Last Updated on December 2, 2025 by Bilal Hasdemir

Did you know that nearly 50% of adults over 60 in the United States have diverticulosis? This condition can turn into diverticulitis if not treated. Many people don’t know the unusual signs of this issue. Our guide to unusual diverticulitis symptoms. Discover the shocking, surprising, and critical signs you may be overlooking.

One sign that’s not well-known is abdominal cramping sensations. It can be confused with other stomach problems. Also, some people might feel fever and chills. These could mean the condition is getting worse.

Key Takeaways

• Diverticulitis can present with unusual symptoms.
• Abdominal cramping is a common, yet often misdiagnosed, symptom.
• Fever and chills can indicate a more severe case.
• Early detection is key for effective treatment.
• Knowing the signs can help avoid serious problems.

Understanding Diverticulitis

Understanding diverticulitis is key to managing its effects on daily life. It involves inflammation of the digestive tract. Diverticulitis happens when small pouches in the colon wall get inflamed. This can cause a range of symptoms, from mild to severe.

What is Diverticulitis?

Diverticulitis is when these small pouches in the colon lining get inflamed. These pouches are called diverticula. Most often, they form in the colon. While they are usually not a problem, when they get inflamed, it’s diverticulitis.

The exact cause of diverticulitis is not always known. But it’s thought to be due to a mix of factors. These include changes in diet, physical inactivity, and genetic predisposition.

How Common is Diverticulitis?

Diverticulitis is quite common, mainly among older adults. Studies show it affects about 10% to 25% of those with diverticulosis. It’s more common in Western societies, possibly because of a low-fiber diet.

Risk Factors Associated with Diverticulitis

Several factors increase the risk of getting diverticulitis. These include:

• Age: The risk goes up after 40.
• Diet: A diet low in fiber and high in processed foods raises the risk.
• Obesity: Being overweight or obese increases the risk.
• Physical inactivity: Not being active enough may contribute to the risk.
• Smoking: Smoking is linked to a higher risk of diverticulitis.
• Certain medications: Some medications, like steroids and NSAIDs, may increase the risk.

Knowing these risk factors is important for prevention and early treatment. Symptoms like nausea and vomiting, changes in appetite, and abdominal pain need a doctor’s check-up. This is to see if it’s diverticulitis or another issue.

Common Symptoms of Diverticulitis

Knowing the symptoms of diverticulitis is key to catching it early. This condition shows up in different ways, with some symptoms being more common.

Classic Symptoms

Diverticulitis often causes pain in the lower left abdomen, bloating and gas issues, and changes in bowel habits like constipation or diarrhea. Some people find pain relief after bowel movement, but this isn’t true for everyone.

Other symptoms include:

• Abdominal tenderness
• Fever
• Nausea or vomiting
• Changes in appetite

Importance of Recognizing Symptoms

It’s vital to spot these symptoms early. Diverticulitis can get worse if not treated right away. Early treatment can stop it from getting worse.

It’s also important to know that diverticulitis might be mistaken for other issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). A detailed medical check-up is needed to get the right diagnosis and treatment plan.

Symptom	Description	Importance
Abdominal Pain	Typically lower left abdomen	Primary indicator of diverticulitis
Bloating and Gas	Discomfort and swelling in the abdomen	Common accompanying symptom
Changes in Bowel Habits	Constipation or diarrhea	Can indicate diverticulitis activity
Pain Relief After Bowel Movement	Temporary relief after defecation	Variable symptom among patients

Unusual Symptoms of Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis can show up in unexpected ways, confusing both patients and doctors. While common symptoms are well-known, there are unusual signs that are just as important. We’ll look at these symptoms, using medical case studies to understand their meaning.

Unexpected Abdominal Pain

One unusual symptom is unexpected abdominal pain. This pain can be different in intensity and location. It’s not always in the typical lower left area, making it hard to diagnose.

Case Study: A 55-year-old patient had sudden right-sided abdominal pain, thought to be appendicitis. But it was actually diverticulitis. This shows we should think of diverticulitis when we see sudden abdominal pain, no matter where it is.

Changes in Bowel Habits

Changes in bowel habits are another unusual symptom. This can include constipation, diarrhea, or switching between the two. These changes can be upsetting and might not be linked to diverticulitis right away.

• Constipation can happen because inflammation causes a partial blockage.
• Diarrhea can be a body response to inflammation, leading to more frequent bowel movements.

Fever and Chills

Fever and chills are not just for infections; they can also be symptoms of diverticulitis. These symptoms show up when the inflammation is severe. They mean the infection might be getting worse.

It’s important to notice these symptoms because they might mean you need to see a doctor right away. This can help avoid serious problems like abscesses or perforations.

Feeling very tired can also happen with diverticulitis. This is because the inflammation is ongoing and the body is reacting to it. Spotting these unusual symptoms early can help get the right treatment sooner, which is better for the patient.

Psychological Symptoms of Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis affects more than just the body. It can also impact mental health. This condition, marked by inflammation in the digestive tract, brings about various psychological symptoms that are often missed.

Anxiety and Stress

Anxiety is a major psychological symptom of diverticulitis. The unpredictable nature of flare-ups causes a lot of stress. People worry about when the next episode will happen. This anxiety can really disrupt daily life and overall happiness.

“The fear of the unknown can be as debilitating as the condition itself,” showing the importance of support for both physical and mental health.

Connection to Mental Health

The link between diverticulitis and mental health is deep. Studies show that people with diverticulitis might feel mood swings or get easily irritated. This is because the condition is chronic and painful. Also, trouble sleeping can make these feelings worse, creating a hard-to-break cycle.

• Mood swings and irritability
• Difficulty sleeping due to discomfort or pain
• Increased stress levels due to the unpredictability of flare-ups

Managing diverticulitis needs a complete approach. This includes tackling these psychological symptoms. By understanding how diverticulitis affects mental health, we can offer better support and treatments.

Dietary Impacts on Diverticulitis Symptoms

Diet is key in managing diverticulitis symptoms. Making smart food choices can greatly improve health. It’s important to adjust your diet to help manage diverticulitis.

Some foods can make symptoms worse, while others can help. Knowing which foods to avoid and which to eat can help control symptoms.

Food Sensitivities

Food sensitivities can really affect diverticulitis symptoms. Foods high in FODMAPs, dairy, and spicy or fatty foods are common culprits. Avoiding these foods can help lessen symptoms.

Keeping a food diary is a good way to track which foods cause problems. This helps make better diet choices and can reduce symptoms.

Unusual Reactions to Certain Foods

Some people have unusual reactions to certain foods. This can be hard to figure out without paying close attention. Foods high in sugar or certain fibers can be culprits.

It’s important to know how different foods affect you. Adjusting your diet based on these reactions can help manage diverticulitis better.

Food Type	Potential Impact	Recommendation
High-FODMAP Foods	Can cause bloating and discomfort	Limit or avoid foods like beans, cabbage, and broccoli
Dairy Products	May trigger symptoms in lactose intolerant individuals	Consider lactose-free alternatives or reduce intake
Spicy or Fatty Foods	Can irritate the digestive tract	Avoid or reduce consumption of spicy or high-fat foods

Diverticulitis and Urinary Symptoms

Diverticulitis can affect more than just your stomach. It can also change how you use the bathroom. Some people might notice changes in their urine habits.

Urgency to Urinate

One common urinary symptom is feeling a strong need to pee. This can make everyday tasks hard. You might also feel like you can’t empty your bladder fully.

Studies show that diverticulitis can irritate the bladder. This leads to symptoms like needing to pee a lot. A study in a medical journal found many cases where patients felt this urgent need to pee.

Painful Urination and Its Significance

Some people with diverticulitis also experience painful urination. This is a serious sign. It might mean there’s an abscess or fistula affecting the urinary tract.

• Painful urination can be a sign of a more serious issue.
• It’s essential to seek medical attention if you experience persistent or severe urinary symptoms.
• Early diagnosis and treatment can help manage symptoms and prevent complications.

A medical expert said, “If you have urinary symptoms with diverticulitis, you need to get checked. It could mean there’s a problem with your urinary tract.”

Symptoms Misdiagnosed as Other Conditions

Diagnosing diverticulitis can be tricky because its symptoms are similar to other abdominal issues. This similarity can cause confusion and lead to wrong diagnoses. It might also delay the right treatment.

Confusion with Irritable Bowel Syndrome

People often confuse diverticulitis symptoms with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Both can cause abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits. But, IBS is a long-term condition, while diverticulitis is an acute inflammation.

Key differences between diverticulitis and IBS:

• Duration of symptoms: IBS is chronic, while diverticulitis is acute.
• Intensity of pain: Diverticulitis often presents with more severe pain.
• Presence of fever: Diverticulitis is typically accompanied by fever, which is not characteristic of IBS.

Condition	Duration	Pain Intensity	Fever Presence
Diverticulitis	Acute	Severe	Yes
IBS	Chronic	Variable	No

Distinguishing from Appendicitis

Diverticulitis is also often mistaken for appendicitis. Both can cause sudden abdominal pain. But, their locations and symptoms can be different. Appendicitis pain usually starts near the navel and moves to the lower right. Diverticulitis pain is more on the left side.

Diagnostic considerations:

• Location of pain: Appendicitis pain typically localizes to the right lower quadrant, while diverticulitis pain is usually in the left lower quadrant.
• Imaging tests: CT scans are commonly used to differentiate between the two conditions by visualizing the appendix and the sigmoid colon.

Knowing these differences is key for correct diagnosis and treatment. We will look at more details about diagnosing diverticulitis in the next sections.

When to Seek Medical Attention

It’s important to know the severe symptoms of diverticulitis to avoid serious health problems. Sometimes, diverticulitis can cause complications that need quick medical help. We will talk about the key symptoms that mean you should see a doctor right away.

Recognizing Severe Symptoms

Severe symptoms of diverticulitis include intense abdominal pain, a lot of bleeding, and signs of infection like high fever and chills. If you have any of these symptoms, you should get medical help fast.

Some people might also feel heart palpitations or shortness of breath. These signs can mean a serious problem. Don’t ignore them, as they might need quick care.

Emergency Situations

In some cases, diverticulitis can turn into emergencies that need fast medical action. For example, if you have severe abdominal pain that doesn’t go away, or if you’re vomiting a lot. Also, if you have a high fever, it’s a big warning sign.

Symptom	Description	Action Required
Severe Abdominal Pain	Pain that is intense and doesn’t subside	Seek immediate medical attention
Significant Bleeding	Heavy rectal bleeding	Go to the emergency room
High Fever and Chills	Fever above 101°F (38.3°C) with chills	Visit a healthcare provider urgently

Recognizing severe symptoms and acting quickly is crucial for effective treatment. If you’re not sure how serious your symptoms are, it’s better to be safe and talk to a doctor.

Diagnostic Procedures for Diverticulitis

Diagnosing diverticulitis involves several steps. These include imaging and lab tests. When symptoms point to diverticulitis, doctors do a detailed check. They aim to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions.

Imaging Tests

Imaging tests are key in diagnosing diverticulitis. The main imaging methods are:

• Computed Tomography (CT) Scan: A CT scan is often the first choice. It can spot diverticulitis and any complications like abscesses or perforations.
• Ultrasound: Ultrasound might be used for some patients. It helps check for diverticulitis, but it’s not as detailed as a CT scan.
• Barium Enema: This test fills the colon with a contrast material (barium) for X-ray images. It’s not as common today because of CT scans.

Laboratory Tests

Laboratory tests are vital in diagnosing diverticulitis. They help understand how severe the condition is. Key tests include:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC): A CBC shows signs of infection or inflammation, like a high white blood cell count.
• C-Reactive Protein (CRP): CRP levels show inflammation. High levels suggest diverticulitis.
• Urinalysis: This test helps rule out urinary tract infections, which can have similar symptoms.

Doctors use imaging and lab test results together. This helps them accurately diagnose diverticulitis. Then, they can plan the right treatment.

Treatment Options for Diverticulitis

Understanding the treatment options for diverticulitis is key. Each plan is customized based on the severity of symptoms and any complications. This ensures the best care for each patient.

Medication and Antibiotics

Many patients start with antibiotics to fight infection and inflammation. The type of antibiotic depends on the diverticulitis’s severity and the patient’s health. For severe cases, intravenous antibiotics might be needed.

• Oral antibiotics are common for mild to moderate diverticulitis.
• Intravenous antibiotics are used for severe cases, requiring hospital care.

Dietary Modifications and Lifestyle Changes

Dietary changes are vital in managing diverticulitis. A high-fiber diet helps prevent constipation and reduces flare-up risks. Drinking plenty of water is also important.

1. Eat more fiber from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
2. Stay away from spicy or fatty foods that can upset your stomach.

Along with diet, making lifestyle changes can help too. Regular exercise and keeping a healthy weight are good for your health.

Managing Unusual Symptoms at Home

Diverticulitis can be tough to handle, making it hard to deal with unusual symptoms. Finding relief at home is key.

Relief through Remedies

Home remedies can help a lot. Drinking plenty of water, using heat on your belly, and eating well can ease pain. Try these to see what helps you most.

Adjusting Your Lifestyle for Relief

Changing your lifestyle is also important. Eating more fiber and avoiding foods that make symptoms worse can help. This includes foods that cause sudden weight loss or skin issues.

Using home remedies and making lifestyle changes can help manage diverticulitis symptoms at home. Always talk to your doctor to create a plan that’s right for you.

FAQ

References

New England Journal of Medicine. Evidence-Based Medical Insight. Retrieved from https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMra1901364