Treatment of diverticulitis depends on the severity of symptoms and clinical findings.
Those with mild symptoms may be treated at home with clear liquid diet and oral antibiotics.
People with moderate to severe symptoms usually need hospitalisation, when the patient is not allowed to eat or drink, and fluids and antibiotics may be given via a vein.
After an episode of diverticulitis resolves, a colonoscopy may be performed to examine the whole colon to determine the extent of disease and to rule out the presence of abnormal lesions such as polyps or cancer.
Surgery may be needed in those who develop serious complications. Surgery to remove diseased area of the large bowel may not be needed for patients whose condition improve with medical therapy.