Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis

Diverticulosis is when you have pouches form in your colon wall that bulge outward. If these pouches become infected or inflamed, you have diverticulitis.

Signs You Should Get Help for Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis

You should see a doctor if you develop any of the following symptoms that don't go away:

• Abdominal pain, cramps or tenderness
• Bloating
• Blood in your stool
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting

Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis Treatment at Rush

When you come to Rush, our doctors will develop a treatment plan that offers relief from your pain and other symptoms so you can enjoy life again. This treatment may include the following strategies:

• Exercise and a diet plan that includes fiber-rich foods, fiber supplements and probiotics
• Pain management strategies
• Antibiotics to ease the infection; your doctor will consider whether it's necessary to prescribe antibiotics to treat your diverticulitis.
• Surgery, which is rare but may be needed if you have complicated diverticulitis that forms an abscess or hole in your bowel

Rush Excellence in Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis Care

• Quick, convenient care: We offer fast access to doctors — usually within one week — at sites across Chicago and the suburbs so you can get started with treatment and reduce your symptoms as quickly as possible. We also offer virtual visits so you can see a doctor right in your own home.
• A national reputation in digestive diseases: U.S. News & World Report ranks Rush University Medical Center among the best in the nation for gastroenterology and GI surgery. This means you will receive expert care from some of the country's leading digestive health specialists at Rush.
• Experts in managing chronic conditions: If you have repeated attacks of diverticulitis, our experienced team can suggest medication, diet and other strategies to help you avoid future attacks. At Rush, you also have access to innovative treatments through clinical trials, including a study comparing the impact of medical management vs. surgery for diverticulitis.
• Minimally invasive options if you need surgery: Colon and rectal surgeons at Rush routinely use robotic and other minimally invasive techniques that help you feel less pain and recover more quickly after surgery for complicated diverticulitis. Surgeons at Rush can also repair fistulas (abnormal connections around the anus or other parts of the digestive tract) that may occur if you have complicated diverticulitis.
• Specialized help for pelvic pain and stomach issues: Our care team includes multiple specialists who can offer solutions to ease any pelvic or abdominal pain you may have from diverticulosis and diverticulitis.