The average life expectancy of someone with diverticulitis is not significantly different from that of the general population, as long as the condition is properly managed.
Diverticulitis is a condition in which small sacs or pockets in the digestive tract become inflamed or infected. With proper treatment, including changes in diet, antibiotics, and, in severe cases, surgery, most people with diverticulitis are able to lead a normal life and have a normal life expectancy.
Most people who have diverticulitis will recover with about a seven to 10-day course of antibiotics and rest. The best self-treatment is to eat a high-fiber diet (one filled with fruits and vegetables, cereals and whole grains, nuts, beans and legumes. Also, drink more fluids (half your body weight in ounces each day) and exercise (helps speed waste through your colon).
However, if the condition is not properly managed and complications develop, such as recurrent infections, abscesses, or fistulas, it can have a negative impact on life expectancy. Severe complication of diverticulitis occur in about the following percent of people: perforation of the colon (1% to 2% of patients), obstruction (rare), fistula (14%) or abscess (30%). In such cases, close monitoring and prompt medical attention are necessary to manage the condition and prevent further complications.
It’s important to keep in mind that life expectancy can be influenced by many factors, including overall health, age, lifestyle, and access to medical care, and that individual experiences can vary widely.