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Suggest Treatment For Diarrhea, Abdominal Bloating And Pain

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Posted on Tue, 12 Jul 2016
Question: Have lower left abdomen pain, that worsens after eating. No fever, but lower left side feels tight and constricted with bloating. This has occurred over the last two weeks. Have some explosive diarrhea, but no constipation at all -- ever. Wondering about diverticulitis, and how critical or soon an office visit should be scheduled. Can't see a doctor for 2 weeks.
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Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (42 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
would be best to be seen as soon as possible

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic

Diverticulitis, inflammation/infection of the diverticula , is a possibility particularly if your colonoscopy three years ago, demonstrated diverticula.

Pain in the left lower quadrant of the abdomen is one of the more common symptoms of diverticulitis , seen in up to 70% of persons.
Bloating and diarrhea can also occur.

Diverticulitis can be mild and managed at home with antibiotics and diet changes (clear liquid diet for 48 to 72 hours then advancing if tolerated) but severe cases would require more medical intervention.

Even in mild cases, antibiotics for 7 to 10 days is recommended so it would be best to see a doctor sooner if possible so that these can be prescribed.

15 to 25% of persons with diverticulitis can develop complications requiring surgical intervention eg an abscess formation (collection of pus), fistula, intestinal rupture

In severe cases, more intense treatment may be needed but based on the symptoms mentioned, this is not the case for you.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Diarrhea, Abdominal Bloating And Pain

Brief Answer: would be best to be seen as soon as possible Detailed Answer: Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic Diverticulitis, inflammation/infection of the diverticula , is a possibility particularly if your colonoscopy three years ago, demonstrated diverticula. Pain in the left lower quadrant of the abdomen is one of the more common symptoms of diverticulitis , seen in up to 70% of persons. Bloating and diarrhea can also occur. Diverticulitis can be mild and managed at home with antibiotics and diet changes (clear liquid diet for 48 to 72 hours then advancing if tolerated) but severe cases would require more medical intervention. Even in mild cases, antibiotics for 7 to 10 days is recommended so it would be best to see a doctor sooner if possible so that these can be prescribed. 15 to 25% of persons with diverticulitis can develop complications requiring surgical intervention eg an abscess formation (collection of pus), fistula, intestinal rupture In severe cases, more intense treatment may be needed but based on the symptoms mentioned, this is not the case for you. I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions