Inability to take antibiotics or analgesics orally
Blood in stool or dark tarry stools
Signs of urinary problems such as pneumaturia or fecaluria
Significant weakness, dizziness, or fainting
No improvement after 48 to 72 hours of antibiotics
Follow-up plan
Family doctor or clinic within 48 to 72 hours
Repeat imaging if symptoms do not resolve as expected
Colonoscopy arranged by your doctor approximately 6 weeks after recovery if recommended
Long-term lifestyle advice
High-fibre diet including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes
Regular physical activity
Maintain healthy body weight
Avoid regular NSAID use
Stop smoking if applicable
References
Guidelines and key sources
Society guidelines
American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) guideline on diverticulitis management
Supports observation without antibiotics in uncomplicated disease
Selective CT use for clinically confirmed mild recurrence
American College of Physicians (ACP) guideline
Antibiotic-sparing approach for uncomplicated diverticulitis
American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS) practice parameters
Indications for elective surgery
Colonoscopy timing after complicated diverticulitis
European Association for Endoscopic Surgery (EAES) consensus
Laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy approach
Key clinical evidence
AVOD trial
Randomized controlled trial supporting no-antibiotic treatment in uncomplicated diverticulitis
DIABOLO trial
Non-inferiority of observational management without antibiotics
2025 JAMA review of diverticulitis management algorithm
Grounding evidence for this document
Coding references
ICD-10 K57.32 diverticulitis of large intestine without perforation or abscess without bleeding
ICD-10 K57.30 diverticulitis of large intestine without perforation or abscess with bleeding
SNOMED CT diverticulitis of colon disorder
SymptomDx is an educational tool for medical professionals. It does not replace clinical judgment. Verify all clinical data and drug dosages with authoritative sources.