Diverticulitis and Smoking: Why Quitting Is Critical

Smoking worsens diverticulitis by:

• Damaging intestinal lining → more diverticula formation
• Increasing systemic inflammation → aggravated symptoms
• Reducing intestinal blood flow → higher perforation and infection risk
• Impairing healing

Quitting smoking is one of the best steps for diverticulitis patients. Tips: set a quit date, seek support, use nicotine replacement or medications, join a support group.