Diverticulitis Symptoms: What You Need to Know

Diverticulitis is a digestive condition that develops when small pouches (diverticula) in the colon become inflamed or infected, leading to abdominal discomfort and other digestive issues. It’s one of the common gastrointestinal problems treated at Digestive Disease Care. Women and men may both experience symptoms, but early recognition and medical evaluation are key to preventing complications and ensuring faster recovery.

Common symptoms of diverticulitis include:

• Persistent abdominal pain, often on the lower left side of the abdomen
• Tenderness or cramping that worsens after eating or movement
• Fever or chills indicating infection or inflammation
• Constipation, diarrhea, or changes in bowel habits
• Nausea and vomiting due to digestive irritation
• Abdominal bloating or gas buildup
• Loss of appetite or feeling full quickly
• Fatigue and general malaise from systemic inflammation
• Pain during urination or urinary urgency (when inflammation affects nearby organs)
• Rectal bleeding or mucus in stool (in some cases)

At Digestive Disease Care, Dr. Preeti Mehta, MD, and our team of board-certified gastroenterologists use advanced diagnostic tools—such as imaging and colonoscopy—to accurately assess the condition. We create individualized treatment plans that may include antibiotics, dietary adjustments, or lifestyle modifications to support healing and reduce recurrence risk.

Yes, diverticulitis can significantly affect your bowel movements. This condition, characterized by the inflammation or infection of small pouches (diverticula) in the colon, disrupts normal digestive function. As a result, patients may experience noticeable changes in their bowel habits.

Here are some of the potential changes in bowel movements caused by diverticulitis:

• Constipation: Difficulty passing stool, often with infrequent or hard stools, may occur.

• Diarrhea: Loose or watery stools can be a symptom during flare-ups of diverticulitis.

• Alternating Patterns: Some individuals experience both constipation and diarrhea in alternating cycles.

• Increased Urgency: You may feel the need to go to the bathroom more urgently or frequently than usual.

• Incomplete Evacuation: A feeling of not fully emptying your bowels after a bowel movement is common.

• Painful Bowel Movements: Discomfort or pain may accompany changes in bowel function, especially during flare-ups.

Along with changes in bowel movements, diverticulitis is often associated with other symptoms like abdominal pain (especially in the lower left side), bloating, nausea, and fever.

At Digestive Disease Care, we recommend seeking medical advice if you notice persistent or severe changes in your bowel habits, especially when accompanied by abdominal pain or other symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to effectively manage diverticulitis and prevent complications. Contact our specialists for personalized care and treatment options.

At Digestive Disease Care, our team of gastroenterology specialists helps you manage and understand diverticulitis. Recognizing when symptoms are serious is essential to preventing complications.

Here are the signs to watch for:

Mild Symptoms:

• Abdominal pain (often on the lower left side)
• Low-grade fever
• Bloating
• Changes in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea)

These mild symptoms can often be managed at home with the right treatment plan under medical supervision.

Serious Symptoms That Require Immediate Attention:

• Severe or constant abdominal pain: This could indicate a more serious issue.

• High fever: A fever over 101°F (38.3°C) may suggest infection or complications.

• Persistent vomiting: An inability to keep fluids down is concerning and needs prompt evaluation.

• A swollen or rigid abdomen: This may indicate an abscess, perforation, or peritonitis.

• Blood in your stool: Could be a sign of bleeding in the digestive tract.

• Symptoms of shock: Dizziness, weakness, rapid heartbeat, or fainting should not be ignored.

These symptoms may indicate complications such as abscesses, perforation, or peritonitis, which require immediate medical intervention.

Why Choose Digestive Disease Care?

If you experience any of the serious symptoms listed above, seek immediate medical attention. At Digestive Disease Care, our board-certified gastroenterologists are equipped with advanced diagnostic tools and the expertise needed to manage both mild and serious cases of diverticulitis. Early intervention can reduce the risk of complications and support your recovery.

If you experience severe symptoms of diverticulitis, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention. These symptoms could indicate serious complications that require urgent care.

Here’s what you should do:

Recognize Severe Symptoms:

• Intense abdominal pain: Often accompanied by tenderness or a rigid abdomen.
• Persistent fever and chills: Especially if the fever is over 101°F (38.3°C).
• Nausea and vomiting: Difficulty keeping food or liquids down.
• Inability to keep food or fluids down: This may indicate a blockage or infection.
• Severe abdominal swelling or bloating: May suggest peritonitis or other complications.

What to Do Immediately:

• Seek prompt medical attention: Contact Digestive Disease Care or go to the nearest emergency department if you’re experiencing these symptoms.
• Avoid eating or drinking: You may need diagnostic tests or procedures that require an empty stomach.

If You Experience Signs of Shock, Act Fast:

• Severe abdominal pain with rigidity
• Confusion or fainting
• Symptoms of shock: Rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, or difficulty breathing.

In these cases, call emergency services immediately as these symptoms could be life-threatening.

At Digestive Disease Care, your health and safety are our top priorities. If you’re concerned about your symptoms or digestive health, don’t hesitate to contact us for expert evaluation and compassionate care.

Dr. Preeti Mehta, MD, and her board-certified team of gastroenterologists at Digestive Disease Care in New York are dedicated to providing precise diagnoses for diverticulitis symptoms. With years of expertise, Dr. Mehta takes a comprehensive approach to evaluate each patient, ensuring a thorough understanding of their condition. Her team, comprising all board-certified specialists in gastroenterology, collaborates to assess the unique needs of every individual. By leveraging advanced diagnostic techniques and a patient-centered approach, Dr. Mehta and her team develop tailored treatment plans that effectively address diverticulitis, helping patients achieve optimal digestive health and improve their quality of life. For more information, please contact us or book an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Babylon NY, East Setauket NY, Forest Hills NY, Jericho NY, Lake Success NY, Melville NY, Mineola NY, Massapequa NY, New Hyde Park NY, and Riverhead NY.