As we age, we become more susceptible to problems with our intestinal tract.

Oncology Care Specialist Laurie Wise says "Within the colon itself it has other diseases of the large intestine such as diverticulitis, diverticulosis, some cancers and inflammatory bowel diseases that some patients have."

Individuals with diverticulosis have small protruding sacs that can develop in any portion of the intestine. According to Dr. Asif Choudhury, up to 30% of these individuals may develop a more serious condition. "Diverticulitis that is an inflammation of the Diverticulosis, mostly involves the left side of the colon."

Dr. Choudhury says that some people who suffer from diverticulitis are successfully treated by the use of antibiotics and a specialty diet that helps promote the healing of their colon. High fiber foods are recommended "Most of the time high fiber is that cereals, bran, fruits, vegetables."

Dr. Choudhury also says that the causes of this condition can be varied, but most experts agree that several factors should be immediate warning signs-abdominal pain is one. "The main predisposing thing is that the people have quite a bit of constipation and also have family members with history of Diverticulitis."

Diverticulitis that does not respond to medical treatment may require surgical intervention.

If you have diverticular disease and you develop unexplained fever, chills or abdominal pain, you should notify your doctor because of the possibility of the complication of diverticulitis.