Does Severe Abdominal Pain Suggest Diverticulitis Attack?

Posted on Fri, 13 May 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 13 May 2016 Answered on

Thu, 23 Jun 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : is it possible NOT to have abdominal tenderness and HAVE an acute diverticulitis attack...patient is unable to talk...and would like to know if pressing down with no reaction can rule out diverticulitis or even a perforation.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please follow the suggestions below. . . .

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you for asking!
I read carefully all your concerns and I can say as follows :
1.You are asking if diverticulitis is related with abdominal tenderness.
Yes usually it is related with abdominal al.pain, tenderness and diarrhea .
2. With regards to abdominal pressing and pain reaction in cases of diverticulosis and perforation I can say that:
- In intestinal perforation putting presure on abdomen causes severe pain and reaction.
It is typical sing in cases of perforation.
- in cases of diverticulosis pain is not severe during abdominal pressure, it is moderated but present.
Hope it was helpful to you!
Dr.Klerida

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (3 days later)

can pain be in the lower center abdomen and not just left sigmoid location..as a fistoulla was disconnected between the bladder and bowel 3 years ago together with division of adhesions and high anterior resection and pelvic abscess drain..so the abdomen is complicated...so could there be pain in the right side and centre if there is another fistula or bowel perforations etc..

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (23 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please follow the suggestion below...

Detailed Answer:
Hi back and sorry for my late.
If there is an bowel perforation it will cause a dramatic clinic with severe pain and tenderness of the abdomen.
With regards to fistula between bowels and other pelvic or abdominal organs it will be associated with pain during abdominal pressure, fever etc.
So as I read the symptoms it doesn't seem s that at this case to be e serious issues like perforation or fistula.
Wish you health!
Dr.Klerida

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar