Diagnosis Of Diverticulitis

 

Diverticulitis is diagnosed through physical examination, the patient’s medical history is taken and some tests which the doctor orders. If the diverticula are not infected, they do not usually cause noticeable symptoms and in these cases, the diagnosis is usually made by a chance finding.

With the taking of a health history, the physician will inquire about;

  1. The frequency of bowel movements
  2. If there is pain or not
  3. The intensity of the pain
  4. At what times pain gets worse
  5. When it is triggered

Physical examination in patients with diverticulitis is usually performed by digital rectal examination. The doctor inserts fingers into the anus of the patient to palpate if there is obstruction or blood.

Diverticulitis Tests

One of the tests which doctor will order will do a stool test where blood loss can be studied. It will also be necessary to perform a blood test to check for signs of infection such as leukocytosis (increased white blood cells). Other tests that can aid in the diagnosis of diverticulitis include:

  1. X-ray: radiography can confirm if the diverticula are ruptured or not.
  2. Ultrasound: it is a test that allows the doctor to see the location and size of the diverticula.

When inflammation and infection subside, the doctor may order other tests to analyze diverticulitis:

  1. Barium enema: a liquid with barium is inserted through the rectum, and then lesions in the colon can be observed through x-rays.
  2. Sigmoidoscopy: is a study that allows the doctor to see the extent and location of lesions. A small tube with a camera is inserted through the rectum, and doctor can look inside the colon. If it is necessary, physician may take a biopsy at the same time.

Long Distance Telephone Appointments

If you are not local to the clinic, Michelle Honda PhD Holistic Doctor can conduct telephone appointments with you very easily. So if you are anywhere in North America, you can now successfully receive high end, specialized help for your Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. If you are local to the clinic in Hamilton, Toronto or Mississauga Ontario – by all means come in for your appointment. If not, telephone appointments are very popular and convenient.
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