Can Mild Abdominal Pain Be an Early Sign of Diverticulitis?

At Phoenix Unified Surgeons, we often see patients with abdominal pain that turns out to be early diverticulitis. This condition typically begins with mild to moderate discomfort, most commonly felt in the lower left side of the abdomen. Many of our patients describe the pain as a steady, aching sensation, rather than sharp or cramping. Initially, the pain may come and go, but as inflammation progresses, it often becomes more constant.

Along with pain, you may notice tenderness when pressing on the affected area, as well as bloating or changes in bowel habits—such as constipation or diarrhea.

If you or a loved one is experiencing persistent abdominal pain or related symptoms, timely evaluation is essential. The surgical specialists are here to provide accurate diagnosis and expert management, ensuring you receive the care you need to feel better and avoid complications.

Mild abdominal pain can have many causes, including diverticulitis, irritable bowel syndrome, indigestion, constipation, or even a mild stomach virus. At Phoenix Unified Surgeons, our team is experienced in diagnosing and treating a wide range of abdominal conditions, from common digestive issues to more serious surgical concerns.

Diverticulitis is a condition we frequently evaluate. It refers to inflammation or infection of small pouches (diverticula) that can form in the walls of the colon, most commonly affecting the lower left side of the abdomen. Typical symptoms include persistent pain in this area that may worsen over hours or days, possibly accompanied by low-grade fever, nausea, changes in bowel habits (such as constipation or diarrhea), and bloating.

Other causes of abdominal pain—such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)—often produce cramping or generalized discomfort that may come and go, sometimes triggered by stress or certain foods. Indigestion is usually felt in the upper abdomen and may be associated with eating, belching, or heartburn.

If your abdominal pain is mild and not associated with fever, severe tenderness, persistent vomiting, or noticeable changes in your bowel habits, it may not be an emergency. If you experience any of the following, please seek prompt medical attention or contact our office:

• Severe or worsening abdominal pain
• High fever
• Blood in your stool
• Inability to keep food or liquids down

If you are experiencing mild but persistent abdominal pain, it’s important to monitor any changes or additional symptoms you may develop. While minor abdominal discomfort is often due to common issues such as indigestion, constipation, or mild infections, ongoing pain that lasts for more than a few days.

At Phoenix Unified Surgeons, our experienced surgical team specializes in diagnosing and treating a wide range of abdominal conditions. We encourage you to schedule a consultation if your pain persists, or if you develop concerning symptoms such as fever, unexplained weight loss, persistent vomiting, blood in your stool or urine, yellowing of your skin or eyes (jaundice), or severe tenderness in your abdomen. These symptoms may signal a more serious underlying condition that requires prompt evaluation and, in some cases, surgical intervention.

Should your abdominal pain become severe or sudden—or if it is accompanied by chest pain, difficulty breathing, or fainting—please seek emergency care immediately.

Even if your symptoms are mild, you can trust our team to provide a thorough evaluation and personalized care. Our goal is to determine the cause of your discomfort and recommend the most appropriate treatment, whether surgical or non-surgical. If you have any concerns about your abdominal pain or underlying health conditions that could complicate your symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact us for expert guidance.

Diverticulitis occurs when small pouches in the colon wall, called diverticula, become infected. After an initial episode, the risk of recurrence increases, but making specific lifestyle and dietary changes can significantly reduce this risk.

Dietary Recommendations
Our surgical team strongly encourages patients to increase their daily fiber intake. A fiber-rich diet—including plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes—can help soften stool and promote regular bowel movements. This reduces pressure within the colon and may prevent new diverticula from forming or current ones from becoming inflamed. In Phoenix’s hot, dry climate, staying well-hydrated is especially important, as dehydration can lead to constipation, a key risk factor for diverticulitis.

Physical Activity Matters
Regular physical activity is another cornerstone of prevention. Exercise not only supports healthy bowel function but also aids in weight management—both important for lowering the risk of diverticulitis.

Additional Lifestyle Considerations
We also advise patients to avoid smoking and limit their intake of red meat and highly processed foods, as these may increase the likelihood of diverticulitis recurrence. Contrary to past beliefs, recent research suggests that consuming seeds, nuts, and popcorn does not increase the risk of flare-ups, so you do not need to avoid these foods unless your provider recommends otherwise.

Personalized Support
Every patient’s situation is unique. We provide individualized counseling and support to help you develop a prevention plan that fits your medical history, lifestyle, and the unique environmental factors of living in the Phoenix area. By adopting a high-fiber diet, drinking plenty of fluids, staying active, and avoiding tobacco and excess red meat, you can take significant steps toward reducing your risk of future diverticulitis flare-ups.

At Phoenix Unified Surgeons, we understand that mild abdominal pain is a common concern for many patients. While such discomfort is often harmless, it can sometimes signal underlying conditions that require prompt attention—one of the most significant being diverticulitis. Dr. Debora J. Fox-McClary, a board-certified surgeon, specializes in diagnosing and treating this condition, helping patients achieve optimal digestive health.

Diverticulitis develops when small pouches (diverticula) in the colon wall become inflamed or infected. Although severe cases can cause intense pain and serious complications, the early signs are often subtle—such as mild, persistent pain (usually in the lower left abdomen), cramping, bloating, or changes in bowel habits. Dr. Fox-McClary stresses that these symptoms are sometimes mistaken for less serious issues, like indigestion or irritable bowel syndrome, which is why expert evaluation is so important.

For adults over 40, or anyone experiencing recurrent or worsening abdominal discomfort, we offer comprehensive care—starting with a thorough assessment. Dr. Fox-McClary utilizes advanced diagnostic imaging and laboratory testing to quickly identify the cause of symptoms. As a leader in minimally invasive and traditional surgical techniques, she ensures that each patient receives a personalized treatment plan, which may include dietary guidance, medication, or surgical intervention when necessary.

Timely diagnosis and expert management are key to preventing complications of diverticulitis, such as abscesses or colon perforation. At Phoenix Unified Surgeons, Dr. Fox-McClary and our dedicated team are committed to providing compassionate, state-of-the-art care for patients with abdominal pain and other digestive concerns.

If you are experiencing ongoing or unexplained abdominal discomfort, don’t wait—schedule a consultation with Dr. Debora J. Fox-McClary at Phoenix Unified Surgeons. Our team is here to help you understand your symptoms and restore your digestive health with the highest standard of surgical expertise. For more information, contact us. Our office is conveniently located at 20333 N 19th Avenue, Ste 230 Phoenix, AZ 85027. We serve patients from Phoenix AZ, Sun City AZ, Peoria AZ, Surprise AZ, Glendale AZ, Scottsdale AZ, and surrounding areas.