According to MayoClinic.com, diverticulosis is a common condition in people over the age of 40. In diverticulosis, there are pouches through the wall of the colon. Generally these pockets are asymptomatic; many people may never know that they have the condition. However, sometimes the little pouches get inflamed or infected--this condition is called diverticulitis. Mild cases of diverticulitis require changes in diet, rest and antibiotics. More severe cases may require surgical intervention.
Abdominal Pain
On the Cleveland Clinic website, it is noted that almost all patients with diverticulitis present to the doctor with sudden abdominal pain; the percentage is between 93 and 100 percent. This pain is typically based in the left lower part of the abdomen; however, in some, the pain may be on the side. The location depends on the portion of the colon that is affected by the diverticulitis. When the physician palpates the abdomen in one of these patients, the doctor may be able to feel a mass, which is the inflamed colon.
Fever
A significant number of patients with diverticulitis present with fever and chills; between 53 and 100 percent present with the symptom, according to the Cleveland Clinic. A high fever at presentation warrants an investigation into the presence of bowel perforation or tear and an infection of the abdominal wall or peritonitis. Peritonitis is a very serious condition and requires more aggressive treatment.
Changes in Bowel Habits
Bowel movements can become irregular in diverticulitis; constipation occurs more commonly than diarrhea. Some patients alternate between constipation and diarrhea. An increase in flatulence may also be associated with the change in bowel habits; often the discomfort and pain improves afterward. Nausea and vomiting and a change in appetite may be present.
Less Common Symptoms
Patients with diverticulitis may present with more obscure symptoms. Because of the proximity of the colon to the bladder, a few patients with diverticulitis present with urinary symptoms. These symptoms include frequency, urgency and dysuria--or painful urination. In rare cases, patients with diverticulitis will have blood in the stool that occurs without pain. Severe abdominal distension in these patients coupled with nausea and vomiting should suggest a bowel obstruction to the clinicians.
