What Are the Symptoms of Diverticular Disease?

Diverticular disease develops when small pouches called diverticula form in weak areas of the colon wall and begin causing symptoms or complications. Many people with diverticulosis, which means these pouches are present, may have no noticeable symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they can include recurring lower abdominal discomfort, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and changes in bowel habits.

Common symptoms associated with diverticular disease may include:

• Lower abdominal discomfort: Pain or aching may be more noticeable on the left side of the abdomen.
• Abdominal bloating: Some people experience fullness, pressure, or increased gas.
• Constipation: Bowel movements may become less frequent or more difficult to pass.
• Diarrhea: Some patients may experience loose or frequent stools.
• Changes in bowel habits: Bowel patterns may vary over time.
• Abdominal cramping: Intermittent cramping may occur before or around bowel movements.
• Diverticular bleeding: Some people may notice blood passing through the rectum.

Because these symptoms can overlap with irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, food-related digestive problems, and other gastrointestinal conditions, recurring symptoms should be evaluated to determine the underlying cause.

Yes. Diverticular disease can be associated with abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and changes in bowel habits. Some people may notice recurring discomfort in the lower abdomen, particularly on the left side, along with constipation or diarrhea.

Possible symptoms may include:

• Aching or cramping in the lower abdomen
• A feeling of pressure or fullness
• Increased intestinal gas
• Abdominal bloating or distention
• Discomfort related to constipation
• Changes in stool frequency
• Periods of diarrhea
• Symptoms that occur around bowel movements

Bloating may develop when gas accumulates in the digestive tract or when bowel movements become irregular. Constipation can also increase abdominal pressure because stool remains in the colon for a longer period.

However, abdominal pain and bloating can result from many digestive conditions. A gastroenterologist can evaluate the timing, location, frequency, and severity of symptoms to help determine whether diverticular disease or another gastrointestinal concern may be responsible.

Diverticular disease and diverticulitis are related but are not the same condition. Diverticulosis means that diverticula are present in the colon. Diverticular disease may refer to symptoms or complications associated with these pouches. Diverticulitis occurs when one or more diverticula become inflamed.

Symptoms associated with uncomplicated diverticular disease may be more intermittent and can include:

• Mild or recurring lower abdominal discomfort
• Gas and bloating
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Changes in bowel habits

Diverticulitis usually causes a more noticeable or acute pattern of symptoms, such as:

• More intense abdominal pain, often in the lower left abdomen
• Abdominal tenderness
• Fever or chills
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Sudden changes in bowel habits

Pain from diverticulitis may begin suddenly or develop gradually and become more severe over time. In some cases, diverticulitis can lead to complications such as an abscess, intestinal blockage, perforation, or other serious problems.

New or worsening abdominal pain, especially when accompanied by fever, vomiting, or significant tenderness, should be evaluated promptly.

Diverticular disease symptoms should be evaluated when they become persistent, recurrent, more severe, or noticeably different from a person’s normal digestive pattern. Medical evaluation can help determine whether symptoms are related to diverticular disease, diverticulitis, or another gastrointestinal condition.

Consider seeking medical care for:

• Persistent or recurring abdominal pain
• Increasing lower-left abdominal discomfort
• Significant or ongoing bloating
• Persistent constipation
• Recurrent diarrhea
• New changes in bowel habits
• Blood in the stool
• Unexplained weight loss
• Symptoms that continue despite dietary or lifestyle changes
• Repeated episodes of similar abdominal symptoms

More urgent evaluation may be necessary when symptoms include:

• Severe or rapidly worsening abdominal pain
• Fever or chills
• Persistent nausea or vomiting
• Significant abdominal tenderness
• Heavy rectal bleeding
• Marked abdominal swelling
• Inability to pass stool or gas
• Dizziness, weakness, or fainting

Because diverticulitis can sometimes lead to serious complications, sudden or severe abdominal symptoms should not be ignored. Early evaluation can help identify the cause and determine the appropriate next steps.

At Digestive Disease Care, our board-certified gastroenterologists provide personalized evaluation for patients experiencing diverticular disease symptoms in New Hyde Park, NY. Our team carefully reviews abdominal pain, bloating, bowel habits, rectal bleeding, previous episodes of diverticulitis, medical history, and other digestive concerns to help identify the underlying cause of symptoms.

Our evaluation may include:

• Assessing recurring or persistent abdominal pain
• Reviewing constipation, diarrhea, and changes in bowel habits
• Evaluating abdominal bloating and gas
• Investigating lower-left abdominal discomfort
• Assessing rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
• Reviewing previous episodes of diverticulitis
• Identifying symptoms that may suggest active inflammation
• Determining whether laboratory or imaging evaluation may be appropriate
• Considering whether colon evaluation may be needed
• Developing an individualized approach to ongoing digestive care

Diverticular disease can range from mild, recurring digestive symptoms to more significant inflammation or complications. At Digestive Disease Care, our board-certified gastroenterologists help patients in New Hyde Park, NY understand their symptoms, distinguish diverticular disease from other gastrointestinal conditions, and receive individualized care focused on long-term colon and digestive health. For more information, please contact us or request an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 1575 Hillside Ave, New Hyde Park, NY 11040. We serve patients from New Hyde Park, NY, Queens NY, Westbury NY, Roslyn NY,Uniondale NY, and East Meadow NY.