Diverticulitis is an infection or inflammation of small pouches (diverticula) that can form in your large intestine. These pouches are usually harmless, but if they become infected, you’ll experience symptoms.
Common symptoms include lower left abdominal pain, often accompanied by fever, chills, and nausea. You might also experience changes in bowel habits, such as constipation or diarrhea, and sometimes even rectal bleeding. The pain can range from mild discomfort to severe cramping.
Less common, but serious, symptoms include a high fever (over 101°F), persistent vomiting, and noticeable changes in your bowel habits lasting several days. Severe abdominal pain accompanied by tenderness to the touch warrants immediate medical attention.
If you suspect you have diverticulitis, Seek medical advice promptly. A doctor can diagnose the condition and recommend appropriate treatment, which may include antibiotics, dietary changes, or, in severe cases, surgery.
