Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Can Diverticulitis Cause Lower Abdominal Pain And Changes In Bowel Movement?
Question: I am experiencing a burning and sore feeling in my lower bowel area. My Mother was a colon cancer survivor. My stools change constantly, from finger size, loose stools and normal size. I had a colonoscopy about a year ago. I did have some diverticulitis scars, but they weren't open or bleeding.
Brief Answer:
I would advise following up with your doctor.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
I think it would be a good idea in this particular situation for you to go in to see your doctor so that he or she can examine you in person.
While you do have an increased risk for colon cancer because of your mother's history, having had a colonoscopy 1 year ago is reassuring, especially if they found no concerning polyps or masses at the time.
However, you likely have a history of diverticulitis given the scars, and the current symptoms could be a recurrence of diverticulitis, or may be diverticulosis. It can also be a problem with other organs in that area (ovaries, uterus, bladder) and that's why going in for an exam would be helpful.
Treatment for diverticulitis:
- A liquid diet for a few days to allow the bowels to rest. Solid foods can be gradually reintroduced after the discomfort resolves.
- Sometimes an antibiotic is warranted.
If you have ongoing diverticulosis, after the initial symptoms resolve, it's important to have a high fiber diet to prevent further development of diverticular outpouching. When adopting a high fiber diet, be sure to increase the fiber content (or supplement) only gradually or this can cause more problems.
I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information or clarification.
I would advise following up with your doctor.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
I think it would be a good idea in this particular situation for you to go in to see your doctor so that he or she can examine you in person.
While you do have an increased risk for colon cancer because of your mother's history, having had a colonoscopy 1 year ago is reassuring, especially if they found no concerning polyps or masses at the time.
However, you likely have a history of diverticulitis given the scars, and the current symptoms could be a recurrence of diverticulitis, or may be diverticulosis. It can also be a problem with other organs in that area (ovaries, uterus, bladder) and that's why going in for an exam would be helpful.
Treatment for diverticulitis:
- A liquid diet for a few days to allow the bowels to rest. Solid foods can be gradually reintroduced after the discomfort resolves.
- Sometimes an antibiotic is warranted.
If you have ongoing diverticulosis, after the initial symptoms resolve, it's important to have a high fiber diet to prevent further development of diverticular outpouching. When adopting a high fiber diet, be sure to increase the fiber content (or supplement) only gradually or this can cause more problems.
I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information or clarification.
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
