Is prednisone appropriate for a diverticulitis flare-up? | Rounds Is prednisone appropriate for a diverticulitis flare-up? | Rounds

Is prednisone appropriate for a diverticulitis flare-up?

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Last updated: July 14, 2026 · View editorial policy

Prednisone Use for Acute Diverticulitis Flare-Up

Prednisone is not an established treatment for an acute diverticulitis flare in current diverticulitis management guidance. [1]

Systemic corticosteroid exposure is associated with a substantially increased risk of diverticular perforation, which supports avoiding routine prednisone for diverticulitis flares. [2]

Sources (2)

[1] Guideline 2020
Medical management of colonic diverticulitis
American Gastroenterological Association
View Source
[2] Guideline 2024
Diverticular disease/diverticulitis (S3 guideline) part 2
AWMF (German Society of Gastroenterology / United European Gastroenterology guideline text as hosted)
View Source

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