A sudden belly ache can sideline even the healthiest person. Abdominal pain is a common symptom of many different conditions from mild to life threatening. Epiploic appendagitis is a rare condition that can cause severe belly pain. It happens when blood flow is cut off from an area of the colon. You may hear the condition called primary epiploic appendagitis. It can be mistaken for appendicitis or diverticulitis.
Your healthcare provider can detect this condition with an ultrasound or CT scan. The condition usually goes away on its own.
About EA
Epiploic appendages are normal pouches of fat. They are found on the outside surface of the colon. Each pouch has its own blood supply that keeps it healthy. But these pouches can become twisted or blocked. This cuts off blood supply to the tissue. The result is pain, most commonly in the left lower abdomen. It can also cause tissue death (necrosis).
EA more often affects overweight men in their 40a and 50s. But can occur at any age and in women.
Symptoms of EA
Symptoms of EA are often vague and can be a sign of other conditions. They may include:
-
Lower belly pain
-
Feeling very full after eating
-
Vomiting
-
Bloating
-
Diarrhea
-
Low-grade fever
Your healthcare provider will ask you questions about your symptoms and will do a physical exam. They may order imaging tests like a CT scan or an ultrasound of your belly to help find the cause of your symptoms.
Treatment for EA
EA doesn't usually need to treatment other than over-the-counter pain medicines. If pain is severe, your provider may give you a limited prescription of opioids. Follow your provider's specific instructions. EA should go away on its own in a couple weeks.
Rarely, surgery may be needed to remove an inflamed fat pouch. Surgery is reserved for appendagitis when symptoms like fever, nausea and vomiting or pain do not resolve with conservative management. Some of rarer complications of appendagitis mentioned below may also require surgery.
Possible complications of EA
-
One part of the intestine slides into the next, like a telescope. This is called intussusception.
-
Bowel obstruction
When to call your healthcare provider
-
Fever of 100.4°F (38.0°C) or higher, or as advised by your provider
-
Chills
-
Belly, pain, cramps, or tenderness that doesn’t get better with OTC medicines or seems to be getting worse
-
Constipation, diarrhea, or changes in bowel habits
-
Ongoing nausea and vomiting
-
Bleeding from your rectum
Date Last Reviewed: 07/01/2023
© 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
Find the right provider to meet your needs
From primary care to specialty services and more.
Find a Doctor
Call for an Appointment
Offering personalized care at more than 20 clinics across three cities and two states.
Call NowRelated Articles
Mesenteric Adenitis
Mesenteric adenitis is swelling of the lymph nodes in the belly. The problem is often caused by an infection or inflammatory condition of the intestines. Here's how to care for yourself at home as you heal.
Crohn's Disease
Crohn’s disease is part of a group of diseases known as inflammatory bowel disease or IBD.
Crohn’s Disease
Crohn's disease is inflammation of the intestinal tract that comes and goes in flare-ups. Crohn's disease is a form of inflammatory bowel disease.
Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction
The sphincter of Oddi is part of your digestive system. A sphincter is a circle of muscle. The sphincter of Oddi surrounds the end of the tubes (ducts) that connect the gallbladder, liver, and pancreas to the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). The sphincter opens to let digestive juices flow through the ducts from the gallbladder, liver, and pancreas into the small intestine. To prevent the juices from leaking back into the ducts, the sphincter squeezes shut.