Lower Abdominal Pain: Is It Diverticulitis Again? - Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Lower abdominal pain, diverticulosis?

Hello Doctor: After lunch this afternoon, I felt discomfort in the lower left area of my abdomen (as shown in the picture) after using the restroom.
By evening, I experienced intermittent pain.
I previously had diverticulosis but improved significantly after taking antibiotics, so I did not return for a follow-up.
I would like to know if this discomfort is also related to diverticulosis (the diverticula inflammation is located near the cecum, but a CT scan indicated it is diverticulosis).
If so, should I return for a follow-up and arrange for a colonoscopy? Or could the pain be due to incomplete bowel movements? During the holiday period, the hospital is not holding consultations, so I wanted to inquire about my condition.
Here is the image: https://ibb.co/BtJBFpS

Zhe Zhe, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/04/05

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

The possibility cannot be ruled out; it is still recommended to seek medical attention for confirmation.

Reply Date: 2022/04/05

More Info

Lower abdominal pain can be a complex issue, and your concern about whether it could be related to diverticulitis is valid, especially given your medical history. Diverticulitis occurs when diverticula, which are small pouches that can form in the walls of the colon, become inflamed or infected. This condition can lead to symptoms such as abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, and sometimes fever or nausea.

Based on your description, the pain you are experiencing in the lower left quadrant of your abdomen, particularly after eating and using the restroom, could indeed be indicative of diverticulitis, especially since you have a history of diverticular disease. The pain associated with diverticulitis is typically localized to the left lower abdomen, as this is where the sigmoid colon is located, and it can be exacerbated by certain activities, such as bowel movements or straining.

However, it is also important to consider other potential causes of lower abdominal pain. For instance, constipation can lead to discomfort and pain in the lower abdomen, particularly if there is a feeling of incomplete evacuation after a bowel movement. If you have been experiencing changes in your bowel habits, such as infrequent stools or hard stools, this could contribute to your symptoms.

In addition to diverticulitis and constipation, other conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or even gynecological issues (in females) could also present with similar symptoms. Therefore, it is crucial to assess the full clinical picture, including any accompanying symptoms like fever, changes in appetite, or any other gastrointestinal symptoms.

Given your history of diverticulitis, it would be prudent to consult with a healthcare provider, especially since you are experiencing a recurrence of symptoms. A thorough evaluation may include a physical examination, and if deemed necessary, imaging studies such as a CT scan or a colonoscopy to assess the current state of your colon and to rule out any complications such as abscess formation or perforation.

In summary, while your symptoms could potentially indicate a recurrence of diverticulitis, it is essential to consider other possible causes as well. If your symptoms persist or worsen, or if you develop additional symptoms such as fever, significant changes in bowel habits, or severe pain, you should seek medical attention promptly. Early intervention can help prevent complications and ensure appropriate management of your condition.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Lower Abdominal Pain: Is It Diverticulitis Again?

Hello Doctor: After lunch this afternoon, I felt discomfort in the lower left area of my abdomen near the navel (as shown in the image). By evening, I experienced intermittent pain. I previously had diverticulitis, but after taking antibiotics, my condition improved significantly...

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
It is not possible to rule out the possibility; it is still recommended to seek medical attention for confirmation.

Understanding Diverticulitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention Tips

Hello Dr. Lin, I previously had diverticulitis and received treatment at the hospital. Since then, I haven't experienced any pain, so I haven't returned for follow-up visits. However, recently I've started to feel pain in my lower right abdomen again. Is this a r...

Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Reply: Hello, 1. Pain in the lower right abdomen has many differential diagnoses, including diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease, appendicitis, urinary stones, and muscle strain, among others. 2. If diverticula are present, it is important to be aware of complications s...

Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Pain: Possible Causes and Insights

Hello, Doctor. Three months ago, I noticed some tenderness in my left lower abdomen, but the discomfort disappeared after I had a bowel movement. At that time, I lay down and pressed on the painful area, and although I didn't feel anything specific, I sensed something moving...

Dr. Chen Zhiping reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, occasional abdominal pain that alleviates after a bowel movement may indicate the presence of constipation or diarrhea. If there are any abnormalities in bowel movements, it could simply be a functional gastrointestinal disorder such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Addi...

Understanding Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Diagnostic Challenges

Hello, doctor. On June 9th, I experienced severe abdominal distension and pain that was so intense I could not tolerate palpation. A CT scan revealed a large number of lymph nodes. To rule out the possibility of a tumor, the physician performed a colonoscopy. The attending doctor...

Dr. Chen Zhiyu reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Online consultations cannot provide a diagnosis; it is advisable for you to return for an in-person evaluation. Thank you.