A General Overview of Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis is a challenging medical condition that involves inflammation as a direct result of pouches that establish themselves in the wall of the large intestine. The small pouches may or may not become infected. All of the major areas of the large intestines, or "colon" may become affected by diverticulitis. This includes the Transverse, Ascending, Descending, and the Sigmoid colon. In rare instances, the Cecum and the Rectum area may develop these pouches. In this health guide, you will receive a general overview of Diverticulitis.

Diverticulitis Causes

When it comes to diverticulitis causes, medical professionals are ultimately stumped. There are some general theories on what may lead to the condition, though. One of the most widely accepted theories is that those that do not consume enough fiber may face the medical complications associated with this condition. Fiber is an important nutritional substance that assists in the process of ensuring that bulk is developed within the stools that are passed through the body. When there is a low level of fiber in the diet, this bulk is not a component of the stools and the large intestine must work a little more than usual in order to eliminate waste. It is believed that the pressure from this results in the formation of the potentially dangerous pouches in the colon. Bacteria will then become lodged in the small openings and this could cause infection.

Symptoms of Diverticulitis

There are many different symptoms of diverticulitis. It has been established that the symptoms may start and stop within just a few hours, but many suffer from the symptoms for weeks at a time. If you have one or more of the following symptoms, you could have this condition of the colon:

• Many individuals often suffer from a fever.

• Nausea that may include bouts of vomiting is often experienced when a person experiences diverticulitis.

• Those that have colon diverticulitis often experience the sensation that they are bloated and may experience gas in the gastrointestinal tract.

• Gastrointestinal challenges, such as bouts of diarrhea and complications with constipation may be experienced.

• It is not unusual for a patient of this condition to lose their appetite.

• One of the worst symptoms of diverticulitis is pain that is felt in the abdomen area. Most of the time, this occurs towards the left side. Many complain about this symptom when they move. However, many can feel it when it happens during rest as well.

Diverticulitis Complications

There are many complications that may result when an individual suffers from diverticulitis. These complications include the following:

• Many may develop a blockage in the colon area.

• Infection may develop into an infection that affects the abdominal area. If this infection invades the wall of the abdomen, it could result in a condition that is referred to as "Peritonitis". The most dangerous aspect to this is that sepsis could occur. This is an infection that moves from one area of the body to other areas of the body.

• Many that have experienced colon diverticulitis have experienced a situation in which an opening developed. This is called a "Fistula". It occurs between the colon as well as the organs surrounding the colon.

• The next complication of diverticulitis includes the pouch developing into a hole. When this happens, it is likely that waste material will enter abnormally into the cavity of the abdomen.

Diverticulitis is a serious condition that can cause many health complications. If you find that any of the symptoms contained in this medical guide are familiar to your situation, medical attention should be sought immediately.