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Discharge Instructions for Diverticulitis
You have been diagnosed with diverticulitis. This is a condition in which small pouches form in your colon (large intestine) and become inflamed or infected. Follow the guidelines below for home care.
As you recover
Tips for recovery include:
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Eating a low-fiber diet at first while you recover. Your health care provider may advise a liquid diet. This gives your bowel a chance to rest so that it can recover.
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Eating foods, such as flake cereal, mashed potatoes, pancakes, waffles, pasta, white bread, rice, applesauce, bananas, eggs, fish, poultry, tofu, and well-cooked vegetables.
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Taking your medicines as directed. Don't stop taking the medicines, even if you feel better.
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Keeping track of your temperature and reporting any rise in temperature to your provider.
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Taking any prescribed antibiotics exactly as directed. Don't miss any and keep taking them even if you feel better.
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Drinking 6 to 8 glasses of water every day, unless told otherwise.
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Using a heating pad or hot water bottle to reduce abdominal cramping or pain.
Preventing diverticulitis in the future
Tips for prevention include:
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Eating a high-fiber diet. Fiber adds bulk to the stool so that it passes through the large intestine more easily.
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Continuing to drink 6 to 8 glasses of water every day, unless told otherwise.
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Starting an exercise program. Ask your health care provider how to get started. You can benefit from simple activities, such as walking or gardening.
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Treating diarrhea with a bland diet. Start with liquids only, then slowly add fiber over time.
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Watching for changes in your bowel movements (constipation to diarrhea).
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Preventing constipation with fiber and adding a stool softener if needed.
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Getting plenty of rest and sleep.
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Avoiding nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, if possible. They increase the risk of diverticulitis.
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Not smoking.
Follow-up care
Make a follow-up appointment, or as advised. You may need a colonoscopy or other imaging tests of your colon.
When should you call your doctor
Contact your health care provider or get medical care right away if you have:
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A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as advised by your provider.
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Chills.
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Severe cramps in your belly, most often the lower left side.
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Soreness in your belly, most often the lower left side.
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Nausea and vomiting.
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Bleeding from your rectum.
Online Medical Reviewer:
Jen Lehrer MD
Online Medical Reviewer:
Melinda Murray Ratini DO
Online Medical Reviewer:
Rita Sather RN
Date Last Reviewed:
2/1/2025
© 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.