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5 Diverticulitis Signs You Shouldn't Ignore
Diverticulitis, a condition that affects the digestive tract, can start with mild symptoms but escalate into severe complications if left untreated.
That’s why if you've been experiencing unusual digestive discomfort, it’s important to pay attention to the signs your body is giving you.
Board-certified gastroenterologist John Rivas, MD, and the team at Rivas Digestive Center in Hollywood, Florida, specialize in diagnosing and treating digestive conditions, including diverticulitis.
Dr. Rivas uses the latest medical technology and research to give you relief while preventing complications, making sure your digestive health is well-managed.
Understanding the signs of diverticulitis is key for early intervention and effective treatment. Read on to learn five key signs you shouldn't ignore and how our practice can help.
1. Persistent abdominal pain
One of the most common signs of diverticulitis is persistent abdominal pain, often localized on the lower left side of your abdomen.
This pain may start mild and gradually become more intense, signaling you have inflammation or infection in the diverticula, small pouches that can form in the walls of your digestive tract.
Ignoring persistent abdominal pain can lead to worsening symptoms and complications. If you notice ongoing discomfort, it’s important to schedule an appointment with Dr. Rivas.
2. Fever and chills
Experiencing fever and chills along with abdominal pain can be a sign that your body is fighting an infection, a common occurrence with diverticulitis.
In other words, these symptoms might mean the inflammation in your digestive tract is spreading or becoming more severe.
For this reason, don’t dismiss fever and chills when you get them in combination with digestive discomfort. Schedule a visit with Dr. Rivas for a thorough evaluation.
3. Changes in bowel movements
Diverticulitis can cause significant changes in your bowel movements, such as constipation, diarrhea, or noticeable differences in the consistency of your stool.
These changes can be worrisome and often mean the condition is affecting your digestive system's normal function.
Monitoring and talking to your provider about these changes can help in diagnosing diverticulitis early, allowing for more effective treatment and management.
4. Nausea and vomiting
Nausea and vomiting can develop alongside other diverticulitis symptoms, making daily activities challenging and pointing to a more serious infection or obstruction in your digestive tract.
These symptoms can lead to dehydration and other health issues if not addressed, so if you experience nausea and vomiting with other symptoms of diverticulitis, see a medical provider promptly.
5. Blood in your stool
Noticing blood in your stool is something that should never be ignored. This can appear as bright red blood or darker, tarry stools, and it points to bleeding in the digestive tract.
With diverticulitis, blood in your stool can signal a complication, like severe infection or damage to your intestinal wall. Don’t wait to see Dr. Rivas right away if you notice this symptom.
Seeking help for diverticulitis
Recognizing these signs early and seeking medical care can prevent diverticulitis from progressing to more severe stages. Led by Dr. Rivas, our team at Rivas Digestive Center offers comprehensive care tailored to meet your specific needs.
Our approach to treating diverticulitis includes a variety of strategies designed to manage symptoms and promote healing. Diverticulitis treatment plans are personalized based on the severity of your condition and may include:
- Antibiotics to treat infections and reduce inflammation
- Dietary modifications to manage symptoms and prevent flare-ups
- Pain management, including medications and strategies to ease discomfort
In severe cases, surgical intervention may be needed to remove the affected portion of your intestine.
Regardless of your treatment plan, Dr. Rivas and the team are here to give you continuous care and support with regular follow-up visits and adjustments to your treatment plan as needed.
If you’re experiencing any signs of diverticulitis or have concerns about your digestive health, don’t wait to seek help. Schedule an appointment at Rivas Digestive Center in Hollywood, Florida, today.
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