What Is The Course Of Action For Left-sided Lower Abdominal Pain That Only Subsides Upon Heat Therapy?

Posted on Fri, 12 Apr 2019

Question: For the last day I have been having pain in my lower left abdominal region. I applied heat and the pain subsided almost 100%. About an hour after the heat was applied the pain returned but on much lower level. My fear it is diverticulitis. Yesterday's bowel movement was shapeless. (Did not notice any blood.) The night before I took (and take on regular basis) a supplement called Oxypowder which is basically magnesium. Of course, it could be a pulled muscle since I usually have to strain during bowel movements. What should my course of action be? Keep applying heat?

Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Get a CT abdomen done.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

In most of the cases, persistent pain specific to the lower left side of the abdomen is caused by diverticulitis. It appears from your description that you are having diverticular pain.

Plan of action:
* Get a CT abdomen done.
* A stool routine and culture sensitivity test is to be done.
* Antibiotic like Clindamycin and Metronidazole must be started along with anti-inflammatory and antispasmodics to provide relief. Proper hydration should be maintained.

Hope I was helpful.

Regards,
Dr. Ramesh Kumar
Gastroenterologist

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad