People with diverticulosis often have no symptoms, but they may have bloating and cramping in the lower part of the belly. Rarely, they may notice blood in their stool or on toilet paper.

Symptoms of diverticulitis are more severe and often start suddenly, but they may become worse over a few days. They include:

• Tenderness, usually in the left lower side of the abdomen
• Bloating or gas
• Fever and chills
• Nausea and vomiting
• Not feeling hungry and not eating

Your health care provider will examine you. Blood tests may be ordered to see if you have an infection.

Other tests that help diagnose diverticulitis may include:

• CT scan
• Ultrasound of the abdomen
• X-rays of the abdomen

Images

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Diverticulitis Overview

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Diverticulitis Treatment

Review Date: 01/31/2011
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; George F Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program San Diego, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)