All diseases have some degree of accepted risk factors and diverticulitis is not exception. Both age and family history are the most pertinent areas of interest for assessing an individual's risk of diverticulitis or diverticulosis. As with most diseases, diet and exercise regimes also play a significant role the development of the condition. Low fiber diet that are primarily made up of refined food and lack whole grains are widely recognized as problematic, thus greatly increasing the incidence of diverticulitis. Although not yet proven by scientific studies, it is thought that low fiber diets which result in strained bowel movements may generate enough pressure to damage the walls of the bowel and create diverticular pouches. (Pictures available at http://www.diverticulitis1.com This in turn can lead to infection and inflammation and ultimately diverticulitis.

Unfortunately for people with diverticulitis, diagnosis can be a somewhat involved process. This is primarily because several other digestive diseases can share similar symptom, forcing doctors to utilize more invasive techniques. It is quite common for doctors to order stool and or blood samples or barium enemas and x-rays. For those not familiar with barium, it is used because it is quite distinctive in x-rays. When barium occupies the colon, abnormalities and diverticular pouches on the wall of the bowel are viewed much more easily. Sometimes a doctor may insist upon the removal of a piece of bowel tissue, although this is usually done in cases where cancer is suspected.

If an individual is diagnosed with diverticulitis, there are a range of treatments available. Most treatments are done from home but due to the seriousness of diverticulitis, regular contact with a doctor is important. Where possible, it is preferable to begin treatment with a modified diet. If this approach fails to yield results then antibiotics may be used in conjunction with diet and exercise programs. http://www.diverticulosis1.com Surgery should be reserved for cases in which all other alternative have been exhausted. Any surgery does have an inherent risk of infection and not be undertaken lightly.

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More information about diverticulitis and diverticulosis is available at http://www.diverticulitis1.com