Diverticular disease
A condition where small pouches in the bowel cause persistent or recurring abdominal symptoms.
About this condition
Diverticula are small pouches that can develop in the wall of the large bowel. Many people have diverticula without experiencing symptoms, known as diverticulosis. When they are associated with symptoms such as recurring lower abdominal pain, bloating or changes in bowel habits, this is known as diverticular disease.
This is different from diverticulitis, where the diverticula become inflamed or infected. Diverticulitis can cause more severe or persistent abdominal pain, fever and changes in bowel habits and may require urgent medical treatment.
Management of diverticular disease can include dietary and lifestyle measures, pain management and treatment of bowel symptoms. Recurrent or complicated disease may require specialist colorectal assessment.
Treatments people usually try first
These are the treatments commonly offered in the UK for this condition. A specialist doctor will want to know which of them you have tried, and what happened.
- Dietary advice and maintaining adequate fibre intake where appropriate
- Appropriate pain relief for recurrent abdominal discomfort
- Treatment of constipation or other associated bowel symptoms
- Antibiotics where clinically indicated for diverticulitis
- Gastroenterology or colorectal assessment for persistent or recurrent symptoms
- Surgery in selected patients with recurrent or complicated disease
Could medical cannabis be appropriate?
People with this condition sometimes ask whether medical cannabis could be appropriate for them. That is a question for a specialist doctor, who will look at your diagnosis, your history and everything you have already tried before saying anything either way.
Medical cannabis is an unlicensed prescription only medicine in the UK. It is considered only where a diagnosed condition has not responded adequately to conventional treatment, and it is never a first step. We cannot tell you in advance what might be prescribed, and UK law does not allow us to describe or advertise any medicine on this website.
What we can do is assess you properly and be honest with you. If a specialist doctor does not think this route is right for you, they will say so, and they will explain why.
Medical cannabis does not treat infection, acute inflammation or complications of diverticular disease. New or severe abdominal symptoms therefore need appropriate medical assessment rather than simply being managed with symptom relieving treatment.
All treatment is subject to clinical assessment and eligibility.
Questions about diverticular disease
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