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General health information

Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis is inflammation of one or more pouches in the large bowel. It often causes pain in the lower left abdomen, fever and changes in bowel movements. A mild, uncomplicated episode can sometimes be treated at home, but a perforation, abscess, blockage or sepsis needs prompt hospital care.

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  • Diverticulosis means pouches are present in the large bowel. It often causes no symptoms and is different from diverticulitis.
  • Diverticulitis usually causes local abdominal pain and signs of inflammation. Severity ranges from mild inflammation to perforation with sepsis.
  • A CT scan can help establish the diagnosis and assess complications if there is uncertainty or symptoms are severe.
  • Not everyone needs antibiotics. People with complications, severe illness or increased risk are more likely to receive antibiotics and/or hospital care.
  • After recovery, the focus is on gradually returning to a normal, fibre-rich diet, being physically active, not smoking and assessing personal risk factors.

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Further reading

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