| Diverticula are pockets or small hernias that develop in the colon wall, usually in the sigmoid or left colon, but may involve the entire colon. Diverticulitis describes the perforation of these pockets with the resultant inflammation and infection. The major symptoms of diverticulitis are abdominal pain (usually in the lower left abdomen), diarrhea, cramps, fever, and and occasionally, severe rectal bleeding. These symptoms can be present to varying degrees and therefore the diagnosis can be difficult to distinguish from Irritable Bowel Syndrome. |
