What Causes Diverticulitis?

Posted on Mon, 27 Apr 2015

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

Mon, 27 Apr 2015 Answered on

Mon, 18 May 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I have had diverticulitis twice - had resection (6 inches) of bowel 2 yrs ago - no problems since then
I'm getting concerned - I have had constipation now for 2 days and in the past this was always the first sign
What are the other symptoms?
Should I be concerned?

Answered by Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta (2 hours later)

Brief answer...Too early to comment and must wait a bit.
Detailed answer...
Hello,
Thanks for the query.
I have read your query and understand your concern.
One definitely gets concerned when there has been a history of diverticulitis in past and had surgery for this.
A person with diverticulosis usually has very few symptoms or no symptoms at all,however when symptoms are present they are abdominal pain,constipation or diarrhoea.
I think you should wait and watch for few days more and if constipation persists or aggravates or some abdominal pain also starts occuring,then you may consult your doctor who may then get a CT scan or a colonoscopy done for the diagnosis.
I hope it helps,however you are most welcome to revert to me for any further query.
Best of luck
Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta (19 hours later)

I took COlace and Ducolax last night and had several BMs this AM and feel much better
Because of my "bowel" problems, I sometimes work about a colostomy?
Is this unfounded at this point?

I'm scared

Answered by Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta (8 minutes later)

Hello,
Your apprehensions are definitely misfounded at the moment.
Relax and stop worrying about future unnecessarily.
There is no point in thinking about unknown frontiers of future as they bring only misery in present life.
Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Pradeep Vitta