Digestive System Disorders, Diverticulitis

On occasion, the colon develops weak spots, where small pouches bulge outwards, much like a weak spot on an inner tube. These pouches are called diverticula. When you have these weak spots in the colon, the condition is called diverticulosis. In about 10-25 percent of people who have diverticulosis, the diverticula may get inflamed or infected. This condition is called diverticulitus.

It is believed that diverticulosis is caused by a low fiber diet, which makes stool harder to pass, which causes increased pressure in the colon. This increased pressure causes the weak spots in the colon to bulge, forming the diverticula.

There may be no symptoms from diverticulosis, although there might be. Symptoms include mild cramps, bloating, and constipation.

Symptoms of diverticulitis include abdominal pain, particularly in the lower left part of the abdomen. Cramping and constipation may also occur. If the diverticulitis is caused by an infection, then the symptoms may also include fever, chills, and nausea.

Diverticulitis may be mild, or it could be serious. Mild forms may require nothing more than rest, and just allowing the body to fight off the infection on it's own. For more serious cases of diverticulitis, antibiotics may be prescribed, and in extreme cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the affected portions of the colon.

Increasing the amount of fiber in the diet may help to reduce the symptoms of diverticulosis, and help to prevent diverticulitis. Fiber helps to soften stool, and help it to pass through the colon more easily.

Diverticulitis
Diverticulitis