Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis occurs when small pouches form in the wall of the large intestine (colon). ‘Diverticula' form when weak spots on the wall are under pressure. Eating a high-fiber diet, drinking plenty of fluids and exercising regularly is the best way to avoid being constipated, and prevent diverticulitis. Most people who have diverticulitis may not exhibit any symptoms; however, there can be an infection in the pouches.

It is diagnosed by using a barium enema, or colonoscopy, and generally, painful diverticulitis is caused by Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Symptoms may include diarrhea and abdominal cramps, without any other sign of infection, or fever. Scheduling time for a bowel movement, not straining the body, being active and eating a fiber rich diet, or taking a fiber supplement, are the recommended to treat diverticulitis.