Do I Have Diverticulitis?

Do you have pain in the abdomen, usually in the lower left side?

Do you have abdominal cramping?

Do you have bloating?

Do you have constipation?

Do you have rectal bleeding (bright red or maroon blood that appear in the stool, in the toilet or on the toilet paper)?

Do you have pain or difficulty urinating (dysuria)?

Do you have chills or persistent fever?

Are you over 40?

Do you have a diet high in animal fat and low in fiber?

Are you a smoker?

Are you extremely overweight (your body mass index (BMI) is over 30)?

Do you take a certain medications such as steroids, opioids or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen - Advil or naproxen sodium - Aleve)?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have diverticulitis. Diverticulitis is a medical condition that refers to an inflammation of diverticula in the large intestine. Diverticula are sacs in the wall of the large intestine, the size of a marble. Diverticulosis is usually caused by increased pressure on the wall of the large intestine due to hard stools or frequent straining during bowel movements. In developed countries diverticulosis is often a result of a low fiber diet. To reduce your risk of diverticulosis, you should eat a healthy diet high in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and legumes such as peas, beans, and lentils.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have diverticulitis. Diverticulitis is an inflammation of diverticula, usually caused by infection. Diverticula appear when the lining of the large intestine bulges, causing small pouches. The most common place for diverticula to appear is the left-lower portion of the colon. Many people with diverticulitis have symptoms that can be similar to other gastrointestinal problems, so always talk to your doctor about any concerns. Mild cases of diverticulitis can be treated with dietary changes, antibiotics and plenty of rest, but severe cases will usually require surgery.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have diverticulitis. Diverticula occur when the lining of the large intestine bulges, due to increased pressure inside the bowel. Diverticula are small sacs, the size of a marble that can become inflamed. The inflammation of diverticula is called diverticulitis. Diverticulitis needs to be treated right away because it can cause serious complications such as bowel abscess (collection of pus in diverticula), a blockage in your bowel, fistula (an anomalous passage between two bowel parts, or the bowel and other organs) and peritonitis. Treatment depends on how severe your symptoms are and includes medications or surgery.