Acute diverticulitis is a condition of the colon caused by pockets protruding through weakened areas, resulting in inflammation. The disease has become more prevalent among younger people in urban areas, according to research conducted by the University of Maryland at Baltimore.

The study was carried out by Dr. Barry Daly and Dr. Eram Zaidi by going over the records of 100 people who presented with acute diverticulitis, over the course of four years. Of the group, 77 had symptoms that were severe enough to require hospital admission. One half of the group was aged 20 to 50, with 19 people under the age of 40. The remainder of the patients were over age 50. The study results indicated that the disease was occurring as often in the younger age group as in the older, with severe symptoms present in both groups.

Dr. Daly stated the results were surprising, going against what is considered common knowledge about acute diverticulitis. The disease had always been attributed to people over 50 years of age, and doctors along with radiologists should now understand that the condition can occur during any phase of life. It should be on the list of possible ailments when a young adult person presents with pain in the abdomen.

While the cause of the trend is not yet clear, there may be a relationship between the disease and body weight. The growing number of younger people being stricken with the condition seems to correlate with the rise of obesity in the United States.

Acute diverticulitis may become an even larger health issue in the future, which calls for a switch of perception by doctors and other health care workers. The disease is now quite common among all age groups, and people who develop it at an earlier age will have more need of care, which may involve a surgical resection.

Most cases of the condition are treated with a high fiber diet, pain medication and reduction in body weight, if necessary. Anyone suffering from abdominal pain should see a physician immediately to rule out acute diverticulitis or another serious medical condition.

Complications arise when diverticulosis turns to diverticulitis, or an infection and inflammation of the pouches in the colon wall. The symptoms mimic those of irritable bowel syndrome which include diarrhea, constipation and abdominal pain. Diverticulitis can become a serious medical condition that can cause puncturing of the colon wall, and require surgery. The best way to avoid diverticulosis and subsequent diverticulitis is to increase fiber in the diet.

The American Dietetic Association reports that Americans get less than half the recommended amount of fiber in their diet. Lack of fiber is one of the main causes of chronic disease. The recommended daily fiber intake is about 25 to 35 grams per day. Men from age 18 to 50 years should be getting approximately 38 grams of fiber per day. Increasing fiber intake has many health benefits including weight control, and reducing the risk of heart disease and diabetes.

Black and lima beans have one of the highest fiber contents containing about 15 grams of fiber per serving. In addition, split peas, lentils and chick peas are also high in fiber. Eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables as well. Raspberries, pears and citrus fruits are highest in fiber; between five and eight grams per serving. A serving of artichokes, broccoli or leafy-green vegetables can provide up to one-third of daily recommended fiber. Steel cut oatmeal and whole-grain breads, pastas and rice also have between four and six grams of fiber per serving. Nuts and seeds can be beneficial, but for those already suffering from diverticulosis, eat them with caution. Small, hard food can become stuck in the diverticula which can cause abdominal pain.

Dietary fiber also needs a means of moving through the digestive system. Hydrate with eight to 12 glasses of water per day along with the recommended amount of fiber to ensure healthy, regular bowel patterns and prevent colon-related diseases.  Consider a soluble fiber supplement if you’re not adequately taking in fiber through diet.