Diverticulitis is an inflammation or infection of small, bulging pouches called diverticula that form in the lining of the intestine. Its symptoms may include abdominal pain, fever, chills, constipation, bloating, and/or diarrhea.
Other conditions that may have similar symptoms include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), food intolerances, and bacterial infections.
IBS is a functional disorder of the gastrointestinal tract that can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, gas, constipation, and/or diarrhea. Individuals with IBS may also experience anxious emotions related to their symptoms, as well as fatigue.
These symptoms may be triggered by certain foods, stress, or hormones.
Food intolerances and allergies can also cause similar symptoms. These conditions may be triggered by consuming certain foods, such as dairy, wheat, gluten, soy, corn, eggs, citrus fruits, seafood, nuts, and/or nightshades.
Symptoms can range from gastrointestinal distress, including gas, bloating, and/or abdominal pain, to skin irritation, behavior changes, asthma, headaches, and/or fatigue.
Lastly, bacterial infections, such as salmonella, campylobacter, shigella, and E. coli, can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, and/or vomiting. These bacteria are often transmitted from uncooked or undercooked foods, but can also be transmitted by contaminated surfaces, water, or other people.
How do I know if it’s diverticulitis or something else?
If you are experiencing abdominal pain, fever, and/or changes in your bowel habits, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible to determine the cause. Your doctor may run tests including a blood count to help with the diagnosis.
Additionally, they may also order additional imaging tests such as abdominal CT scans, colonoscopies, or an MRI to get a better look of the affected area. If the imaging shows pockets, or diverticula, that may indicate diverticulitis.
Your doctor may also take a stool sample to check for other types of infection, as well as cultures from any sores or pouches that may be present. Your doctor may also perform a physical exam to feel for any tenderness or swelling in the abdomen to determine the cause of your symptoms.
Once the cause is determined, your doctor can provide a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
How do you rule out diverticulitis?
A doctor usually begins by ruling out diverticulitis with a physical examination and obtaining a thorough medical history. In some cases, imaging tests such as an abdominal CT scan or an abdominal ultrasound may be used to have a closer look at the GI tract for signs of inflammation.
Blood work may also be performed to check for elevated white blood cell count which is indicative of an infection. In addition, a colonoscopy may be used to take a tissue sample from the large intestine for further examination to determine if diverticulitis is present.
Depending on the case, a gastric aspirate may also be performed, which involves taking a sample of fluid from the stomach to check for possible infection.
What can mimic diverticulitis symptoms?
Diverticulitis is an inflammatory condition in which small pouches called diverticula, that have formed in the walls of the large intestine, become inflamed or infected. Some of the most common symptoms of diverticulitis include abdominal pain, fever, nausea, vomiting and constipation.
However, there are a number of conditions that can mimic diverticulitis symptoms and it is best to get a proper diagnosis from a medical professional to rule out any other more serious conditions.
Some of the other conditions that can mimic diverticulitis symptoms include appendicitis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), colorectal cancer, pelvic inflammatory disease, gallstones, ovarian cyst or endometriosis.
Other non-intestinal conditions such as urinary tract infections, kidney stones, or pelvic inflammatory disease can also cause abdominal pain, the same as diverticulitis. All of these conditions should be taken seriously, and if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, please see a doctor as soon as possible.
Is your poop different with diverticulitis?
Yes, your poop can be different if you have diverticulitis. Diverticulitis is a common digestive disorder that causes small pouches to form in the walls of your large intestine. These pouches, known as diverticula, can become inflamed or infected and may cause changes in your bowel habits, such as loose stools, constipation, abdominal pain and cramping, bloating, and other gastrointestinal symptoms.
When suffering from diverticulitis, your poop may appear smaller and have a different consistency. It may also be greasier and contain higher levels of fat. In addition, studies have suggested that diverticulitis can lead to changes in the amount of beneficial bacteria present in your gut, which can impact your poop’s consistency and color.
Lastly, you may experience rectal bleeding as an indication of diverticulitis. If you experience any of these changes in your bowel habits or any other signs or symptoms of diverticular disease, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
What does diverticulitis poop look like?
Diverticulitis can cause your stool to vary in look and consistency, ranging from loose, watery stools to thick, chunky stools that can look almost like putty. You may also notice mucus and traces of bright red blood in your stool.
In addition to the unusual changes in your stool, you may experience abdominal cramps, abdominal tenderness and pain, constipation, and/or diarrhea. Pain may worsen when you are pooping. If you are experiencing other symptoms along with changes in your stool, it is important to contact your healthcare provider right away.
Will diverticulitis show up in blood work?
It is unlikely that diverticulitis will show up in a blood test. Diverticulitis is typically a condition affecting the large intestine caused by diverticula, which are small pouches in the intestinal wall.
These pouches become infected and inflamed causing diverticulitis, and this is usually diagnosed by imaging tests such as CT scans or MRIs and the patient’s symptoms. Blood work may be done to check for a fever, elevated white blood cell count, and/or elevated C-reactive protein which can indicate inflammation associated with diverticulitis, however a blood test will not definitively diagnose diverticulitis.
A diagnosis of diverticulitis is usually made through physical exams, imaging tests and patient history.
What can diverticulitis be misdiagnosed for?
Diverticulitis is a condition caused by small pouches in the wall of the large intestine becoming infected or inflamed. It can be easily misdiagnosed as other types of abdominal pain such as appendicitis, IBS, Crohn’s disease, intestinal obstruction, gallbladder disease, and urinary tract infections (UTIs).
The symptoms, such as lower abdominal pain, may be similar and difficult to differentiate, warranting a more extensive examination and diagnostic tests in order to rule out other potential causes. Blood tests, a CT scan, and endoscopy are recommended.
It is important to get a proper diagnosis in order to receive the best possible treatment.
Does a colonoscopy detect diverticulitis?
Yes, a colonoscopy can detect diverticulitis. During the procedure, the doctor inserts a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera into the rectum and large intestine. Images from the camera are displayed on a video monitor, allowing close examination of the lining of the intestine.
The camera can detect abnormal areas, such as areas of inflammation or infection, and the doctor can take samples of tissue for further testing. When diverticulitis is suspected, the doctor may be able to diagnose it with the colonoscopy alone, or may recommend other tests to confirm a diagnosis.
What can be mistaken for diverticulitis on CT scan?
Diverticulitis can be mistaken for several other conditions on a CT scan including appendicitis, an infection of the abdomen, an abscess, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis. Additionally, radiological findings such as thickening or unresponsiveness to antibiotics can also be suggestive of diverticulitis.
While many conditions can be mistaken for diverticulitis on a CT scan, it’s important to note that a CT scan is only one diagnostic tool used to help diagnose diverticulitis. Lab tests, physical exam, and even endoscopy may assist in making a definitive diagnosis.
How accurate is a CT scan for diverticulitis?
CT scans are very accurate when it comes to diagnosing diverticulitis in the majority of cases. According to a study conducted by the American College of Radiology, CT scans can accurately diagnose diverticulitis with a sensitivity of 87.
9% and a specificity of 93%. It should be noted, however, that accuracy is somewhat dependent on the experience of the radiologist who is interpreting the scan. CT scans are particularly helpful in diagnosing cases of complicated diverticulitis, as they can identify regions of infected diverticula and any inflammation or wall thickening that may be present.
Furthermore, CT scans can also help assess complications of diverticulitis such as perforation, abscess formation, and fistula formation. Additionally, a CT scan can be used to help guide treatment decisions such as the selection of antibiotics and other medications.
Overall, CT scans are a very useful tool for diagnosing diverticulitis and can be used to assist in the treatment plan.
Does diverticulitis feel like gas pains?
Diverticulitis can be very painful and feel like gas pains in some cases. It can cause cramping, abdominal pain, nausea, and sometimes even fever. The severity of the pain can vary greatly from person to person; some people may experience mild discomfort, while others may experience severe pain.
It is important to seek medical attention if you are experiencing pain associated with diverticulitis, as it is often a sign that the condition has become infected. Additionally, it is important to note that the pain associated with diverticulitis can come on suddenly and rapidly grow in severity.
Does passing gas relieve diverticulitis pain?
Passing gas is not an effective way to relieve diverticulitis pain. Diverticulitis is an infection or inflammation of the diverticula, small pouches that form in the wall of the colon. When dealing with diverticulitis, it’s important to seek medical advice from a doctor.
Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your doctor may recommend antibiotics, an over-the-counter pain reliever or a special diet to help reduce inflammation in the digestive system. In some cases, other treatments like surgery may be necessary.
Passing gas does not relieve the pain associated with diverticulitis and should not be used as a substitute for medical advice or treatment.
Can gas cause diverticulitis to flare up?
It is possible for gas to cause diverticulitis to flare up, although the exact connection is not fully understood. Gas build-up in the intestines can cause pain and discomfort, which is commonly experienced by individuals who suffer from diverticulitis.
Gas can also be caused by certain foods, such as beans, onions, and certain grains, which may also trigger diverticulitis flare-ups. It is important to avoid consuming the foods that can cause gas in order to reduce the risk of a flare-up.
Additionally, limiting the consumption of processed and sugary foods, as well as increasing fiber intake, may help to avoiding flare-ups of diverticulitis. In some cases, medications or even surgery may be recommended by a doctor in order to prevent or reduce the severity of flare-ups.
What part of your stomach hurts with diverticulitis?
Diverticulitis is an inflammation of the digestive tract, usually in the large intestine. When this occurs, it can lead to pain and discomfort in the abdomen, usually in the lower left-hand side. This is the most common area for pain with diverticulitis since the inflammation tends to cause pressure in the intestinal walls.
Other possible areas of pain can include the right-hand side of the abdomen, the lower abdomen, and the back. Additionally, some people may also experience nausea, vomiting, chills, fever, and constipation.
It is important to see a doctor as soon as possible if you are experiencing any of these symptoms as they may be signs of a more serious condition.