There is no single diverticulitis poop. Diverticular disease more often shows up as a change in your usual pattern: constipation, diarrhoea or both, sometimes with mucus or blood in your poo, alongside pain usually felt low on the left side of your tummy [1][2]. Because these signs overlap with other bowel conditions, any new change deserves a GP's eye.
Poo with diverticular disease may be pellet-like, loose, or switch between the two, and can contain mucus or blood [2][3]. Diverticulitis, where the pouches become inflamed or infected, may add severe constant tummy pain and a high temperature [1]. Blood or mucus in your poo means an urgent GP appointment or a call to 111 [1].
What is diverticular disease, and what is diverticulitis?
Diverticula are small bulges or pouches in the wall of the large intestine [1]. Having them without symptoms is called diverticulosis, and most people get some as they age without symptoms [1]. When they cause symptoms it is diverticular disease; when they become inflamed or infected it is diverticulitis [1]. Here is a refresher on the small and large intestine.
What does poop look like with diverticulitis?
Changes in your bowel habit are the main clue. NHS guidance lists constipation, diarrhoea, blood in your poo and bloating as symptoms, with tummy pain that may get worse after eating and better after you poo or fart [1]. NHS inform describes a classic pattern of several trips to the toilet in the morning to pass small stools like rabbit pellets [3]. If your poo has changed shape, see what stool shape means.
Mucus and blood can also appear, and NHS inform notes bleeding may be dark purple [2][3]. Our guides to mucus in stool and blood in stool explain other possible causes, which is exactly why a GP check matters.
| What you might notice | What it may mean | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Small, hard, pellet-like poo | Constipation, a common symptom [1][3] | Increase fibre slowly with water [1]; see a GP if new |
| Loose poo, or switching between hard and loose | A change in bowel habit [1][2] | Call 111 if diarrhoea lasts more than 7 days [1] |
| Mucus or slime | Can occur with diverticular disease and other bowel conditions [2] | Urgent GP appointment or 111 [1] |
| Blood in your poo | Needs checking to find the cause [1][2] | Urgent GP or 111; 999 if heavy [1] |
Could it be something else?
Yes, so do not self-diagnose. Symptoms of diverticular disease are similar to those of other conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) [1], and Guts UK notes some can resemble bowel cancer, which becomes more common with age [2]. Your GP may arrange a blood test, a poo sample, a colonoscopy or a CT scan [1]. If you are asked for a sample, here is how to do a stool sample.
When to get help for diverticulitis symptoms
Ask for an urgent GP appointment or call 111 if:
- there is blood or slime (mucus) in your poo
- you have tummy pain that is getting worse or does not go away
- you have a high temperature, or feel hot or shivery
- you keep being sick and cannot keep fluid down
- you have had diarrhoea for more than 7 days
Call 999 or go to A&E if you or someone you care for:
- has severe tummy pain and is vomiting, has a swollen tummy, or cannot poo or fart
- is bleeding heavily from their bottom
- is confused, has pale or blotchy skin, a very high or low temperature, or is breathing rapidly
These lists follow NHS guidance [1].
Diverticulitis poop questions, answered
What colour is poo with diverticulitis?
There is no specific colour. Your poo may look normal, or contain mucus or blood, and NHS inform notes bleeding can be dark purple [3]. Any blood or mucus in your poo means an urgent GP appointment or a call to 111 [1]. Our stool colour guide explains what everyday colour changes usually mean.
Which foods should you avoid with diverticular disease?
NHS guidance says there are no specific foods to avoid. Eat a healthy, balanced diet including whole grains, fruit and vegetables, and if you do not eat much fibre, increase it slowly while drinking plenty of water [1]. Read more about fibre and gut health.
Can you have diverticula without symptoms?
Yes. Diverticulosis is when diverticula are present but cause no symptoms, and the NHS says most people get some diverticula as they get older without ever having symptoms [1]. If you have been told you have diverticular disease, a balanced, fibre-rich diet, not smoking and keeping a healthy weight may help reduce the risk of symptoms getting worse [1].
If your bowel habits have changed and stayed changed, note what you are seeing: how often you go, the consistency (the Bristol Stool Chart helps), any mucus or blood, and where the pain sits. Take that to your GP. A clear description is one of the kindest things you can do for yourself, and for the doctor trying to help.
References
- NHS 111 Wales. Diverticular disease and diverticulitis. Last updated 22 June 2026. 111.wales.nhs.uk
- Guts UK. Diverticular disease. gutscharity.org.uk
- NHS inform. Symptoms of diverticular disease and diverticulitis.
- NHS. How to get more fibre into your diet. Last reviewed 2 March 2026. nhs.uk
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. If you have concerns about your digestive health, please speak to a qualified healthcare professional.
