Cross section of colon showing areas of weakness through which the diverticula become manifest. Diagnosis Patients with diverticulitis complain of abdominal pain, usually in the left lower abdomen. The pain tends to be constant and may radiate to the back, left flank, groin, and leg. Bowel habits may change, with diarrhea or constipation. Patients with severe diverticular disease often have urinary problems, the result of compression of the bladder by the inflamed bowel.
Fever is also common.
Cause Diverticulitis, extremely rare before the 20th century, became more common in Western countries only after 1920. A change in dietary habits in these countries is thought to be the incriminating factor. In the late 19th century grist mills for grinding wheat were replaced with more efficient roller mills. This new process succeeded in crushing the grain so effectively that a very pure white flour was produced. At about the same time, with the advent of effective refrigeration and canning, consumption of refined sugar, fat and protein increased.