When it comes to colon health and the diverticular ailments, one of the most common issues is diverticulitis. Diverticulitis occurs when pockets are generated on the colon and become irritated. The medical term for the pockets are diverticulum (when there is one} and diverticula (when there is more than one).

In some cases, which are not uncommon, these pockets can actually move and push out the area where the lining has been thinned out on the colon. This condition is referred to as diverticulosis. If they are pushing on the wall of the colon and are irritated, the diagnosis is going to be diverticulitis. Just about twenty five percent of those who get diverticulosis come down with diverticulitis.

It is not yet known why this inflammation or irritation occurs, even though it has been thoroughly researched. The main cause is assumed to be fecal matter or bacterium that is caught in the pockets or diverticula.

Diverticulitis and diverticulosis are rare in third world countries. This is probably because many people in the industrialized nations are not getting the proper dietary fiber.

Common Diverticulitis Indicators

Some of the common indications of diverticulitis are stomach aches, which include a pain in the left side of the lower stomach area. In some cases, it can begin instantly without any warning. Other times, pain can be a gradual increase in the affected area. It may take a week for the pain to become severe.

Your doctor will make a diagnosis based on the following symptoms:

• High temperature
• Throwing up
• Sick to the stomach
• Cramps in the abdomen
• Blocked stool

The stronger these symptoms are, the more severe the infection is.

Those who have diverticulitis may experience the following:

• Unusual bleeding
• Infections for no reason
• Tears in colon tissue
• Blocked stool

A physician should be consulted as soon as these indications appear. In some cases, it can take a surgical consultant to see if an operation is going to be needed to alleviate the damage. If left untreated, these symptoms can become worse and can lead to even more severe health issues.

How to Treat Diverticulitis

The treatment will depend upon the severity of the case. Sometimes, it may require simply drinking fluids. But at other times, an operation and a hospital stay may be necessary. When operated on, the affected area of the colon is removed and stitched back together.

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