Diverticulitis Causes & Risks

Causes

It is not clear why the pouches form. Doctors believe a constant pressure is built up when food moves too slowly through the bowel. This pressure increases then pushes along the side walls creating pouches. Digested food or stool can become trapped in one of the pouches. This leads to inflammation and infection.

The following may contribute to diverticulitis:

• Low-fiber diet—Fiber softens stools and makes them pass through the bowel more easily
• Increased pressure in the bowel from straining to pass a hard stool
• Defects in the colon wall
• Chronic constipation

Risk Factors

Factor that increases your chance of getting diverticulitis include:

• Eating a low-fiber diet
• Age: 50 or older
• Previous episodes of diverticulitis
• High meat or protein diet
• Chronic constipation