Diverticular Disease and Diverticulitis

/Home/Health Conditions/Diverticulosis - Alternative Remedies/Diverticulosis - Causes

Diverticula are small pea or grape sized, sac-like protrusions that develop in the lower part of the large intestine, or colon, and project into he abdominal cavity. They typically form if an individual suffers from frequent constipation. The presence of diverticuli is called diverticulosis.

Generally attributed to a low-fiber diet of refined and processed foods, diverticulosis is characterized by chronic constipation alternating with diarrhea, and excessive flatulence. Cramping pain may occur in the affected part of the gastrointestinal tract, and the area may be tender to the touch.

A small percentage of people with diverticulosis go on to develop diverticulitis, or inflammation of the diverticuli. Diverticulitis develops when bits of fecal matter become trapped in the diverticula and cause infection.