When to Seek Medical Care

See a health care practitioner if an individual has any of the following symptoms, which may indicate a serious condition:

• persistent abdominal pain, often in the lower-left area of the abdomen;
  
  
• persistent unexplained fevers;
  
  
• persistent diarrhea;
  
  
• persistent vomiting; or
  
  
• persistent or recurring urinary tract infection.

Any time a person has bleeding from the rectum, he or she should see a health care practitioner as soon as possible.

• Seek medical care even if the bleeding stops on its own.
  
  
• Bleeding may be a sign of diverticulitis or other serious diseases.
  
  
• If there is a lot of blood or a steady flow of blood, go to a hospital emergency department immediately.

The following symptoms suggest a complication and warrant an immediate visit to an emergency department:

• worsening abdominal pain;
  
  
• persistent fever with abdominal pain;
  
  
• vomiting so severe that food or liquids cannot be tolerated;
  
  
• swelling or distention of the abdomen;
  
  
• persistent constipation for an extended period of time; or
  
  
• severe pain or other symptoms that you had before when you had diverticulitis.

A person should not attempt to drive themselves to receive medical help, they should have someone else drive them, or call 911 for emergency medical transport. Calling for an ambulance often speeds the trip to the hospital when there is an emergency.

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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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