Hot Compress
One of the most painful manifestations of diverticulitis is extreme cramping and abdominal pain. Alongside these, a patient might also feel bloated, constipated, and gassy. The sharp pain around the stomach comes and goes. Sometimes, patients feel sudden pains that are mild and tingly, while others may feel stabbing pain and intolerable stomach cramps. In these cases, the patient can try applying a heat pad hot compress.
A hot compress or heat pad is a tool used in heat therapy that improves the body’s blood circulation. Heat is a great way to lessen muscle contractions, discomfort, and pain. There are several types of heat pads in the market, like microwavable and electric. However, if none of these are readily available at home, the patient can make a makeshift heat pad using water bottles and towels.
Although heat pads are soothing and relaxing, patients must limit the use of heating pads to 5 to 10 minutes. Too much exposure to heat might cause irritation, inflammation, or skin infection.
