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Conditions

Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis Treatment in Charlotte

Clear diagnosis, comprehensive treatment, and symptom relief

Diverticulosis is common and often symptom-free — but when infection develops, early treatment is essential to avoid serious complications.

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Know the condition

Understanding Your Condition

Diverticulosis occurs when small pouches form in weak spots of the colon wall — a condition affecting roughly 50% of people over 60. When those pouches become infected or inflamed, it becomes diverticulitis, causing noticeable symptoms that require prompt medical treatment.Our GI specialists provide diverticulitis treatment across the Charlotte area, with locations in Huntersville and Mooresville for convenient access to care.

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Diverticulosis refers to the presence of the pouches themselves — most people with diverticulosis have no symptoms and don't know they have it. Diverticulitis occurs when those pouches become infected or inflamed, causing symptoms like pain, fever, and nausea that require treatment.
KEY SYMPTOMS

Recognizing Symptoms

Diverticulosis is usually silent — diverticulitis is not.

Most people with diverticulosis experience no symptoms at all. Diverticulitis, however, causes clear signs of infection that should not be ignored. Always see a doctor if you suspect an infection — diverticulitis does not resolve on its own and can lead to serious complications without treatment.

Abdominal Pain (Left Side)

Tenderness and pain on the left side of the abdomen is the most characteristic symptom of diverticulitis, reflecting where infection is most common in the colon.

Fever & Chills

A fever accompanying abdominal pain is a clear indicator of infection and should prompt you to seek medical care as soon as possible.

Nausea & Vomiting

Infection and inflammation in the colon can cause nausea and vomiting, particularly during more severe episodes of diverticulitis.

Constipation

Changes in bowel habits, including constipation, are common with both diverticulosis and diverticulitis as the colon becomes inflamed or irritated.

Bloating & Cramping

Mild cramps and bloating may occur with diverticulosis. These symptoms are more pronounced and persistent during diverticulitis flares.

Blood in Stool

Blood in the stool can occur with diverticulitis and should always be evaluated by a doctor, as it may indicate bleeding from an inflamed or ruptured pouch.

Causes & Risk Factors

What Causes Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis?

There's no single definitive cause, but low fiber intake is widely considered the primary driver. Understanding the risk factors can help you take steps to reduce your chances of developing complications.

A low-fiber diet is the most widely accepted cause of diverticulosis. Without enough fiber, stool becomes harder to pass, and the colon must exert greater pressure — pushing against weak spots in the colon wall and causing pouches to form. Once pouches develop, they can become infected (diverticulitis), though what specifically triggers the infection isn't fully understood.

Treatment Options

Managing Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis

Treatment depends on whether you have diverticulosis alone or an active diverticulitis infection. Your doctor will develop a plan based on the severity of your condition and your medical history.

High-Fiber Diet

For diverticulosis without infection, the best treatment is increasing dietary fiber to 20–35 grams per day. Fiber helps stool move more easily, reducing pressure on the colon and the risk of developing new pouches or infections.

Antibiotics

When diverticulitis infection is present, antibiotics are the primary treatment to clear the infection. Rest and a temporary liquid diet may also be recommended to allow the colon to heal.

Abscess Drainage

If a pus-filled abscess develops, antibiotics alone may not be sufficient. Depending on size and severity, the abscess may need to be drained by a doctor, typically while the patient is hospitalized.

Surgery

Surgery is required for severe cases — such as when the intestines are blocked, when part of the colon fuses to another organ, or when an abscess ruptures into the abdominal cavity. In some cases, emergency removal of part of the colon is necessary.

Living Well with Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis

For many people, diverticulosis is a lifelong condition that's easily managed with diet and lifestyle changes. Staying proactive about your fiber intake and monitoring for signs of infection can help you avoid complications and live comfortably.

Aim for 20–35 grams of fiber per day through fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains. Unlike many other GI conditions, there's no evidence that avoiding specific foods helps with diverticulosis — what matters most is total fiber intake. A fiber supplement like Citrucel or Metamucil can also help if you're struggling to get enough through diet alone.
Diagnostic Process

Getting Your Diagnosis

Diverticulosis is often discovered incidentally during an exam for another condition, since it rarely causes symptoms. Diverticulitis is diagnosed based on your symptoms, a physical exam, and targeted tests to confirm infection and rule out other causes.

Your doctor will review your medical history and perform a physical exam to check for abdominal tenderness. Blood tests will be ordered to look for signs of infection — such as elevated white blood cell levels — that confirm an active diverticulitis episode.

FAQs

While we don't know for certain, the widely accepted cause of diverticulosis is a low-fiber diet. Fiber helps move stool through your colon, and without enough, your colon has to work harder, creating more pressure. This pressure pushes against weak spots in the colon, causing the pouches of diverticulosis to form.

Take the Next Step Toward Better Digestive Health

Our Rea Farms, Randolph Road, Huntersville, Mint Hill, and Mooresville offices offer endoscopy and other services to help diagnose and treat Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis.

Have questions about insurance? The Charlotte Gastro team can verify your coverage and let you know what to expect for out-of-pocket costs.

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