Which symptom is typical of diverticulitis?

Which symptom is typical of diverticulitis?

• A. Abdominal pain (usually LLQ)
• B. Abdominal pain (usually RUQ)
• C. Back pain
• D. Chest pain

Answer: (A)

Diverticulitis classically causes localized pain in the left lower quadrant because the inflamed diverticula are most often in the sigmoid colon, which sits in that area of the abdomen. Patients may also have fever and a mild increase in white blood cells, and sometimes changes in bowel habits. Pain in the right upper quadrant would suggest gallbladder or liver issues, back pain is not the typical localization for diverticulitis, and chest pain isn’t related to this condition. So, abdominal pain in the left lower quadrant is the most characteristic symptom.

Diverticulitis classically causes localized pain in the left lower quadrant because the inflamed diverticula are most often in the sigmoid colon, which sits in that area of the abdomen. Patients may also have fever and a mild increase in white blood cells, and sometimes changes in bowel habits. Pain in the right upper quadrant would suggest gallbladder or liver issues, back pain is not the typical localization for diverticulitis, and chest pain isn’t related to this condition. So, abdominal pain in the left lower quadrant is the most characteristic symptom.