Rectal bleeding or blood in the stools. The acute form usually comes fast, occuring once with a severe attack of infection and inflamation. Chronic diverticulitis never really subsides. Infection and inflamation occurs and reappears consistently sometimes causing bowel obstructions. If an obstruction occurs and is left untreated it may require surgery.
Abscesses can form around the infected area causing a perforation of the intestinal wall.
Peritonitis a potentially fatal infection can occur and cause complications. Those with chronic diverticulitis sometimes develop scar tissue that can result in blockages. An infected diverticulum can conect with other organs. This happens most commonly between the large intestine and the kidneys or stomache spreading infection and causing further complications. If perforation occurs, severe internal bleeding and peritonital infection can spread.