1.9K Reviews    |    4.7 Star Rating    |    20+ years of experience    |    72k+ Patients Treated

Does Diverticulitis Go Away On Its Own?

Diverticula are pouches that form on the lining of the colon, where weak places give way under pressure. As a result, marble-sized pouches push through the colon wall. If your colon has diverticula, you have a condition called diverticulosis.

Texas Medical Board
Harris County Medical Society
American College of Gastroenterology
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Memorial hermann
Houston Methodist leading Medicine
HCA Houston Healthcare

Does Diverticulitis Go Away On Its Own?

Diverticulitis can feel scary. You may ask yourself: “Does diverticulitis go away on its own?” At Gastrodoxs.com, we want to give you clear, friendly answers. In this article, we’ll walk through what diverticulitis is, how it differs from diverticulosis, and practical tips for relief. You’ll also read quotes from Dr. Bharat Pothuri, a respected Houston gastroenterologist, sharing his insights.
Whether you live in Montrose, Sugar Land, or The Woodlands, this guide is tailored for Houston residents who want simple, real-world advice. Let’s dive in.

Section 1: What Is Diverticulosis vs. Diverticulitis?

It all starts in your colon. Tiny pouches, called diverticula, can form in the lining of your digestive tract. When they don’t cause problems, the condition is called diverticulosis. If those pouches get inflamed or infected, that’s diverticulitis .

Understanding the difference is key. Here’s a quick comparison:

Feature Diverticulosis Diverticulitis
Definition Presence of pouches (diverticula) Inflammation or infection of pouches
Symptoms Often none Pain in lower abdomen, fever, nausea
Risk of Complications Low Higher—abscess, perforation
Treatment High-fiber diet, lifestyle change Antibiotics, clear liquids, possibly surgery
Prevalence in Houston Common in adults over 40 Affects about 10–25% of those with diverticulosis

“As Dr. Bharat Pothuri explains, ‘Diverticulosis is a quiet condition. You often don’t know it’s there until diverticulitis strikes.’”

Section 2: Does Diverticulitis Go Away On Its Own?

The big question: does diverticulitis go away without medical help? In mild cases, some people notice relief with home care. But you should never ignore symptoms.

“As a Houston gastroenterologist, I rarely advise complete self-treatment,” says Dr. Pothuri. “Even if symptoms ease, you should follow up with your provider.”

Section 3: Recognizing Diverticulitis Symptoms (Including Back Pain)

Many symptoms are obvious; some are sneaky. One that surprises people is back pain.

Back pain can occur when inflammation irritates nearby nerves. If you feel unexplained lower back discomfort alongside abdominal pain, keep diverticulitis on your radar.

Section 4: How Long Does Diverticulitis Last?

“How long does diverticulitis last?” is another frequent question. The answer varies with severity and treatment.

Typical timelines:

Dr. Pothuri notes, “Early intervention shortens recovery. If patients follow dietary advice and finish all meds, most feel better in about a week.”

Section 5: What Causes a Diverticulitis Flare Up?

Identifying triggers helps you prevent future attacks. Below are common factors behind diverticulitis flare-ups:

“Lifestyle matters,” says Dr. Pothuri. “In Houston’s busy pace, it’s easy to skip healthy choices, but that can invite a flare-up.”

Section 6: Treatment Options in Houston

If you live in Houston, you’re fortunate to have top-notch medical centers like Houston Methodist, Memorial Hermann, and Texas Children’s Hospital (for pediatric cases). Here’s what treatment often looks like:

1. Outpatient Care (for mild cases)

2. Inpatient Care (for moderate to severe cases)

3. Surgery (for complications or repeated attacks)

Section 7: Diet and Lifestyle Tips to Prevent Flare-Ups

Prevention is always better than treatment. Embrace these tips for long-term gut health:

Section 8: Living With Diverticulitis in Houston

Houston’s humid summers and busy lifestyle can affect your routine. Here’s how to adapt:

Section 9: When to Seek Medical Help

Even if diverticulitis sometimes eases up, never delay getting help in these situations:

If you have these red flags, head to your nearest ER—Houston’s Memorial Hermann or Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital are open 24/7.

Section 10: Difference Between Diverticulitis and Diverticulosis—Revisited

Before we wrap up, let’s quickly revisit the difference between diverticulitis and diverticulosis in plain terms:

Section 11: Key Takeaways

Conclusion

Diverticulitis may not always disappear on its own. With proper treatment, diet, and lifestyle changes, you can heal and reduce the chance of flare-ups. If you live in Houston, tap into local experts like Dr. Bharat Pothuri and top medical centers. Stay informed, stay proactive, and remember that Gastrodoxs.com is here to support your digestive health journey.

Bharat Pothuri

About the Author

Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does diverticulitis ever go away on its own?

Mild diverticulitis can ease with rest and a clear liquid diet, but you should always consult a doctor.

2. What is the difference between diverticulitis and diverticulosis?

Diverticulosis is having pouches in the colon; diverticulitis is when these pouches become inflamed or infected.

3. Can diverticulitis cause back pain?

Yes. Inflammation can irritate nearby nerves, leading to lower back discomfort.

4. How long does diverticulitis last without treatment?

Without treatment, symptoms can persist for weeks and risk serious complications.

5. How long does diverticulitis last with antibiotics?

Most people improve in 7–10 days when they take prescribed antibiotics and follow diet guidelines.

6. What causes a diverticulitis flare-up?

Low fiber, constipation, certain meds, obesity, smoking, stress, and poor sleep can all contribute.

7. Can I eat nuts and seeds if I have diverticulitis?

New research shows nuts and seeds don’t cause flare-ups. Still, follow your doctor’s dietary plan.

8. Are there natural remedies for diverticulitis?

High-fiber diets, probiotics, and staying hydrated can help, but they shouldn’t replace medical care.

9. When should I go to the ER for diverticulitis?

Seek emergency care for severe pain, high fever, vomiting, or blood in stool.

10. How can I find a Houston specialist for diverticulitis?

Ask your primary care provider for referrals or visit Gastrodoxs.com to connect with local gastroenterologists.

Related Blogs