Diverticulitis develops when feces become trapped in pouches
(Reference diverticula Opens New Window Reference Opens New
Window) that have formed along the wall of the large intestine.
This allows bacteria to grow and cause an infection or
inflammation and pressure that may lead to a small perforation
or tear in the wall of the intestine. Reference Peritonitis
Opens New Window, an infection of the lining of the abdominal
wall, may develop if infection spills into the abdominal
(peritoneal) cavity. The reason diverticula form in the wall of
the large intestine (colon) is not completely understood.
Doctors think diverticula form when high pressure inside the
colon pushes against weak spots in the colon wall. Uncoordinated
movements of the colon can also contribute to the development of
diverticula. Normally, a diet with adequate fiber (also called
roughage) produces stool that is bulky and can move easily
through the colon. If a diet is low in fiber, the colon must
exert more pressure than usual to move small,