I Was Diagnosed With Diverticulitis On Friday. I'm On Antibiotics.

Posted on Sun, 25 Nov 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 25 Nov 2018 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : I was diagnosed with diverticulitis on Friday. I'm on antibiotics. Should I take a probiotic now or wait until this flare up subsides?

Answered by Dr. Anders Mark Christensen (55 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I suggest you wait

Detailed Answer:
Hi Kellyenorris,

First of all, if you have uncomplicated diverticulitis, antibiotics are not necessary. But to answer your question, I would suggest you wait with probiotics till the flare subsides.

Hope this helps.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Anders Mark Christensen (14 minutes later)

How do I know if a fistula is developing? I'm concerned that I've been taking antibiotics for nearly 48 hours, and I feel only slightly better. Also a little worried because I took a dose of Azo, and it helped the pain in my left side.

Answered by Dr. Anders Mark Christensen (13 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Fistulas are relatively rare

Detailed Answer:
Hi again,

Fistulas are relatively rare, especially in the acute setting. Symptoms depend on the location, e.g.recurrent UTI in case of a rectovesical fistula or vaginal discharge in case of a rectovaginal fistula.

Best wishes.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Anders Mark Christensen (13 minutes later)

Why would Azo, which is for urinary tract infections, help relieve diverticulitis pain?

Answered by Dr. Anders Mark Christensen (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It would not

Detailed Answer:
Hi again,

I suspect the Azo is given as treatment for the inflammation, and not directly the pain. Either way, if the doctors did not find an abscess or perforation of your bowel, there is no need for antibiotics either way. Of pain medication, I suggest aspirin and tramadol for a few days.

Best wishes.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana