Epiploic Appendagitis
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 7, 2024.
AMBULATORY CARE:
Epiploic appendagitis
is a condition that causes severe abdominal pain. The condition develops when blood cannot flow to small pouches of fat on your large intestine. Your risk is higher if you are male, have an abdominal hernia, or do strenuous exercise. A condition such as appendicitis (inflamed appendix), obesity, or diverticulitis (inflamed pockets in the colon) can also increase your risk.
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Common signs and symptoms of epiploic appendagitis:
- Pain, usually on the lower left side of the abdomen that may come and go
- Pain that is worse when you cough or breathe deeply
- An area of the abdomen that is tender to the touch
- Rarely, fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite
Call your doctor if:
- You have a fever.
- Your pain continues longer than 1 week.
- You are vomiting and cannot keep food down.
- You have chills, a cough, or feel weak and achy.
- You have trouble having a bowel movement, or you have diarrhea.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Treatment
may not be needed. Epiploic appendagitis usually goes away on its own. You may need any of the following if your pain continues:
- Medicines may be given to treat pain or a bacterial infection.
- Surgery may be needed to treat certain causes. You may need to have your appendix removed, for example. Surgery may also be needed if your symptoms become severe, continue, or happen often.
Manage or prevent epiploic appendagitis:
- Manage your weight. Ask your healthcare provider what a healthy weight is for you. Your provider can help you create a safe weight-loss plan, if needed.
- Eat a variety of healthy foods. Healthy foods include vegetables, fruit, low-fat dairy products, lean meats, fish, whole-grain breads and cereals, nuts, and cooked beans.
- Use portion control for food. Eat several small meals during the day instead of 3 large meals. Try not to eat large amounts of food at 1 time. Your healthcare provider or a dietitian can help you create healthy meal plans, if needed. Your provider can help you understand the correct portion sizes for each food.
- Be active throughout the day. Physical activity, such as exercise, can help you manage your weight. Physical activity can also help digestion. Your healthcare provider can help you create a physical activity plan. Try to stay active during the day. Even a few minutes of physical activity several times during the day will help.
Follow up with your doctor as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Further information
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