Diverticulitis is an inflammation that occurs in weak spots in the walls of the colon. Sometimes small pouches develop in the colonic walls. These bulges are called diverticula. Diverticula are a type of herniation, or a bulge in the wall where a weak spot is located. Though not harmful in and of themselves, they can lead to problems; namely, diverticular disease.

As we get older, diverticula increase. Having many diverticula is a condition called diverticulosis. It's estimated that ten percent of Americans over 40 have diverticulosis. If you were to look at a colon with diverticulosis, you would see many polyp-shaped growths emerging from the colonic wall. However, most people with diverticulosis do not have any troublesome symptoms.

Symptoms of Diverticulitis

It's when the diverticula become infected that the problems begin.
Sometimes bacteria in the diverticula multiply, causing an infection. When the diverticula become irritated and inflamed, it's called diverticulitis. This often shows up as a tender feeling on the lower left abdominal area. Also, fever and chills may be felt, particularly if an infection is present. Other symptions of infection-based diverticulitis are cramping pains, nausea, vomiting, and constipation.

This condition must be treated right away or complications can result. These include spread of the infection, bleeding, and perforations in the colon. One interesting fact is that this disorder is extremely common in societies that have a low-fiber diet, such as America, Australia and England; while diverticular disease is practically non-existent in African and Asian societies whose diets consist of chiefly of raw foods, whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Thus it's widely held that a healthy, fiber-rich diet, along with regular colon cleansings, can help prevent or alleviate the occurrence of these diseases.