Diverticular pain can vary widely in intensity, depending on the severity of the diverticular disease. Generally, the pain that results from diverticular disease tends to be an aching, cramping or throbbing sensation in the lower left side of the abdomen.
It can be accompanied by other symptoms, including bloating, gas, constipation, or nausea. The pain usually begins suddenly and then either is continuous or occurs in bouts. It most often builds up in intensity over several hours and then decreases, leaving a feeling of fatigue and discomfort.
In more extreme cases, the pain may become more intense and sharp and can radiate to other areas of the abdomen or to the legs or back.
How do I know if my pain is diverticulitis?
If you are experiencing abdominal pain accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, fever, constipation, or changes in bowel habits, it could be a sign that you are suffering from diverticulitis.
Other symptoms to watch for include abdominal tenderness or bloating, abdominal cramping, or rectal bleeding. If the symptoms are severe and persistent or worsen over time, it is best to seek medical attention right away.
A medical professional can perform tests to confirm a diagnosis of diverticulitis, such as blood tests, a CT scan, or a colonoscopy. It may also be beneficial to keep a record of when the pain was felt, how long it lasted, and the intensity of the discomfort.
Discussing these details with a doctor will help them to form an accurate diagnosis.
When should I worry about diverticulitis pain?
You should worry about diverticulitis pain if the pain is severe and lasts for more than a few days. If the pain is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or blood in the stool, you should seek medical attention immediately.
Additionally, if your diet is low in fiber, you should consider eating more fiber-rich foods, such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, as this may reduce the risk of developing diverticulitis. Furthermore, you should be aware of any other potential signs and symptoms, such as abdominal bloating and a feeling of incomplete evacuation during bowel movements.
If you experience these, you should speak to your doctor as soon as possible.
Does diverticulitis hurt all the time?
No, diverticulitis does not necessarily hurt all the time. However, it is possible that some people experience constant pain with diverticulitis. Generally, diverticulitis causes pain in the lower left abdomen.
This pain may range from mild to severe and may be steady or come and go. It can also be felt in other areas of the abdomen and could even spread to the back, buttocks, or groin at times. Other symptoms of diverticulitis can include fever, nausea, vomiting, bloating, constipation, or diarrhea.
If you think you may have diverticulitis, it is important to seek medical advice for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.
What triggers a diverticulitis flare-up?
A diverticulitis flare-up can be triggered by a number of factors, including a diet lacking in dietary fiber, an imbalance of gut bacteria, unhealthy lifestyle choices, and certain medications. Eating a diet that is low in dietary fiber can cause diverticula to form in the intestine as well as increase the risk of flare-ups.
Conversely, a diet with adequate dietary fiber can help to reduce the risk of flare-ups. An imbalance in the gut bacteria can lead to inflammation of the digestive tract. Unhealthy lifestyle choices such as smoking, drinking alcohol, and being overweight can increase the risk of a diverticulitis flare-up.
Certain medications may also increase the risk, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, opioids, and certain antibiotics. It is important to discuss with your doctor any medications that you may be taking.
By managing these risk factors and maintaining a healthy diet, lifestyle and exercise regime, one can reduce their risk of a diverticulitis flare-up.
What can be mistaken for diverticulitis?
Diverticulitis can be mistaken for other conditions because its symptoms can often be similar to those of other digestive diseases. For example, the intense pain and cramping that can sometimes be experienced with diverticulitis can also be experienced with Crohn’s Disease or Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
Furthermore, the fever, fatigue, and bloating that can often occur with diverticulitis can easily be confused with the symptoms of other abdominal issues, such as gastroenteritis or an intestinal infection.
It is important to get a proper medical diagnosis if these symptoms are present to make sure the proper treatment is given. If the symptoms are due to diverticulitis, the doctor may recommend antibiotics, a special diet, or possibly surgery in extreme cases.
How long does a diverticulitis flare last?
The duration of a diverticulitis flare can vary greatly depending on the severity of the flare. Mild flares may last anywhere from days to a couple of weeks. More severe flares may last several weeks to months.
Furthermore, the duration of a flare can be affected by the patient’s age and overall health, medication, treatment response, and the presence of any underlying medical issues. Antibiotics and pain medications may be used to help manage the inflammation and make the flare last for a shorter period of time.
Additionally, lifestyle changes like increasing fiber intake and reducing stress may reduce the frequency and duration of diverticulitis flares. However, it is important to consult with a doctor for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
Does diverticulitis pain go away and come back?
Yes, the pain associated with diverticulitis can come and go. Symptoms such as abdominal pain, cramping, tenderness, and changes in bowel habits can come and go depending on the severity and stage of your diverticulitis.
In the early stages, you may feel abdominal pain that goes away with home treatment, such as rest and over-the-counter medications. As the disease progresses, however, the pain may become more frequent and intense, eventually leading to an attack of diverticulitis.
During an attack, symptoms such as fever, constipation, and rectal bleeding will often be present.
Medication, lifestyle changes, and surgery are usually necessary to treat diverticulitis. Antibiotics are usually prescribed to fight the infection, while lifestyle changes and a high fiber diet can help to reduce your risk of additional attacks.
In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the affected portion of the intestine and reduce the risk of further complications. It is important to speak to your doctor to determine the best course of action for your particular situation.
How do you feel when you have diverticulosis?
When I have been diagnosed with diverticulosis, I feel overwhelmed and anxious about the possibility of experiencing symptoms. It can be scary to think that I have a condition that could cause abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea, constipation, or bleeding, and that there is no cure.
However, I also feel relieved that I now understand some of the digestive issues that I have been having, and that I can take steps to treat and manage the symptoms. Some of the most common treatments include changes to diet, such as avoiding certain high-fiber foods or eating smaller meals, as well as the introduction of probiotics, antibiotics, and stool softeners.
In some cases, surgery may be necessary. With these approaches, I am confident that I can find relief and better manage my diverticulosis.
What are bowel movements like with diverticulosis?
Bowel movements can vary depending on the severity of one’s diverticulosis. Generally, people with diverticulosis will experience more frequent and possibly more difficult bowel movements than those without.
This is because the pouches are narrowed, which can make it more difficult for stool to pass through the colon. Some people may have constipation because of the narrowing, while others may have diarrhea, loose stool, or bowel leakage.
There may also be abdominal bloating, cramping, and discomfort before, during, and after a bowel movement. In some cases, there may be blood in the stool, although this is usually only a symptom of a higher stage of the disease.
In general, people with diverticulosis should try to keep a regular schedule of defecation and maintain a healthy diet with plenty of fiber to help keep their colon healthy.
Does diverticulosis make it hard to poop?
Diverticulosis does not typically make it difficult to pass stools; however, there are a few potential contributing factors that can cause difficulty with pooping depending on one’s individual circumstance.
One common side-effect of diverticulosis is constipation. When stool becomes too dry and hard, this can make passing it difficult, particularly due to its shape when surrounded by the pouches that form in diverticulosis.
Additionally, inflammation and infection stemming from diverticulosis can contribute to constipation by narrowing the colon and blocking the passage of stool. Eating enough fiber and staying hydrated can help one reduce constipation-related difficulties.
Certain medications, such as laxatives or stool softeners, may also be recommended by a doctor to help reduce difficulty with pooping in some individuals with diverticulosis.
Does diverticulosis cause incomplete bowel movements?
No, diverticulosis itself does not cause incomplete bowel movements, but it can lead to symptoms that can contribute to incomplete bowel movements. Diverticulosis occurs when small pouches or sacs that form in the walls of the large intestine or colon.
These sacs can become inflamed, a condition called diverticulitis, which can cause pain, cramping, and nausea, which in turn can lead to incomplete bowel movements if the individual does not feel able to move their bowels properly.
Additionally, if diverticulitis leads to a blockage of the colon, then it can cause symptoms such as constipation, which can also lead to incomplete bowel movements. Therefore, while diverticulosis itself does not cause incomplete bowel movements, diverticulitis and blockages it can cause may cause such symptoms.
Treatment for diverticulosis and its related symptoms, such as pain and nausea, is typically antibiotics, and in some cases further surgery may be necessary.
Does diverticulitis cause mushy stool?
Diverticulitis does not typically cause mushy stool. It can cause constipation, diarrhea, or even no change in bowel movements. While having stool that is loose or watery can be a sign of diverticulitis, if the consistency is more mushy than watery, this may be indicative of another condition.
Common causes of mushy stool can be due to an antibiotic or laxative use, dietary changes, or gastrointestinal infections. If you are experiencing mushy stool, it is important to consult a medical professional to determine the cause and to receive an appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
How can you tell the difference between diverticulitis and diverticulosis?
Diverticulosis and diverticulitis are two related conditions that affect the digestive tract. The main difference between them is the presence of inflammation. Diverticulosis is a condition where small sacs, or ‘diverticula’, form in the lining of the large intestine.
These sacs bulge out of the intestinal wall but generally do not cause symptoms. Diverticulosis does not normally cause inflammation or discomfort.
Diverticulitis is a more serious condition, where smaller or larger bulges becoming infected and inflamed. This condition is accompanied by symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, constipation or diarrhoea, fever, chills, and tenderness in the abdomen.
In some cases, it can also cause bleeding from the rectum.
An accurate diagnosis is important for both conditions, as they require different treatments. Tests such as a CT scan, sigmoidoscopy, and/or a colonoscopy combined with a physical exam, can help diagnose diverticulosis.
When symptoms of diverticulitis are present, your doctor may require additional tests such as a stool sample or blood test to help pinpoint the cause and determine the type of treatment needed.
The treatment plan for diverticulosis typically involves dietary changes such as a high fiber diet to reduce the symptoms, while diverticulitis may require antibiotics, pain medication, or in some cases, a hospital stay.