How Do You Know If You’re Having a Diverticulitis Attack?

Whether you have been diagnosed with diverticulitis or think you might be having your first attack, it is important to know when you are actually having an attack. It’s important because you will need to take immediate action to ensure that the situation doesn’t get worse or that you don’t cause further problems. Diverticulitis is not a very fun disease to have, but with the right treatment and knowledge, you will live a very normal and fulfilling life. Continue reading this article if you want to find out how to know if you’re having a diverticulitis attack and what you should do immediately afterward.

Is It a Diverticulitis Attack?

The unfortunate fact is that most people experience no symptoms when they have an attack. For these people, it is often only discovered that they have it through a random blood test or doctor’s visit. However, if you are one of the unlucky 20 percent, you might experience some very telling symptoms, which generally indicate that you are having a diverticulitis attack.

The most telling symptom of all is abdominal pain. Abdominal pain can be an indicator of a variety of different things, though, so how do you know it isn’t just harmless pain caused by indigestion? Generally, if you are having a diverticulitis attack, the pain will be on the left hand side of your abdomen. It is usually the lower abdomen, around where your colon is located, as this is where the pain originates. The pain is caused by stool having troubles getting past the left side of your colon. If you are also having trouble taking a bowel movement, then this is even more of a sign that you are having an attack of diverticulitis.

What Should You Do Following an Attack?



If it turns out you are having a diverticulitis attack, then the number one thing you should remember is to watch what you are putting into your body. In order for your body to appropriately heal, you should avoid certain foods. Most doctors will recommend that you go on an all-liquid diet while you are recovering from an attack of diverticulitis. It isn’t fun or pretty, but it is often the safest way to allow your colon time to heal and rest. Without that rest, the colon could become even more inflamed and could present new problems such as horrible infections and excruciating pain. You should also make an appointment to see your doctor right away. They will often prescribe antibiotics to help prevent infection from spreading or getting worse while you are waiting to heal.

Having a diverticulitis attack is an awful experience for a lot of people. Although you might not have any symptoms at all, if you do it can be excruciatingly painful and a very unpleasant time in your life. By following the steps outlined above and changing your diet immediately after finding out you are having an attack, you can give yourself the best chance of recovering quickly and preventing any further problems from occurring.

Related Articles

↑ Back to Top
, ,