A sudden, sharp stomach pain that won’t go away. A fever that appears out of nowhere. If you’ve ever experienced these symptoms, you may have had a condition called diverticulitis. It happens when small pouches in the wall of your colon — called diverticula — become inflamed or infected.

“Diverticulitis can be very uncomfortable, and in some cases even serious if untreated,” says William Brown, MD gastroenterologist at Summit Health. “The good news is, with the right care, most people recover fully and can reduce their risk of future flare-ups.”

What’s the Difference Between Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis?

The two terms sound alike, but they mean different things:

• Diverticulosis refers to the presence of small pouches in the lining of the colon. It’s very common and usually doesn’t cause symptoms.
• Diverticulitis is when those pouches become inflamed or infected, leading to pain and other symptoms.

“Think of diverticulosis as the setup and diverticulitis as the flare-up,” explains Dr. Brown. “Many people live with diverticulosis and never develop diverticulitis, but it’s important to know the difference.”

How is Diverticulitis Diagnosed?

Doctors often diagnose diverticulitis based on symptoms and imaging tests.

• CT scans are the most common and can show both diverticula and signs of inflammation.
• Colonoscopy may reveal diverticulosis, though it’s not typically performed during an active infection.
• Physical exams and history help rule out other causes of abdominal pain.

“CT imaging is the gold standard when we suspect diverticulitis,” says Dr. Brown. “It allows us to confirm the diagnosis quickly and start treatment.”

What Symptoms Should You Watch For?

Diverticulitis often causes:

• Abdominal pain, usually on the lower left side
• Fever and chills
• Nausea or vomiting
• Constipation, diarrhea, or bloating

“If you have abdominal pain that’s persistent, especially with fever or digestive changes, don’t ignore it,” Dr. Brown cautions. “Early treatment prevents complications.”

How is Diverticulitis Treated?

Treatment depends on severity:

• Mild cases: antibiotics, rest and a temporary liquid or low-fiber diet.
• Moderate to severe cases: hospitalization for IV antibiotics, and in rare cases, surgery to remove part of the colon.

“The majority of patients improve without surgery,” notes Dr. Brown “The key is prompt treatment and follow-up care.”

How Can You Prevent Diverticulitis?

While you can’t remove diverticula once they’ve formed, lifestyle changes can lower your risk of flare-ups:

• Eat more fiber (fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans).
• Drink plenty of water.
• Exercise regularly.
• Avoid smoking.

“Simple changes, like adding fiber to your meals or staying more active, really do help,” Dr. Brown says. “Prevention is about keeping your digestive system moving smoothly.”

How Summit Health Can Help

If you’ve been diagnosed with diverticulosis, or you’ve experienced a diverticulitis flare, Summit Health’s gastroenterology specialists are here to help. From diagnosis and treatment to long-term prevention, our team provides compassionate, expert care.

“Our goal isn’t just to treat diverticulitis when it happens,” says Dr. Brown. “It’s to help patients prevent recurrences and feel confident about their digestive health.”