Diverticulitis is inflammation of irregular bulging pouches in the wall of the large intestine.
Typically, the wall of the large intestine, also called the colon, is smooth. An irregular, bulging pouch in the colon wall is called a diverticulum. Multiple pouches are called diverticula.
Diverticula are common, especially after age 50. They are usually found in the lower part of the colon. Most often, they don’t cause problems. The presence of diverticula is called diverticulosis. Diverticulosis isn’t a disease condition.
When these pouches become inflamed, the condition is called diverticulitis. Inflammation is immune system activity that increases blood flow and fluids to a site in the body and delivers disease-fighting cells. Inflammation of diverticula can cause severe pain, fever, nausea and changes in your stool habits.
Mild diverticulitis is usually treated with rest, changes in your diet and possibly antibiotics. Severe diverticulitis usually needs antibiotic treatment in the hospital. Surgery may be needed for severe or frequent diverticulitis.
