Risk Factors and Management of Diverticulitis

Abstract

Diverticulitis is a type of gastrointestinal disorder that develops when the mucosa herniates through the muscular wall of
the colon forming a sac like pouch known as diverticula. Development of diverticula can present as asymptomatic, known as
diverticulosis or symptomatic, known as diverticulitis. Within the gut, the flora plays an essential role in in providing a barrier
to pathogenic organisms. Scientists believe that the chronic inflammation related to diverticulitis is a result of an imbalance
in the normal gut flora. There are many risk factors associated with diverticulitis including genetic predisposition, dietary
and lifestyle factors. Individuals aged sixty-five and older have a significantly higher risk of developing a diverticular disease,
however new research has shown that the greatest increase in percentage of individuals diagnosed with diverticulitis are
individuals age 50 years and younger. With irreversible damage being done on the gut microbe, scientists have developed
several possible treatments of diverticulitis with antibiotics,