Diverticulitis

Summary

Diverticulitis and diverticular disease are conditions that affect the digestive system, specifically the colon. The colon is a crucial part of the digestive tract, where the body absorbs nutrients and water from food. Diverticulosis, the precursor to diverticulitis, occurs when small, bulging pouches, known as diverticula, form in the walls of the colon. These pouches develop when weak spots in the colon’s muscular layer give way under pressure, creating pockets where waste can accumulate. While diverticulosis is common, especially in individuals over the age of 40, it often goes unnoticed because it doesn’t typically cause symptoms.

However, when one or more of these pouches becomes inflamed or infected, it leads to diverticulitis. Diverticulitis can cause significant pain, particularly in the lower left side of the abdomen, and may be accompanied by fever, nausea, and changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation. The severity of diverticulitis can vary, ranging from mild cases that can be treated with antibiotics and dietary changes to severe cases that may require hospitalization or surgery.

The causes of diverticulitis are still not fully understood, but several factors are believed to contribute to its development. One of the most significant factors is a low-fiber diet, which can lead to constipation and increased pressure within the colon. Other risk factors include aging, obesity, lack of physical activity, smoking, and certain medications, such as steroids or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Genetic predisposition may also play a role in the development of diverticular disease.