digestive disorders
Diverticulitis
Causes of Diverticulitis
Diverticulitis occurs in people with Diverticulosis of the Large Intestine when a diverticulum develops a small (sometimes microscopic) hole that allows bacteria from the intestines to be released. Some doctors think that a diverticulum can become inflamed even if a hole has not developed. Diverticulitis most commonly affects the sigmoid colon, which is the last part of the large intestine just before the rectum. Doctors think there may be a connection between diverticulitis and the amount of red meat people eat per week, whether they smoke, and whether they have obesity. The use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (includingaspirin),acetaminophen, corticosteroids, and opioids also increases the risk of diverticulosis and diverticulitis. Diverticulitis is not caused by eating nuts, seeds, corn, or popcorn. 