Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis Symptoms

Most people with diverticulosis have no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they are usually mild and include the following:

• pain in the belly (abdomen),
  
  
• bloating,
  
  
• constipation (less often, diarrhea), and
  
  
• cramping.

These symptoms are nonspecific. This means that they are symptoms of many different digestive disorders. They do not necessarily mean that a person has diverticulosis. If an individual has these symptoms, he or she should see a health care practitioner.

Diverticulitis is a more serious condition and causes symptoms in most people with the condition that include:

• pain in the abdomen, usually in the lower left side;
  
  
• bleeding, bright red or maroon blood may appear in the toilet, on toilet paper, or in the stool. Bleeding is often mild and usually stops by itself; however, it can become severe;
  
  
• fever;
  
  
• nausea;
  
  
• vomiting;
  
  
• chills; and
  
  
• constipation (less often, diarrhea).

If diverticulitis is not treated promptly it can develop some very serious complications. A complication is suggested by any of the following symptoms:

• worsening abdominal pain;
  
  
• persistent fever;
  
  
• vomiting (no food or liquid can be tolerated);
  
  
• constipation for an extended period of time;
  
  
• burning or pain during urination; and
  
  
• bleeding from the rectum.

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Diverticulitis (Diverticulosis) - Symptoms at Onset of Disease

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The symptoms of diverticulitis (diverticulosis) can vary greatly from patient to patient. What were your symptoms at the onset of your disease?

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