14 Common Diverticulitis Symptoms

Diverticulitis occurs when tiny sacs, known as diverticula, develop in the tissue that lines the bowels. These pockets usually occur in the large intestine, but they can also develop in the colon. When the sacs firs develop but have yet to become inflamed, the condition is known as diverticulosis. As the sacs become inflamed or infected, the condition progresses to diverticulitis. The presence of diverticula usually means that diverticulitis is imminent.

It’s estimated that approximately 10 percent of the global population are affected by diverticulitis by the time the reach the age of 50, and about 50 percent by the age of 80. Though diverticulitis is quite common, the exact cause of the condition is unknown; however, it is believed that eating a diet that is low in fiber contributes to the development of diverticula. When the stools are hard, they place pressure on the lining of the bowels, which could cause diverticula. Once the tiny pockets develop, if fecal matter gets trapped in them, diverticulitis occurs.

If are frequently constipated, eat a diet that is low in fiber, are obese or over the age of 50, you’re more likely to develop diverticulitis. Symptoms of this condition include the following…

1. Lack of symptoms

In many cases, diverticulitis exists for a while without presenting any symptoms. It usually isn’t until complications arise that symptoms of this condition develop. The appearance of diverticula (the small pockets in the colon or large intestine that lead to diverticulitis) are fairly common. They usually don’t cause pain or other health problems until they become inflamed or infected.

Once diverticula become inflamed or infected, pain or other health issues begin to occur. For this reason, many people who suffer from diverticulitis can have it for years without knowing that they have this common health issue.