Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Is The Cause And Treatment For Diverticulitis?
Question: I AM A 61 YEAR OLD FEMALE. I HAVE DIVERTICULAR DISEASE AND ON EXAMINATION (COLONOSCOPY) IT WAS FOUND THAT THESE ARE PRESENT THROUGHOUT THE SIGMOID COLON.
I HAVE FOR THE LAST TWO DAYS HAD PERSISTENT LEFT SIDED LOWER ABDO PAIN. NO DIARRHOEA OR CONSTIPATION BUT QUITE A LOT OF MUCOUS IN MY STOOL. THE PAIN VARIES FROM ACHE TO PAIN AROUND A 4-5 ON THE 1-10 PAIN SCALE. THE ACHE/PAIN ALSO CAN SPREAD SO IT ACTUALLY FEELS UTERINE ON OCCASIONS.
MY QUESTION IS THIS. SHOULD I SEEK MEDICAL HELP. I HAVE IN THE PAST ONLY TO BE TOLD THAT DIVERTICULAR DISEASE SHOULDN'T CAUSE THESE PROBLEMS, HOWEVER, I IF IT WAS DIVERTICULITIS IT WOULD SURELY BE MORE SEVERE?
I TAKE METHOTREXATE AND PLAQUENIL FOR RA.
I HAVE FOR THE LAST TWO DAYS HAD PERSISTENT LEFT SIDED LOWER ABDO PAIN. NO DIARRHOEA OR CONSTIPATION BUT QUITE A LOT OF MUCOUS IN MY STOOL. THE PAIN VARIES FROM ACHE TO PAIN AROUND A 4-5 ON THE 1-10 PAIN SCALE. THE ACHE/PAIN ALSO CAN SPREAD SO IT ACTUALLY FEELS UTERINE ON OCCASIONS.
MY QUESTION IS THIS. SHOULD I SEEK MEDICAL HELP. I HAVE IN THE PAST ONLY TO BE TOLD THAT DIVERTICULAR DISEASE SHOULDN'T CAUSE THESE PROBLEMS, HOWEVER, I IF IT WAS DIVERTICULITIS IT WOULD SURELY BE MORE SEVERE?
I TAKE METHOTREXATE AND PLAQUENIL FOR RA.
Brief Answer:
Mild diverticulitis to be confirmed by complete blood count/PCR...
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
I have gone through your medical history and I can say that your symptoms are highly suggestive for mild diverticulitis. Complete blood count (to check for high leukocyte levels) and PCR level to be evaluated to confirm mild diverticulitis as final diagnosis.
I advise to follow a liquid diet first, so I encourage to consume more:
- water
- fruit juice without pulp
- ice pops/chips
- gelatin
- broth
- Tea or coffee without cream
Hope it helped!
Dr.Klerida
Mild diverticulitis to be confirmed by complete blood count/PCR...
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
I have gone through your medical history and I can say that your symptoms are highly suggestive for mild diverticulitis. Complete blood count (to check for high leukocyte levels) and PCR level to be evaluated to confirm mild diverticulitis as final diagnosis.
I advise to follow a liquid diet first, so I encourage to consume more:
- water
- fruit juice without pulp
- ice pops/chips
- gelatin
- broth
- Tea or coffee without cream
Hope it helped!
Dr.Klerida
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Hi
If it is mild diverticulitis then should I seek medical attention? Do I need antibiotics?
My bloods were taken last week as a matter of routine for my methotrexate. It showed my ESR to be 35 and my red blood cell count to be marginally low.
If it is mild diverticulitis then should I seek medical attention? Do I need antibiotics?
My bloods were taken last week as a matter of routine for my methotrexate. It showed my ESR to be 35 and my red blood cell count to be marginally low.
Brief Answer:
Antibiotics are given only in cases of moderate to severe diverticulitis...
Detailed Answer:
Hi back,
I checked the new data you provided and they are suggestive for inflammation (ESR 35) and anemia.
The data you provided are suggestive for mild diverticulitis (especially ESR 35). For the moment it doesn't needs specific medical treatment (antibiotics). It only needs regular follow up and liquid diet.
Antibiotics are given only in cases of moderate to severe diverticulitis.
Wish you health!
Dr. Klerida
Antibiotics are given only in cases of moderate to severe diverticulitis...
Detailed Answer:
Hi back,
I checked the new data you provided and they are suggestive for inflammation (ESR 35) and anemia.
The data you provided are suggestive for mild diverticulitis (especially ESR 35). For the moment it doesn't needs specific medical treatment (antibiotics). It only needs regular follow up and liquid diet.
Antibiotics are given only in cases of moderate to severe diverticulitis.
Wish you health!
Dr. Klerida
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
