4 Diverticulitis Self-Care Tips To Ease Pain, Bloating and Constipation During a Flare-up
Plus, see the warning signs it's time to visit a doctor for antibiotics
If you regularly deal with abdominal pain, it could be a sign of a gastrointestinal issue that becomes more common with age. Diverticulosis occurs when small pouches called diverticula form in the colon wall. Over time, the pouches can become inflamed or infected, a condition known as diverticulitis. That’s why having a diverticulitis self-care strategy in place to manage and prevent flare-ups is so important.
“Many people have diverticulosis their whole lives without problems, but once those pockets become inflamed or infected, the condition is called diverticulitis,” explains Prateek Sharma, MD, professor of medicine at the University of Kansas School of Medicine and president of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.
Who’s at risk for diverticulitis?
The risk of developing diverticulitis increases with age, particularly for people over 50, those who eat a low-fiber diet and those who lead a sedentary lifestyle. Smoking, obesity and physical inactivity may also contribute to the condition, as can menopausal hormone use and frequent use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and aspirin. Diet plays a role, too—a Western-style diet high in red meat and low in fiber may raise the likelihood of developing diverticular disease.
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Diverticulitis symptoms
Diverticulitis is one of the leading gastrointestinal causes of emergency room visits and hospital admissions for gastrointestinal issues. However, most cases can be treated at home with self-care, diet and lifestyle modifications as well as antibiotics, says Dr. Sharma.
The most common symptoms of diverticulitis include:
- Persistent, sharp abdominal pain in the lower left side
- Bloating and cramping
- Fever and nausea
- Constipation or diarrhea
“Unlike diverticular bleeding, which may cause painless rectal bleeding, acute diverticulitis does not usually cause blood in the stool,” Dr. Sharma adds.
4 diverticulitis self-care tips
First things first: If you suspect your have diverticulosis or diverticulitis, visit your doctor. He or she can confirm a diagnosis and recommend the best course of care. If you’ve already been diagnosed with the condition and want to manage a diverticulitis attack at home—and reduce your risk of future flare-ups—consider these simple self-care tips:
1. Scale back on fiber at first
A diverticulitis diet isn’t one-size-fits-all—it changes depending on the stage of your condition. During a flare-up, temporarily switch to a low-fiber liquid diet to give the large intestine a chance to heal, Dr. Sharma recommends.
“It’s helpful to stick with clear fluids and easily digestible foods for a short period of time,” he adds. That includes broths, herbal teas and fruit juices without pulp, which keep you hydrated while reducing irritation. “High-fiber foods can make stools harder, which may worsen symptoms.”
2. Gradually resume eating a high-fiber diet
While fiber can irritate the inflamed colon during an active diverticulitis flare-up, a high-fiber diet plays an important role in preventing future episodes.
As you recover, gradually reintroducing fiber to your regular diet helps restore normal digestion. This keeps bowel movements regular, reducing the risk of constipation and future diverticulitis attacks. That may include eating more white bread, plain crackers, eggs or yogurt until symptoms subside, Dr. Sharma says.
Then move on to higher-fiber foods, he says. Good sources of fiber include oatmeal, brown rice, beans, lentils, apples, pears, carrots and leafy greens.
3. Stay hydrated and active
Chronic constipation increases the risk of diverticulitis, which is why staying hydrated and active is crucial, Dr. Sharma says. Regular exercise—whether it’s walking, yoga or another gentle activity—can help prevent diverticulitis by keeping your digestive tract running smoothly. “Your bowels move as much as you do,” he notes.
4. Be mindful of nuts and seeds
For years, doctors warned against nuts, seeds and popcorn, fearing they could get trapped in diverticula and trigger inflammation. However, research has not confirmed this link.
“There’s no strong scientific evidence that nuts or seeds cause diverticulitis,” Dr. Sharma says. However, if you notice a pattern—such as flare-ups occurring after eating large nuts or seedy fruits—it may be worth avoiding them.
Fiber supplements can also help regulate bowel movements, but check with your doctor before adding them to your diet.
Beyond self-care: When to see a doctor for diverticulitis treatment
“Most cases of diverticulitis can be managed with diet modifications,” says Dr. Sharma. “But if mild symptoms don’t improve within a few days, or if you experience severe abdominal pain, high fever, nausea or rectal bleeding, it’s time to seek medical care.”
A doctor may prescribe antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin or metronidazole for people with diverticulitis. In severe cases, hospitalization for IV antibiotics may be necessary. And for recurrent or severe diverticulitis, surgery to remove the affected portion of the colon may be considered, Dr. Sharma says.
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