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Diverticular disease and diverticulitis

Overview

Open all pages about Diverticular disease and diverticulitis

Symptoms of diverticular disease and diverticulitis include tummy pain, constipation, diarrhoea and blood in your poo.

To diagnose diverticular disease or diverticulitis, you may need tests such as a colonoscopy or CT scan.

Diverticular disease can be treated with medicines, such as painkillers and laxatives. Antibiotics are usually used to treat diverticulitis.

Eating healthily, avoiding certain types of painkillers, losing weight and stopping smoking can help with diverticular disease and diverticulitis.

Complications of diverticulitis are rare. They can include a blockage, abscess, or hole in the bowel, and sometimes need surgery.

Diverticular disease and diverticulitis are common conditions affecting the large intestine (bowel).

Page last reviewed: 07/09/2023
Next review due: 07/09/2026