Can you get a blockage with diverticulitis?

In chronic diverticulitis, inflammation and infection may go down but never clear up completely. Over time, the inflammation can lead to a bowel obstruction, which may cause constipation, thin stools, diarrhea, bloating, and belly pain.

How does diverticulitis cause obstruction?

Bowel Obstruction It’s caused when scarring or inflammation makes the colon too narrow for stool to pass.

Can you feel a colon blockage?

An intestinal blockage happens when something blocks your intestine. If the intestine is completely blocked, it is a medical emergency needing immediate attention. Symptoms of an intestinal blockage include severe belly pain or cramping, vomiting, not being able to pass stool or gas, and other signs of belly distress.

How can you tell if you have a bowel obstruction?

Tests and procedures used to diagnose intestinal obstruction include:

  1. Physical exam. Your doctor will ask about your medical history and your symptoms.
  2. X-ray. To confirm a diagnosis of intestinal obstruction, your doctor may recommend an abdominal X-ray.
  3. Computerized tomography (CT).
  4. Ultrasound.
  5. Air or barium enema.

What are the warning signs of diverticulitis?

Symptoms of diverticulitis flare-ups. Signs and symptoms of diverticulitis include severe pain that may last for days and takes place in the lower left side of the abdomen, nausea and vomiting, fever, abdominal tenderness, constipation, and in some cases diarrhea (a less common symptom).

When to see a doctor with diverticulitis?

When to See a Doctor. Diverticulitis can be managed at home, but the symptoms always require a trip to the doctor or the hospital for evaluation and direction for treatment at home or in the hospital. Abdominal pain should prompt a call to a doctor, but when it is severe and accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, nausea, vomiting,…

What are the long term effects of diverticulitis?

Long-term effects of Diverticulitis. Diverticulitis can lead to serious complications. If left untreated, a life-threatening infection known as peritonitis may occur in the abdominal lining. Repeated inflammation can cause the affected areas of the colon to become scarred and narrowed, which must be corrected with surgery.

How often do people with diverticulitis do a colonoscopy?

You’ll probably need a colonoscopy every 5 to 8 years if you have diverticulosis. Your doctor will let you know how often you need a colonoscopy if you have diverticulosis depending on the severity…