How to Identify Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis is a condition that occurs when pouches that have formed on the outside walls of the colon become inflamed. These pouches, known as diverticula, form over time when strong contractions in the bowels cause the inner lining of the intestines to be pushed out through cracks in the colon wall. These diverticula occur in about 10 percent of adults over 40 and nearly 50 percent of those over 60. Diverticula are permanent and will not go away with changes in diet or medication. The following information will help you identify the symptoms of diverticulitis and inform you of ways to prevent the formation of diverticula.

Instructions

• 1

  Talk to your doctor about an annual colonoscopy if you’re over 40. A colonoscopy can help identify diverticula before they become inflamed, and your doctor can recommend changes in diet that may stave off diverticulitis.

• 2

  Pay attention to abdominal pain if you have diverticula. Most people with diverticula have no symptoms until their diverticula become inflamed. Cramping or tenderness in the left side of the lower abdomen that increases in intensity throughout the day may be indicative of diverticulitis.

• 3

  Note any change in bowel habits. If you are experiencing diarrhea or constipation, difficulty passing stools or excessive bloating, and you’ve already been diagnosed as having diverticula, make an appointment with your doctor. Your doctor may suggest a blood test to check for an elevated white blood cell count in your bloodstream or a CT scan to identify ruptured diverticula. Any sign of blood in your stool warrants a call to your doctor, even if you’re not in pain and you haven't been diagnosed as having diverticula. If you notice even a small amount of blood in your stool, see a physician promptly.

• 4

  Watch for clues that you may have an infection. If you are experiencing a fever with or without nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain or tenderness in the lower abdomen, you may have an infection, and you need to see your doctor.

• 5

  Seek your doctor’s help if you suspect you may have diverticulitis. Your doctor may want to review your medical history to examine your diet and bowel habits. He may take a stool sample to test for blood in the digestive tract or perform a CT scan to locate inflamed or ruptured diverticula.