People who develop diverticulitis, however, have more severe and sudden symptoms that become worse over a period of several days. Among the symptoms patients may experience:
● Pain or tenderness, either consistent or intermittent, most typically in the lower left quadrant of the abdomen, although it may occur on the right side
● Bloating or gas
● Fever or chills
● Nausea and vomiting
● Constipation or diarrhea
● A feeling of fullness, even without eating.
What Are My Risk Factors?
There are several factors that have been linked to an increased risk of developing diverticulitis. Among them:
● Age: Your chances of developing diverticulitis increases with age, and more than half of Americans over 60 have diverticulosis.
● Obesity: Being overweight increases your risk for developing diverticulitis, and being morbidly obese puts you at a greater risk of requiring more invasive treatment if you develop the condition.
● Smoking: Smokers are more likely than non-smokers to develop diverticulitis.
● Poor Physical Fitness/Lack Of Exercise: People who are more physically fit and who exercise regularly are at a lower risk of developing diverticulitis than those who have more sedentary lifestyles.
● Diet: Diets that are high in animal fat or processed foods and low in fiber may be a cause of diverticulitis.
● Medications: Mayo Clinic notes that several drugs have been linked to an increased risk of diverticulitis, including steroids, opiates and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including ibuprofen and naproxen.