What is the primary cause of diverticulitis?

Diverticulitis primarily occurs when a diverticulum, a small pouch that can form in the wall of the colon, becomes inflamed or infected. This inflammation often results from bacteria or stool trapped within the diverticulum, leading to an infection. The presence of bacteria or fecal matter can trigger an immune response, which causes the surrounding tissue to become inflamed.

While factors such as a poor diet, genetic predisposition, and viral infections may play a role in the development of diverticulosis, the actual cause of diverticulitis is the infection or inflammation resulting from these trapped materials. A diet low in fiber can contribute to the formation of diverticula, but once diverticulitis occurs, the immediate cause is related to the accumulation of bacteria or stool in these pouches. Therefore, understanding the infection mechanism is crucial to grasp the primary cause of diverticulitis.