Diverticulitis Signs and Symptoms

• Inflammation of ≥1 diverticula
  • Diverticula: Herniation of the mucosa and submucosa of the colonic wall that may fill with fecal material or undigested food particles

• Abdominal pain and tenderness which is usually localized, abrupt, steady and may worsen over time
  • In Asians, right-sided diverticulitis is more common and is an important differential diagnosis that may be confused with appendicitis
  • Left-sided diverticulitis commonly involves the sigmoid colon and presents as left lower quadrant pain and tenderness; more common in Western populations
• Fever
• Anorexia
• Nausea without vomiting 
• Altered bowel habits, commonly constipation but may also present with diarrhea or tenesmus

Predisposing Factors 

• A diet that is low in fiber and high in fat and red meat
• Older age
  • The disease is rare in individuals <40 years old
• Other factors which may predispose to diverticulitis are colonic motility disorders, colonic wall defects, use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids, genetic predisposition, obesity, smoking