Diverticulitis Research Paper

iverticulitis occurs when the outpocketings in the lining of the colon become inflamed. Interestingly, diverticulitis did not make its medical debut until the early 1900s, and in 1971 was defined as a deficiency of whole-grain fiber. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, 10 percent of Americans over the age of forty have diverticulosis, and 50 percent of people over the age of sixty have the disorder.National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, a service of National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institute of Health. “Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis.” NIH Publication No. 08-1163 (July 2008). http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/diverticulosis [1]

Doctors aren't sure what causes diverticula in the colon (diverticulosis). But they think that a low-fiber diet may play a role. Without fiber to add bulk to the stool, the colon has to work harder than normal to push the stool forward. The pressure from this may cause pouches to form in weak spots along the colon.

Bacteria grow in the pouches, and this can lead to inflammation or infection.

Symptoms of diverticulitis may last from a few hours to a week or more. Symptoms include:

Belly pain, usually in the lower left side, that is sometimes worse when you move. This is the most common symptom.

Fever and chills

Bloating and gas.

Diarrhea or constipation

Nausea and sometimes