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What can I take for diverticulitis pain?

Author

Daniel Moore

Published Jan 21, 2026

Diverticulitis can usually be treated at home with antibiotics prescribed by a GP. You can take paracetamol to help relieve any pain. Talk to a GP if paracetamol alone is not working. Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen, as they can cause stomach upsets.

What helps diverticulitis pain fast?

Mild diverticulitis infection may be treated with bed rest, stool softeners, a liquid diet, antibiotics to fight the infection, and possibly antispasmodic drugs.

What is the best painkiller for diverticulitis?

The over-the-counter painkiller paracetamol is recommended to help relieve your symptoms. Painkillers known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin and ibuprofen, are not recommended because they may upset your stomach and increase your risk of internal bleeding.

What triggers diverticulitis flare ups?

You're more likely to experience a diverticulitis flare-up if you are:

  • Over age 40.
  • Overweight or obese.
  • A smoker.
  • Physically inactive.
  • Someone whose diet is high in animal products and low in fiber (most Americans)
  • Someone who takes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), steroids or opioids.

How do I know if my diverticulitis burst?

In most cases, when you have diverticular bleeding, you will suddenly have a large amount of red or maroon-colored blood in your stool. Diverticular bleeding may also cause dizziness or light-headedness, or weakness. See your doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms.

40 related questions found

Does drinking water help diverticulitis?

Yes, drinking water may help resolve diverticulitis. However, the overall management of diverticulitis depends on the extent of the disease. Only hydration may not help in all cases. It is advised to maintain a liquid diet, such as clear liquids or broths, during the first few days of the diverticulitis attack.

What is the best drink for diverticulitis?

Water and clear juices (such as apple, cranberry, or grape), strained citrus juices or fruit punch. Coffee or tea (without cream or milk) Clear sports drinks or soft drinks, such as ginger ale, lemon-lime soda, or club soda (no cola or root beer) Clear broth, bouillon, or consommé

What drinks to avoid with diverticulitis?

Are alcohol and coffee bad for diverticulitis? Not necessarily, though you definitely want to avoid alcohol and caffeine if you're experiencing a diverticulitis attack. “Coffee is a bowel stimulant, so if you're having an attack you might want to stay away and rest your bowel,” says Dr.

How long does it take for diverticulitis to heal?

In about 95 out of 100 people, uncomplicated diverticulitis goes away on its own within a week. In about 5 out of 100 people, the symptoms stay and treatment is needed. Surgery is only rarely necessary.

Are bananas good for diverticulosis?

Good options include canned fruits such as peaches or pears, applesauce, ripe bananas, and soft, ripe cantaloupe and honeydew. “It's not a lot of fiber because you're not eating the skin.

Is yogurt good for diverticulitis?

In this diet, people avoid foods that are high in FODMAPS. This includes foods such as: certain fruits, such as apples, pears, and plums. dairy foods, such as milk, yogurt, and ice cream.

How long does diverticulitis flare up last?

Your doctor can usually treat diverticulitis with a special diet, plenty of rest, and, in some cases, antibiotic medica- tions. Once treated, most people start feeling better within a few days. Approximately 20% of patients will have another flare-up, or recurrence. This usually happens within 5 years.

Can I drink coffee with diverticulitis?

During acute attacks of diverticulitis, eat a low-fiber diet. Avoid foods that may contribute to nausea or pain, such as caffeine, spicy foods, chocolate, and milk products.

What are the trigger foods for diverticulitis?

Actually, no specific foods are known to trigger diverticulitis attacks. And no special diet has been proved to prevent attacks. In the past, people with small pouches (diverticula) in the lining of the colon were told to avoid nuts, seeds and popcorn.

Will Tylenol help diverticulitis?

Medication Options

OTC pain relievers used to treat diverticulitis include Tylenol (acetaminophen). Stronger pain medicine is not recommended as it can increase pressure in the colon.

What does poop look like with diverticulitis?

Diverticulitis stool characteristics

Color: The stool may be bright red, maroon, or black and tarry, which indicates the presence of blood. Stools may contain more mucus than normal. Odor: The stool odor may be increasingly foul compared to the typical smell.

How do I stop my diverticulitis from flaring up?

Lifestyle changes. Eating a high-fiber diet, rich in foods such as bran, whole-wheat pasta, apples, pears, raspberries, beans, sweet potatoes, avocados, and vegetables, can help prevent regular flare-ups.

Is hot tea good for diverticulitis?

A doctor may recommend a temporary liquid diet to someone experiencing a flare-up of symptoms. Some foods and drinks that people can prepare at home for a liquid diet include: water, coffee, and tea without milk. strained fruit juices with no pulp, such as white grape or apple juice.

Does diverticulitis cause gas?

Excess gas is often a symptom of chronic intestinal conditions, such as diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease.

Does sugar make diverticulitis worse?

However, every person is different and certain foods may make your symptoms worse. Some experts recommend that you limit certain foods only if you have problems with diarrhea, gas, bloating, and cramping during a diverticulitis flare-up. These include: Foods that are greasy, fried, and sugary.

Is walking good for diverticulitis flare up?

Conclusions. Data from this large prospective cohort suggest that physical activity lowers the risk of diverticulitis and diverticular bleeding.

What antibiotics treat diverticulitis?

If antibiotics are given for uncomplicated diverticulitis, consider amoxicillin/clavulanic acid or an oral cephalosporin plus metronidazole if the patient can take oral therapy. If intravenous therapy is needed cefazolin, cefuroxime, or ceftriaxone, all plus metronidazole or ampicillin/sulbactam alone can be used.

What cereals are good for diverticulitis?

Mix a small amount of high-fiber cereal, such as raisin bran or oatmeal, into a lower- fiber cereal, such as corn flakes or rice puffs. Slowly increase the proportion of high- fiber cereal every few days.

Is chicken soup good for diverticulitis?

What you can have on a clear liquid diet. Nutrition and healthy eating, your health care provider may recommend things like: Chicken, vegetable, or bone broth.

Is Metamucil good for diverticulitis?

The best sources of fiber include fresh fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, corn, and foods containing wheat bran. If you have trouble getting enough fiber in your diet, a fiber supplement like Benefiber or Metamucil can help. "A tablespoon of any of these adds about 5 to 6 grams of fiber to your diet," says Dr. Goldberg.