Diverticulitis: Everything You Need to Know

This website is an informational resource for patients who wish to educate themselves about diagnosing, treating and living with diverticulitis.

What is Diverticulitis?

Diverticulitis originates from the word 'diverticula' which refers to 'pockets' that form in the colon.  Many people have diverticula pockets and don't even know it, because they have few or no symptoms.  This almost symptom-free condition is called diverticulosis.  However, divericulosis can progress to a more painful and serious condition called diverticulitis. 

Diverticulitis occurs when matter gets stuck inside these diverticula pockets, which causes irritation and inflammation.  These full pockets can cause complete obstruction of the colon, so that fecal matter can no longer pass through easily.  Diverticula pockets may become so bloated that they rupture and, consequently, become infected.  This can lead to colonic bleeding.

Diverticulitis Symptoms

Common diverticulitis symptoms include:

• abdominal tenderness
• abdominal pain/cramping
• fever
• nausea
• constipation
• diarrhea

Less common diverticulitis symptoms include:

• blood in the stool (red, maroon or black)
• urinary tract infection (difficulty urinating despite a strong urge and/or burning during urination)
• vomiting

Causes of Diverticulitis

Diet and age are the two primary causes of diverticulitis.  The disease is rare in the young and virtually non-existent in Asia and Africa, where the diet is rich in fresh fruit and vegetables. On the other hand, it affects 50% of Westerners over 60. Researchers have concluded that diverticulitis is a consequence of poor diet over many years.

Diverticulitis Treatment

For some people, diverticulitis subsides without treatment; for others, it leads to serious problems.  This website is devoted to helping patients understand diverticulitis and offers options for diverticulitis treatment, from natural remedies to surgical procedures. 

Diverticulitis Diet

One way to fight diverticulitis to adhere to a simple diverticulitis diet.  The diverticulitis diet is full of fiber: rich in fresh fruits and vegetables and low in processed foods.   Browse this site to discover a variety of diverticulitis treatments, symptoms and causes.