Diverticulitis is a condition where a saclike protrusion of the intestine perforates and subsequently become infected and inflamed. When people eat diets low in fibre, stools are harder and smaller and therefore more difficult to pass. This means that more pressure is required to force stools through the bowel. The rise in pressure can form pouches at weak points along the colon. People can develop diverticulosis (the process of developing diverticula) and never develop diverticulitis (inflammation). If a diverticulum ruptures and faecal contents contaminate the abdominal cavity, peritonitis may develop.
Causes: frequent constipation, low fibre diet, smoking, old age, stress, gallbladder disease, heredity, obesity and coronary artery disease.
Symptoms: fever, nausea, cramping, bloating, abdominal pain.
Who to consult: Counselling, dietician, GP, herbalist, meditation practitioner, naturopath, pharmacist, psychologist, yoga practitioner.
