Symptoms of a diverticulitis attack may include fever, nausea, constipation, diarrhea and abdominal pain, according to WebMD. Symptoms may also include abdominal bloating, flatulence, cramps and a loss of appetite. These symptoms can last between a few hours and several days.
Diverticulitis occurs when diverticula become infected or inflamed, explains Mayo Clinic. When a diverticulitis attack is mild, it can be treated with rest, dietary adjustments and antibiotics. However, surgery may be needed if the diverticulitis is severe or recurrent.
Treatment after an attack of diverticulitis is focused on preventing additional attacks, explains WebMD. This treatment may include drinking plenty of fluids, gradually increasing fiber in the diet and having regular doctor visits to monitor treatment.
Obesity, smoking, lack of exercise, aging and certain medications increase the risk of diverticulitis, according to Mayo Clinic. A diet low in fiber and high in animal fat also increases the risk.
After recovering from a diverticulitis attack, individuals often experience lower abdominal pain, explains WebMD. However, this pain generally does not mean another diverticulitis attack is occurring. Fewer than half of diverticulitis patients ever have a second attack. Half of the patients who experience a second diverticulitis attack have it within a year of the initial attack.
