If the lining of your colon develops abnormal pouches you can develop a condition called diverticulosis. These pouches are created at spots in your intestine that have weakened. Diverticulosis is a common condition that occurs with age and some people never get worse or exhibit symptoms. The exact cause of this condition is still not known. However, if these pouches become inflamed or infected you may be diagnosed with diverticulitis. If your diverticulosis gets worse or progresses to diverticulitis then certain symptoms will appear.
Abdominal Pain
The most common symptom of diverticulitis is stomach pain, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. This may be a sharp pain or feel like cramps. It is most commonly felt in the left lower part of your abdomen. The pain may tend to come and go. You may also feel bloated and develop constipation, nausea, fever and chills. If your physician suspects this condition he can palpate your abdominal area to check for tenderness.
Change in Bowel Habits
The Mayo Clinic states that you should be on the lookout for any changes in your bowel movements. This includes needing to go more frequently, stools that are loose, an urgent need to go or an inability to control your bowels. Also watch for stools that are darker then normal which may be a sign that they contain blood.
Bleeding
If your diverticulitis gets worse you may pass blood in your stool or when urinating. This is caused by small tears or blockages within the colon. In some cases these tears can become infected. If you notice blood when using the toilet or have any of the above symptoms, see your doctor for treatment to avoid serious illness.
Involvement of Other Organs
The Merck website states that a severe infection can create fistulas which are abnormal openings that allow the contents of your large intestine to leak. This allows bacteria to infect other areas of the body. This can occur in the bladder, uterus, vagina, abdominal wall, thigh or chest. If not treated successfully, this condition can eventually cause a complete blockage and prevent you from being able to pass a stool.
