Diverticulitis history and symptoms
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Cafer Zorkun, M.D., Ph.D. [2]Ahmed Elsaiey, MBBCH [3]
Overview
When taking the medical history, the doctor may ask about bowel habits, pain, other symptoms, diet, and medications. The physical exam usually involves a digital rectal exam. To perform this test, the doctor inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to detect tenderness, blockage, or blood. The doctor may check stool for signs of bleeding and test blood for signs of infection.
History and symptoms
Diverticulitis clinical manifestations depends on the severity of the organ inflammation. Patients affected with the disease usually give history of lower quadrant abdominal pain, fever and change in bowel habits either constipation or diarrhea. They also may complain of nausea and vomiting. Less commonly, an individual with diverticulitis may present with right-sided abdominal pain. This may be due to the less prevalent right-sided diverticula or a very redundant sigmoid colon.[1]
Common symptoms
Diverticulitis common sympotms include the following:[2]
- Abdominal pain especially left lower quadrant
- Abdominal distension
- Fever
- Cramps
- Constipation
Less common symptoms
- In severe cases of diverticulitis, the patients may present with the following:
- In few cases, the patients may complain of urinary symptoms which include the following:[3]
The anatomical site of the colon may be a cause to refer the inflammation to the bladder. When the inflammation takes place, it can affect the bladder. Bladder irritation, pain referral and fistula are the known mechansims that explain those symptoms.
References
- ↑ Laurell H, Hansson LE, Gunnarsson U (2007). "Acute diverticulitis--clinical presentation and differential diagnostics". Colorectal Dis. 9 (6): 496–501, discussion 501-2. doi:10.1111/j.1463-1318.2006.01162.x. PMID 17573742.
- ↑ Jacobs DO (2007). "Clinical practice. Diverticulitis". N Engl J Med. 357 (20): 2057–66. doi:10.1056/NEJMcp073228. PMID 18003962.
- ↑ HAFNER CD, PONKA JL, BRUSH BE (1962). "Genitourinary manifestations of diverticulitis of the colon. A study of 500 cases". JAMA. 179: 76–8. PMID 13903556.