the Risk of Diverticulitis

It’s thought that many factors merge to cause diverticular disease. Factors may include diet, genetics, lifestyle, and the microbiome (the community of microbes, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi) in the gut. It might not be possible for some people to avoid diverticular disease even when taking steps to lower their risk.

In some cases, medications such as the following can raise your risks of bleeding and perforations (holes) in the intestine during a flare-up of diverticulitis:

• Steroids: A few studies have shown that steroid medications can increase the risk of complications from diverticulitis. In particular, bowel perforations are more common in people who take steroids.
• Opioids: In three studies, taking opioid medications for pain was identified as increasing the risk of perforations. Commonly prescribed opioids include codeine, hydromorphone, fentanyl, morphine, Opana (oxymorphone), OxyContin (oxycodone), and Vicodin (hydrocodone).
• Calcium channel blockers: These medications can lower blood pressure. People who take these drugs have an increased risk of perforations and bleeding with diverticulitis. Commonly prescribed calcium channel blockers include Cardene (nicardipine), Cardizem (diltiazem), Norvasc (amlodipine), Procardia (nifedipine), and Verelan (verapamil),
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Several studies have shown that the risk of bleeding in diverticula is higher in people who take NSAIDs. OTC NSAIDS include Advil or Motrin (ibuprofen) and Aleve or Naprosyn (naproxen).
• Aspirin: Studies show that people who take aspirin (a type of salicylate) long-term for the prevention of heart disease have an increased risk of diverticular bleeding.
• Anticoagulants and antithrombotics: These drugs are used to prevent blood clots, but they can also increase the risk of diverticular bleeding. They include the blood thinners Jantoven (warfarin) and Plavix (clopidogrel).

NSAIDs in Conditions That Cause Bleeding

NSAIDs are medications that are used to reduce inflammation and to treat pain. They work by blocking the enzymes in the body that control inflammation, among other body processes. They can also have an effect on how blood clots. Because they can increase the risk of bleeding in some people, they should be used with caution in people with diverticulitis.

Common brand names include the OTC NSAIDs Advil, Motrin, Aleve, and Naprosyn. Prescription NSAIDs include Celebrex (celecoxib), Indocin (indomethacin), and Mobic (meloxicam).

Discuss any changes to the medications you take with a healthcare provider before you stop taking them or change the number or scheduling of doses. A healthcare provider can recommend whether a change may be beneficial and avoid problems caused by altering medications without their advice.

Additional Diverticulitis Risk Factors

Some of the other factors that may contribute to the development of diverticulitis include:

• Age: Diverticular disease is more common as people age.
• Eating more red meat: Diets high in red meat are associated with an increased risk of diverticular disease.
• Lack of exercise: Weight-bearing exercise may protect against developing diverticula.
• Low-fiber diet: Eating more high-fiber foods may help lower the risk of diverticular disease.
• Having obesity: A diagnosis of obesity is connected to a higher risk of diverticulitis.
• Smoking cigarettes: Smoking is linked to developing diverticular disease and diverticulitis.

Diverticulitis Medication

Diverticulitis is uncomplicated in about 80% of cases. It can usually be treated at home with rest, a low-fiber or liquid diet, and pain management. In some cases, however, prescription medications might be needed.

More often, medications are used to treat complicated diverticulitis. This could take place either in the hospital or at home.

Antibiotics

When needed, antibiotics are prescribed for several days to about a week. They may be used longer term if there is a need. One or more antibiotics may be prescribed at the same time. Antibiotics aren’t always given for diverticulitis that’s treated at home, but they may be given by intravenous (IV) line in the hospital.

Examples of antibiotics used include:

• Augmentin (amoxicillin clavulanate)
• Avelox (moxifloxacin)
• Cipro (ciprofloxacin)
• Levaquin/Quixin (levofloxacin)
• Tequin (gatifloxacin)
• Floxin/Floxacin (ofloxacin)
• Noroxin (norfloxacin)
• Flagyl (metronidazole)

Tricyclic Antidepressants

Some people might have abdominal pain that continues after the acute symptoms improve. A low dose of tricyclic antidepressants might be used in these cases. It’s important to keep in close contact with a healthcare provider in the first weeks after a flare-up of diverticulitis to manage pain and avoid complications.

Treating Diverticulitis Pain Without Prescription Medication

Diverticulitis pain usually improves after a few days and should resolve within a few weeks. There are a few ways to ease pain or discomfort from diverticulitis without taking prescription drugs.

Acetaminophen

Tylenol (acetaminophen) might be recommended for pain. Other pain medications, including NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium), may be avoided when treating pain from diverticulitis.

Short courses of NSAIDs might be helpful and allowed for some people. But it usually is necessary for those who have a history of bleeding or gastrointestinal problems to avoid them. People with diverticulitis should ask a healthcare provider about which pain medications to take while in a flare-up and afterward.

Diet

A liquid diet or a low-fiber diet might be recommended when diverticulitis symptoms start. Some studies have shown that using a liquid diet might not be needed, but some people feel better being on a liquid diet for a few days.

After two or three days, a healthcare provider might suggest adding more foods back into the diet. This includes low-fiber foods at first and working up to a high-fiber diet.

Eating a high-fiber diet can cause bloating or discomfort at first. Working with a healthcare provider to understand how to scale up the diet from liquids or low fiber to high fiber will help.

Heating Pad

Using a heating pad is a way to relieve pain without resorting to medications. Some people find applying heat to the abdomen will help with abdominal discomfort.

There is no evidence that shows how much heat to use or how it might be best used for diverticulitis. However, it’s a relatively low-cost and simple way to try to cope with pain.

To avoid burns, follow the directions on the heating pad. People shouldn’t sleep on a heating pad or apply it directly to the skin. Plus, it should only be used for the recommended amount of time listed in the safety instructions.

When to Seek Medical Care

People who have symptoms of diverticulitis (abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, or diarrhea) should seek care from a healthcare provider for a diagnosis. This is true even if it is not the first time the diverticulitis has flared up.

A diagnosis is important to ensure that there are no complications and to confirm that you indeed have diverticulitis. The symptoms are so similar to many other digestive conditions that those other causes should be ruled out.

Symptoms such as severe abdominal pain or bleeding, vomiting or diarrhea that won’t stop, or fainting are reasons to get care immediately at an emergency department.

Summary

It’s important to remember that not everyone can avoid diverticular disease completely because it is partly due to genetics. Both over-the-counter and prescription drugs also may have an impact on the development of diverticulitis.

Diverticulitis used to be treated with antibiotics. It has been shown that antibiotics are not always helpful and are reserved for when they clearly are needed. Pain medications can help, but it’s important to discuss which ones to use with a healthcare provider.

People who are concerned that they may develop diverticulitis should talk to a healthcare provider about their risk. Lifestyle changes, along with medical care, a healthy diet, and exercise, may reduce the likelihood of diverticulitis.

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

1. Hall J, Hardiman K, Lee S, et al. The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of left-sided colonic diverticulitis. Dis Colon Rectum. 2020;63:728-747. doi:10.1097/dcr.0000000000001679
2. Kvasnovsky CL, Papagrigoriadis S, Bjarnason I. Increased diverticular complications with nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory drugs and other medications: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Colorectal Dis. 2014;16:O189-O196. doi:10.1111/codi.12516
3. Jalil AA, Gorski R, Jalil SA, et al. Factors associated with diverticular bleeding and re-bleeding: a United States hospital study. North Clin Istanb. 2018;6(3):248-253. doi:10.14744/nci.2018.23540
4. Reichert MC, Lammert F. The genetic epidemiology of diverticulosis and diverticular disease: Emerging evidence. Ueg J. 2015;3:409-418. doi:10.1177/2050640615576676.
5. Strate LL, Morris AM. Epidemiology, pathophysiology, and treatment of diverticulitis. Gastroenterology. 2019;156:1282-1298.e1. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2018.12.033
6. Chabok A, Thorisson A, Nikberg M, Schultz JK, Sallinen V. Changing paradigms in the management of acute uncomplicated diverticulitis. Scand J Surg. 2021;110:180-186. doi:10.1177/14574969211011032
7. Peery AF, Shaukat A, Strate LL. AGA clinical practice update on medical management of colonic diverticulitis: expert review. Gastroenterology. 2021;160:906-911.e1. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2020.09.059
8. Ferrer OE, Edo NR, Grau LAH, et al. Selective non-antibiotic treatment in sigmoid diverticulitis: is it time to change the traditional approach?Tech Coloproctol. 2016;20:309-315. doi:10.1007/s10151-016-1464-0
9. Zhang M, Juraschek SP, Appel LJ, Pasricha PJ, Miller ER 3rd, Mueller NT. Effects of high-fiber diets and macronutrient substitution on bloating: findings from the OmniHeart Trial. Clin Transl Gastroenterol. 2020;11:e00122. doi:10.14309/ctg.0000000000000122

By Amber J. Tresca
Amber J. Tresca is a freelance writer and speaker who covers digestive conditions, including IBD. She was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at age 16.

Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis is a complication that can affect people with diverticulosis, small pockets on the inside of their colon. If one of the pockets becomes injured or infected, it can cause inflammation inside. If you have a sharp pain in your lower left abdominal quadrant, it might be diverticulitis.

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Overview

Diverticula, tiny pockets in the lining of your colon, can become infected and inflamed (diverticulitis).

What is diverticulitis?

Diverticulitis is inflammation in your diverticula, which are small pockets that can develop on the inside of your colon. Having diverticula is called diverticulosis. It’s common as you get older, and most people never have any problems with it. But if one of your diverticula becomes inflamed, it can cause acute pain and other symptoms. It might mean that it has an infection, which needs medical attention.

How common is diverticulitis?

Although diverticulosis is common, diverticulitis is an uncommon complication. It affects about 4% of people with diverticulosis. Once you’ve had it, you have a 20% chance of getting it again.

Are there different types of diverticulitis?

Healthcare providers classify diverticulitis as acute or chronic and as complicated or uncomplicated.

Acute/chronic

Diverticulitis begins as an acute problem, which means that it comes on suddenly and goes away shortly with treatment. But some people have recurring (repeat) episodes of diverticulitis, and some people develop chronic inflammation. There are different theories about why this happens. It may be because an acute episode didn’t heal completely, or it may be related to another chronic condition in your colon.

Complicated/uncomplicated

Most of the time, diverticulitis is uncomplicated, which means that inflammation and possible infection are the extents of the problem. It heals easily with the right treatment. Diverticulitis becomes complicated when the inflammation begins to cause secondary problems. For example, severe acute inflammation may cause a diverticulum (singular of diverticula) to rupture. Chronic inflammation may cause scarring.

Symptoms and Causes

What are the symptoms of diverticulitis?

Symptoms may include:

• Abdominal pain, often severe.
• Distended abdomen or palpable colon (you can feel it with your hand).
• Fever.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Rectal bleeding.
• Constipation or, less commonly, diarrhea.

What does a diverticulitis attack or flare-up feel like?

Whether you’re having an acute diverticulitis attack or a flare-up of chronic diverticulitis, the pain will be similar. An acute attack may come on more suddenly, while a chronic flare-up may build up over a few days. You should be able to locate it in the precise spot where your diverticulum has become inflamed. It may feel sharp and penetrating or have a burning quality. The pain is usually moderate to severe.

Where is diverticulitis pain located?

In people of European descent, diverticula most often occur in the last part of the colon, called the sigmoid colon. This segment begins on your lower left side and tilts slightly to the right to meet your rectum. For this reason, most people feel diverticulitis pain in the lower left quadrant of their abdomen. Occasionally, lower abdominal pain may also spread to your pelvis or radiate to your back.

However, in people of Asian descent, it’s more common to have diverticulosis in the first part of the colon, which is in your upper right quadrant. Diverticulitis here might cause upper abdominal pain.

What causes diverticulitis?

Inflammation in your diverticula often involves a tear in the lining and infection, though it’s not always clear which came first. On one hand, diverticula make great hiding places for bacteria to set up camp and multiply. This might happen if, for example, some poop gets stuck in one of them. A bacterial infection might trigger inflammation, and inflammation might cause a diverticulum to swell and tear.

On the other hand, if a diverticulum tears for another reason, it can easily become infected by normal levels of bacteria living in your colon. It might tear if hard poop stretches it while passing through, or if it’s been affected by general colitis (inflammation in your colon). Some studies have suggested that cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in your colon might be a significant factor in triggering diverticulitis.

Is diverticulitis hereditary?

Diverticulitis seems to occur incidentally (by chance). But genetics might be partly involved in getting diverticulosis. Although you aren’t born with diverticulosis, you’re more likely to develop it in a certain part of your colon if you’re of European or Asian descent. It’s also possible that genetics could influence your likelihood of developing chronic inflammation. More research is needed on this subject.

What are the possible complications of diverticulitis?

Diverticulitis is uncomplicated 80% of the time. But severe or persistent diverticulitis can lead to complications such as:

• Gastrointestinal bleeding: Bleeding from diverticula can be severe and lead to anemia.
• Intestinal obstruction: Severe swelling might cause your colon to temporarily narrow. Chronic swelling might cause scarring (stricture), which can cause more permanent narrowing.
• Fistulas. An inflamed and eroded colon wall might fuse to another body canal (such as your small intestine, bladder or vagina), creating an inappropriate tunnel between the two.
• Bladder inflammation: Diverticulitis that’s close to your bladder may irritate it. A fistula to your bladder may also spread an infection there.
• Abscess: An abscess is a pocket of infected pus that may need to be drained. If it ruptures, it can infect your peritoneal cavity (peritonitis). This is an emergency.
• Gastrointestinal perforation: If a diverticulum becomes swollen enough to rupture (tear), it could allow intestinal bacteria to leak into your peritoneal cavity. Peritonitis can lead to sepsis.

What are the signs of complicated diverticulitis?

You might’ve developed complications if you notice:

• Fresh blood in your poop.
• Paleness in your face or you feel weak.
• You feel like you need to pee often or irritation when you pee.
• Your abdomen is rigid and sensitive to touch.

Diagnosis and Tests

How is diverticulitis diagnosed?

If you and your healthcare provider already know that you have diverticulosis, they might recognize your symptoms as possible diverticulitis. But people often don’t know, and the symptoms of diverticulitis can resemble many other conditions. Your healthcare provider may begin with some routine tests to rule out other causes, such as a blood test (comprehensive metabolic panel), stool test or urine test.

When your provider suspects diverticulitis, they’ll look for it on imaging tests. A CT scan works well: it’s quick and can show the extent of the inflammation as well as any related complications. In some cases, your provider might need to look inside your colon with a lighted scope to investigate further. This is called a colonoscopy. They might be able to treat some complications during the colonoscopy.

Management and Treatment

Can diverticulitis go away on its own?

If it’s mild and uncomplicated, it can go away on its own. But you should still go to a healthcare provider to have it evaluated. They might need to give you antibiotics for an infection, and some people might need prescription pain medications. Your provider will also tell you how to care for yourself at home while you’re recovering. It takes about a week. They’ll want you to keep in touch during this time.

How do you treat diverticulitis at home?

If your healthcare provider has given you the go-ahead, you can treat diverticulitis at home with:

• A liquid diet. Avoiding solid foods gives your bowels a chance to rest and recover from the disease. Your provider can give you more specific instructions on what to eat and when.
• Prescription antibiotics. You may not need them, but if you do, your provider will give you some to take home with you. The type will depend on the kind of infection you have.
• Acetaminophen. For over-the-counter (OTC) pain relief, it’s best to stick to acetaminophen (Tylenol®). Other common pain relievers could increase your risk of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding.

Drugs to avoid with diverticulitis

Healthcare providers suggest that you avoid NSAIDs when you have diverticulitis, as they can increase your risk of bleeding. NSAID stands for “nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.” These include:

• Aspirin (Bayer® or St. Joseph®).
• Ibuprofen (Motrin® or Advil®).
• Naproxen sodium (Aleve®).

What happens if diverticulitis goes untreated?

You may not need treatment if you have a mild and uncomplicated case. But it’s important to see a healthcare provider about diverticulitis. If you don’t, you may end up with a more severe and complicated case. Certain infections may need to be treated with antibiotics or antivirals to go away. Inflammation that doesn’t go away may begin to cause secondary problems. Pain may also worsen.

How do you get diverticulitis to go away?

If conservative at-home treatment hasn’t worked, or if you have severe, chronic or complicated diverticulitis, you may need to stay in the hospital for treatment. Treatment may include:

• IV medication. Your provider may give you antibiotics or antivirals through an IV line so that the medicine goes directly to your bloodstream. They may also give you pain relief this way. Some people may need strong analgesics, such as opioids.
• Blood transfusion. If you’ve lost a lot of blood from a bleeding diverticulum, you may need an emergency blood transfusion to replace it.
• Endoscopic procedures. Your provider might use a colonoscope or sigmoidoscope — different types of endoscopes that examine your colon — to treat minor complications. For example, they can often stop active bleeding, drain an abscess or open up a narrowed section of your bowel using tools passed through the endoscope.
• Surgery. Some people may need surgery to treat an abscess, persistent bleed, perforation (tear) or fistula. In rare cases of chronic diverticulitis, some people may need to have the problematic section of their bowel removed (colectomy). This might involve a temporary colostomy.

Prevention

Can I prevent diverticulitis from occurring or returning?

Healthcare providers don’t know enough about why diverticulitis happens or why it returns to know definitively how to prevent it. But they suspect that general bowel wellness can help. Eating more plants and fewer animal fats, drinking enough water and getting some regular exercise can help keep your bowel movements healthy. For some people, they might recommend fiber supplements or probiotics.

Are there any dietary restrictions with diverticulosis or diverticulitis?

In the past, people with diverticulosis were told to avoid seeds and nuts, in case one might get stuck in a diverticulum and cause diverticulitis. This risk is considered mostly a myth today. Seeds and nuts are great sources of fiber and plant-based protein, and they tend to appear in healthy meals. It’s much better for your bowels to maintain a healthy diet overall than to worry about the rare chance of a seed going awry.

Outlook / Prognosis

What can I expect if I have this condition?

Only a small percentage of people will have complicated diverticulitis, and only a small percentage of those will need surgery. In most cases, even complicated diverticulitis resolves quickly and completely with treatment. Diverticulitis shouldn’t affect your overall life expectancy. Only in the unlikely event of a bowel perforation or a ruptured abscess would you be at risk of life-threatening complications.

Living With

What should I do if diverticulitis keeps coming back?

If diet and lifestyle improvements haven’t prevented diverticulitis from recurring, there might be other factors involved that put you more at risk. People with weakened immune systems are more prone to frequent infections and slower to recover. People with autoimmune diseases are more likely to have chronic inflammation. Even the balance of different bacteria living in your gut may affect your gut immunity.

Healthcare providers don’t always know why diverticulitis continues to return in some people. But if it’s returned more than once, and if it’s brought complications at least once, they might suggest an elective bowel resection to resolve it. That means removing the small section of your colon that’s causing the trouble. If it’s not an emergency, you can probably do this as a one-step surgery without a colostomy.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Diverticulitis is an uncommon complication of diverticulosis. Diverticulitis that causes its own complications is even less common. But if it happens to you, you might need urgent care. See a healthcare provider right away for symptoms of diverticulitis. They’ll figure out what kind of treatment you need and whether you can treat it safely at home, or if you need to stay in the hospital for treatment.