What Triggers Diverticulitis?

Diverticula are small outgrowths (pouches) that develop in thelarge intestinein some individuals. These pockets or diverticula push out through the weak spots in the intestine. When these pouches get inflamed (swollen), the condition is called diverticulitis. It may be due to an infection or other causes. They are commonly seen in the lower part of the colon (sigmoid colon).Diverticulosisis normally a harmless condition and does not produce any symptoms or require any treatment. In some persons, however, it may get infected and cause health problems. The risk of diverticulitis increases with age. Around 200,000 people are hospitalized for diverticulitis each year in the United States.

Diverticulitis, if left untreated, can lead to many complications:

• Abscess:It is a painful, swollen, infected, and pus-filled area just outside the colon wall. It may causefever,nausea,vomiting, and severeabdominal pain．
• Bowel obstruction:Diverticulitis may cause partial or complete obstruction of the intestine.
• Perforation:It refers to a small hole or tear in the colon.
• Peritonitis:It is the inflammation or infection of the lining of the abdomen. It presents asfeverand severeabdominal pain．
• Fistula:It refers to an abnormal passage between two organs or between an organ and the outside of the body.

Diverticulitis can cause the following symptoms:

• Painis usually felt on the left side of the lower abdomen. It may occur on the right side of the abdomen in some people.
• Fever
• Chills
• Diarrheaorconstipation
• Nauseawith or withoutvomiting

High-fiber foodssuch as bananas are good for diverticulitis (unless they are prohibited due to other reasons). Diet should include less of fried or fatty foods and red meat. Other foods that may help in diverticulitis are as follows:

• Fruits including apples, peaches, pears, and tangerines
• Lettuce
• Boiled/baked and peeled potatoes
• Vegetable juices
• Mushrooms
• Soft cooked vegetables such as sweet potatoes, asparagus, beets, turnips, pumpkin, broccoli, artichokes, lima beans, carrots, and squash
• High-fiber cereals such as shredded wheat
• Hot cereals such as oatmeal, farina, and cream of wheat
• Quinoa
• Whole-grain breads such as whole wheat or whole rye bread