Diverticulitis is the painful inflammation of pouch in the wall of the intestine. Pouching of the intestine wall is not normal but fairly common in individuals over the age of 40. These small pouches are known as diverticulum and the condition of inflammation is known as diverticulitis. These sacs in the intestine are thought to be caused by abnormal pressure exerted on the wall of the intestine.

Diverticulitis is rather common and can be found in about half the general population. Normally Diverticulitis is not serious unless there is a tear or perforation in the diverticulum that allows fecal material to spill in the body cavity, causing infection or peritonitis. Acute diverticulis requires treatment with antibiotics and other medicines and it usually responds to treatment. It is also believed that certain dietary supplements can relieve of diverticulits including diets high in fiber.