What is tiverticulitis?

Diverticulitis is a common digestive disease that occurs when small pouches (diverticula) that form in the lining of the colon or rectum become infected or inflamed. It's a condition related to diverticular disease, which involves the development of diverticula, but not all people with diverticular disease will develop diverticulitis.

When diverticula get inflamed, they can cause small tears in the colon, resulting in symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and constipation or diarrhea. Diverticulitis can range in severity from mild to severe and might require different treatment interventions, including diet modifications, pain medications, antibiotics, and in some cases, hospitalization or surgery. It's important for individuals with known diverticular disease or suspected diverticulitis to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and management plan.