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.
Do you have bowel sounds with diverticulitis?
A mass may be felt in approximately 20% of patients if an abscess is present.
Bowel sounds are usually hypoactive but can be normoactive
. Patients can present with peritoneal signs (rigidity, guarding, rebound tenderness) with bowel wall perforation.
Where do you palpate for diverticulitis?
The patient with mild, acute sigmoid diverticulitis usually presents with a tender
left lower quadrant
. This tenderness can be accompanied by some distention and signs of ileus. At times, a tender mass can be palpated in the left lower quadrant.
What abdominal quadrant is diverticulitis?
Left lower quadrant
tenderness is the most common physical finding, as most diverticula occur in the sigmoid colon. Right lower quadrant tenderness, mimicking acute appendicitis
How do they check for diverticulitis?
A stool test, to rule out infection in people who have diarrhea.
A CT scan
, which can identify inflamed or infected pouches and confirm a diagnosis of diverticulitis. CT can also indicate the severity of diverticulitis and guide treatment.
What does poop look like with diverticulitis?
Blood in the
stool can be bright red, maroon in color, black and tarry
, or not visible to the naked eye. Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Rectal bleeding also can be a symptom of other diseases or conditions such as: Anemia.
Can you feel a lump with diverticulitis?
The most common symptoms are
abdominal pain and a palpable abdominal lump
, with many patients presenting acutely with complications such as perforation and peritonitis.
What can be mistaken for diverticulitis?
Common alternative conditions that can clinically mimic diverticulitis include
small bowel obstruction
, primary epiploic appendagitis
What does a mild case of diverticulitis feel like?
The most common symptom of diverticulitis is a
sharp cramp-like pain
, usually on the left side of your lower abdomen. Other symptoms can include fever and chills, nausea, vomiting, and constipation or diarrhea.
Does diverticulitis cause narrow stools?
In chronic diverticulitis, inflammation and infection may go down but never clear up completely. Over time, the inflammation can lead to a
bowel obstruction
, which may cause constipation, thin stools, diarrhea, bloating, and belly pain
How do I know if I have appendicitis or diverticulitis?
Patients with classical appendicitis usually
complain of pain and rebound tenderness
What food should you avoid if you have diverticulitis?
Diverticulosis is a condition that causes pouches to form in the large intestine that may become inflamed and infected. You should avoid
greasy foods, dairy, sugary foods, and foods with artificial sweeteners
if you have diverticulosis.
Can abdominal xray show diverticulitis?
Plain radiographs usually do not show any findings in uncomplicated diverticulitis
, but a left-sided pelvic mass, localized ileus, or partial bowel obstruction may occasionally be seen. Pneumoperitoneum, portal venous gas, and extraluminal air-fluid levels may be noted in patients with complicated diverticulitis.
What side do you lay on when you have diverticulitis?
The
lower left side
of the abdomen is the usual site of the pain. Sometimes, however, the right side of the abdomen is more painful, especially in people of Asian descent. Nausea and vomiting.
Are bananas good for diverticulosis?
High fiber
foods include: Fruits, such as tangerines, prunes, apples, bananas, peaches, and pears. Tender cooked vegetables, such as asparagus, beets, mushrooms, turnips, pumpkin, broccoli, artichokes, lima beans, squash, carrots, and sweet potatoes.
Can your back hurt with diverticulitis?
The most common symptoms of diverticulitis are
abdominal pain
and fever. The abdominal pain of diverticulitis is usually lower and/or left-sided abdominal pain. The pain is usually sharp and constant, and the pain may seem to travel, or radiate, to the leg, groin, back, and side.
