Mild pain from diverticulitis might be managed at home. However, most cases require antibiotics. More serious pain may require treatment in the hospital. At home, pain treatment may include Tylenol (acetaminophen).

Inflammation of diverticula can cause severe pain, fever, nausea and changes in your stool habits. Mild diverticulitis is usually treated with rest, changes in your diet and possibly antibiotics. Severe diverticulitis usually needs antibiotic treatment in the hospital.

(See "Acute colonic diverticulitis: Triage and inpatient management", section on 'Triage'.) The initial care typically consists of pain control with oral analgesics (eg, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, oxycodone) and a liquid diet. Antibiotics are usually not required.