Diverticulitis pain typically starts suddenly, often as a steady, dull ache in the lower-left abdomen, though it can sometimes be on the right, especially for people of Asian descent, and may worsen after eating, with fever, nausea, bloating, and changes in bowel habits (constipation/diarrhea). The pain can be constant, vary in intensity, feel crampy or sharp, and sometimes radiate to the back or groin.
A common symptom of diverticulitis is pain in the area below the chest called the abdomen. Most often, pain is in the lower left abdomen. Pain from diverticulitis is usually sudden and intense. Pain may be mild and gradually worsen, or the intensity of the pain may vary over time.
Severe diverticulitis may lead to complications that require immediate medical attention. If a diverticulum has perforated (burst), it may cause an increase in the severity of your symptoms, as well as rapid heart rate, dizziness, light-headedness, or weakness.
As a result of our review, more than 21 case reports of acute diverticulitis presenting with lower extremity pain and swelling have been published in English literature. In the absence of clinical signs and symptoms of an intra-abdominal process, significant delay in diagnosis can lead to unfavorable outcomes.
Diverticulitis shares most of the symptoms of diverticular disease (see above). However, the pain associated with diverticulitis is constant and severe, rather than intermittent. It is most likely to occur if you have previously had symptoms of diverticular disease, and develops over a day or 2.
The duration of a diverticulitis flare-up can vary. A mild flare-up can last from a few days to a week, while more severe cases may take longer to subside. The duration can also depend on your overall health, any underlying conditions and timing of treatment.
Common alternative conditions that can clinically mimic diverticulitis include small bowel obstruction, primary epiploic appendagitis, acute cholecystitis, appendicitis, ileitis, ovarian cystic disease, and ureteral stone disease.
Symptoms. People with diverticulosis often have no symptoms, but they may have bloating and cramping in the lower part of the belly.
When diverticulitis leads to sepsis, look out for these specific symptoms:
Diverticulitis pain is usually located on the lower left side of your abdomen. However, you may also experience right-side abdominal pain, especially if you are of Asian descent. Back pain: Cramps and abdomen pain caused by diverticulitis can radiate to your back, causing low back pain.
During your trip to the emergency room, your doctor will administer a blood test to identify any infections. They may also conduct other tests to help diagnose diverticulitis — including CT scans, ultrasounds of the abdomen, and x-rays of the abdomen.
Computed tomography (CT) scans are commonly used to diagnose acute diverticulitis, but there are overlapping features between diverticulitis and colorectal cancer (CRC) on imaging studies.
Urinary Pain
In some cases, diverticulitis can irritate nearby structures, leading to urinary symptoms such as frequent urination, pain while urinating, or overactive bladder.
While the cause of diverticular diseases is unknown, several studies have associated the conditions with low fiber intake, excessive alcohol use, anti-inflammatory medications, steroids, obesity, lack of exercise, and smoking.
Did you know millions of people worldwide suffer from chronic abdominal pain? A big part of this is due to sigmoid colon pain. This pain is often felt in the left lower abdomen. It can be a sign of many gastrointestinal problems.
Some types of lower left back pain can indicate a problem with abdominal organs that are present in both males and females. These include kidneys, the pancreas or the colon.
Stages of Diverticulitis
Stage III: Abscesses have burst, and pus has been discharged into the abdomen. Stage IV: Abscesses have burst into the peritoneal cavity (a fluid-filled area that houses many of the abdominal organs), resulting in the presence of feces and, subsequently, infection.
Symptoms of sepsis may include:
Diverticulitis perforation is a medical emergency with symptoms like sudden, severe abdominal pain (often lower left), high fever, chills, rapid heart rate, nausea, vomiting, and a rigid, tender abdomen, as bowel contents leak into the abdominal cavity (peritonitis). It requires immediate medical attention, with signs of worsening infection like difficulty breathing or confusion signaling sepsis.
Most people who develop diverticula have no symptoms, but if your diverticula become inflamed, they can cause pain and bloating in your lower abdomen or tummy.
Diverticulitis symptoms can feel like appendicitis, except you'll generally have pain in the lower left side of your abdomen, instead of the lower right side. The pain is usually severe and comes on suddenly, but sometimes you may have mild pain that becomes worse over several days and fluctuates in intensity.
Mild, uncomplicated diverticulitis typically resolves on its own at home. "Going from a solid, heavy diet to a softer, more liquid diet for a few days usually helps ease symptoms as the body naturally clears a mild infection," Dr Warner says. More intense pain may warrant antibiotics.
Doctors often diagnose diverticulitis using a computed tomography (CT) scan of your abdomen and pelvis. It is best to perform the scan with intravenous (IV) contrast when possible. Many centers will also ask that you drink a form of oral contrast. Both contrast materials make the intestinal tract easier to see.
Diverticulitis shares most of the symptoms of diverticular disease (see above). However, the pain associated with diverticulitis is constant and severe, rather than intermittent. It is most likely to occur if you have previously had symptoms of diverticular disease, and develops over a day or two.
“Differentiating between these conditions is relatively straightforward,” adds Dr. Gronowitz. “In a patient with lower abdominal pain, I would suspect diverticulitis if the patient has abdominal tenderness, constipation, and fever. If the patient has bloody diarrhea, I would suspect ulcerative colitis.”