Diverticular Disease London
Private assessment and diverticulitis treatment in the City of London
Diverticular disease is a common bowel condition where small pockets (called diverticula) form in the lining of the large intestine. Many people have diverticula and feel perfectly well. Problems begin when those pockets cause ongoing symptoms (diverticular disease) or become inflamed or infected (diverticulitis).
At LSDC Healthcare in the City of London (Widegate Street, near Liverpool Street), we provide discreet, consultant-led assessment for diverticular disease in London and rapid access to investigations when needed. If you’re dealing with recurrent left-sided abdominal pain, changes in bowel habit, bloating, or suspected flare-ups, we focus on clarity, speed, and a plan that actually fits your life.
Need to be seen quickly? If your symptoms suggest diverticulitis, we can guide you to the appropriate next step, whether that’s urgent evaluation, imaging, blood tests, or specialist review.
What is diverticular disease?
Diverticula are small bulges or pouches that push through weaker areas of the bowel wall. When diverticula are present without symptoms, it’s called diverticulosis, often discovered incidentally during scans or colonoscopy performed for other reasons.
When diverticula cause symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, bloating, or bowel habit change, it’s referred to as diverticular disease.
When diverticula become inflamed or infected, the condition becomes diverticulitis. This can range from mild to severe and, in some cases, may lead to complications that require hospital-level treatment.
Diverticulitis vs diverticular disease: what’s the difference?
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Diverticulosis: Diverticula present, usually no symptoms.
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Diverticular disease: Diverticula present with recurring symptoms (often discomfort, bloating, bowel habit change).
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Diverticulitis: Diverticula inflamed/infected, typically more intense pain and systemic symptoms.
If you’re searching for diverticulitis treatment London, it’s because you want one thing: a confident diagnosis and a sensible pathway. That’s exactly what this page is built for.
Symptoms of diverticular disease
Symptoms can vary, but commonly include:
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Abdominal pain (often lower left side)
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Pain that may worsen after eating and ease later
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Bloating or feeling of abdominal fullness
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Constipation, diarrhoea, or alternating bowel habits
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Mucus in stool
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Blood in stool (bright red, maroon, or darker)
Blood in stool is never something to casually “monitor and see.” It deserves proper medical assessment, especially in adults over 40 or if it’s new, persistent, or recurrent.
Symptoms that may suggest diverticulitis (seek urgent medical advice)
Diverticulitis can become serious. Seek urgent assessment if you have:
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Persistent or severe abdominal pain
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Fever or feeling shivery/unwell
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Nausea/vomiting or inability to tolerate fluids
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Significant tenderness or worsening pain over hours
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Rectal bleeding or black/tarry stools
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Symptoms plus dehydration, dizziness, or fainting
If symptoms are severe or rapidly worsening, use urgent services (A&E / emergency care). If you’re unsure, we can advise the safest next step.
What causes diverticular disease?
There isn’t one single cause, but diverticula are associated with increased pressure in the colon over time. Risk rises with age and is more likely when bowel habits are affected by constipation.
Common risk factors include:
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Low fibre intake
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Constipation and straining
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Smoking
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Overweight/obesity
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Diet high in red/processed meat
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Regular NSAID use (e.g., ibuprofen) in some people
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Higher alcohol intake
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Low physical activity
This doesn’t mean you “caused” it, so drop the guilt. It means we can identify modifiable factors to reduce flare-ups going forward.
How diverticular disease is diagnosed
A proper diagnosis matters, because diverticular symptoms can overlap with other bowel conditions.
Your consultant will typically review:
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Your symptom pattern and triggers
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Medical history and medication use
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Abdominal examination
Depending on your presentation, we may recommend investigations such as:
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Blood tests (inflammation markers, infection, anaemia)
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Stool tests (where appropriate)
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CT scan (often the key test in suspected acute diverticulitis)
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Colonoscopy (useful for evaluating the colon and ruling out other causes, timed appropriately, especially after a suspected flare)
We’re careful and methodical: fast where it matters, thorough where it counts.
Diverticular disease treatment London: what helps?
Treatment depends on whether you have uncomplicated diverticular disease, suspected diverticulitis, recurrent flare-ups, or complications.
1) Diverticular disease (ongoing symptoms without acute infection)
Your plan may include:
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Gradual fibre optimisation (food-first where possible)
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Hydration strategy (fibre without fluids is… ambitious)
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Targeted bowel regulation and symptom control
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Pain relief options that are appropriate for you
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Review of triggers (diet pattern, stress, meds, lifestyle)
2) Diverticulitis (acute flare)
Management depends on severity. Your consultant may recommend:
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Short-term dietary adjustment to rest the bowel when clinically appropriate
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Hydration and symptom control
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Antibiotics in selected cases (not always needed for mild uncomplicated episodes—your clinician will decide based on your risk profile and presentation)
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Imaging and monitoring to ensure it’s not complicated disease
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Escalation to hospital care if there are red flags or complications
3) Recurrent or complicated diverticulitis
If flare-ups are frequent, severe, or complicated, you may need:
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Specialist review of recurrence risk and prevention strategy
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Clear thresholds for when to image, when to treat, and when to escalate
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Consideration of surgical opinion in select cases
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Multidisciplinary input when needed
At LSDC Healthcare We run a structured care pathway so you know what’s happening, why it’s happening, and what the next move is.
Diet and diverticular disease: what to eat
(and what to stop fearing)
Most people do best long-term with a balanced, fibre-rich diet tailored to tolerance. Helpful foods commonly include:
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Fruits and vegetables
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Wholegrains (oats, wholemeal bread, brown rice)
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Beans and pulses (introduced gradually)
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Nuts and seeds (often tolerated, individual advice matters)
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Adequate fluids throughout the day
During a suspected flare, dietary advice can differ depending on symptoms and severity, this should be individualised to each person’s case.
Why choose LSDC for diverticular disease in London?
When you’re dealing with bowel symptoms, You’re looking for precision, discretion, and a plan that respects your time.
At LSDC Healthcare (City of London) you can expect:
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Consultant-led care with a senior clinical decision-maker from day one
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Efficient access to diagnostics when clinically indicated
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A calm, private environment designed for discretion
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Personalised prevention plans for recurrence risk
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Clear communication (no medical theatre, no fluff)
Location: 22–23 Widegate Street, London, E1 7HP , minutes from Liverpool Street Station.
Book a private appointment
If you’re seeking a private gastroenterologist in London for diverticular disease or possible diverticulitis, we can help you move from uncertainty to a clear plan.
Next steps typically include: consultant assessment → targeted tests (if needed) → personalised treatment plan → prevention strategy.
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FAQ — Diverticular Disease & Diverticulitis
What is diverticular disease?
Diverticular disease occurs when small pockets (diverticula) in the large bowel cause symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, bloating, or changes in bowel habit.
What is the difference between diverticulosis and diverticulitis?
Diverticulosis means diverticula are present (often with no symptoms). Diverticulitis means the diverticula are inflamed or infected and symptoms are typically more severe.
What are the common symptoms of diverticular disease?
Common symptoms include lower abdominal pain (often left-sided), bloating, constipation or diarrhoea, and mucus or blood in the stool.
When should I seek urgent help for suspected diverticulitis?
Seek urgent assessment if you have severe or worsening abdominal pain, fever, vomiting, dehydration, or significant rectal bleeding or black stools.
How is diverticular disease diagnosed?
Diagnosis may include a clinical assessment, blood tests, and—depending on symptoms—imaging such as a CT scan. Colonoscopy may be recommended in selected cases to evaluate the colon and rule out other causes.
What is the treatment for diverticular disease?
Treatment typically focuses on increasing dietary fibre gradually, improving hydration, and managing symptoms. Your clinician will advise what’s appropriate for your situation.
How is diverticulitis treated?
Management depends on severity. Mild cases may be managed with symptom control and dietary adjustment. Some patients may need antibiotics, imaging, or hospital treatment—especially if symptoms are severe or complications are suspected.
Can diet help prevent diverticulitis flare-ups?
For many people, a balanced, fibre-rich diet and healthy bowel habits can reduce flare-up risk. Advice should be tailored, especially if you have recurrent symptoms.
Will I need a colonoscopy?
Not always. Colonoscopy may be recommended based on your age, symptoms, and clinical history, and is often timed appropriately after an acute flare to ensure safety and accuracy.
Is diverticular disease common in London?
Diverticular disease is common across the UK and becomes more likely with age. If symptoms are new, persistent, or include bleeding, a proper medical assessment is recommended.