From the age of 40, diverticula may form in the large intestine. These are small outward growths, like small “pockets” the size of a marble, located in different places in the large intestine.

We call this diverticulosis colic. Diverticulosis is a condition that affects the colon or large intestine. However, diverticula can be found all over the digestive tract, including the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine.

La diverticulitis is a inflammation diverticula related to infection.

Colonic diverticulosis is a common occurrence, and in Western countries it is found in about 50% of people over the age of 60. Most of the time, diverticula do not cause any symptom. They are often discovered during a routine check-up for other digestive problems. However, diverticulitis, where there is inflammation and infection of a diverticulum, causes severe pain.

Causes

The diverticula form when areas of weakness in the colon wall stretch under pressure. If the pressure causes a small lesion on the wall of the diverticulum, infection may develop. A sedentary lifestyle, without physical activity and a diet with too little dietary fiber are often to blame.

Complications

Diverticulitis can lead to abscess formation in the diverticulum, bleeding, obstruction of the colon or small intestine.

More rarely, diverticulitis can progress to the formation of a fistula, i.e. a duct that forms abnormally between the colon and various organs of the abdominal cavity such as the bladder, the small intestine, the uterus or vagina.

La diverticulitis can also lead to peritonitis if the wall of the diverticulum that has turned into an abscess tears, letting contents of the intestine pass into the abdominal cavity. This causes infection of the peritoneum, the membrane containing the intestines and abdomen. Peritonitis requires emergency medical intervention.

When to consult

If you have a fever over 38 ^oC, severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, a doctor should be consulted without delay.