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Contents
  • Age and Gender: The Uncontrollable Factors
  • Lifestyle Factors: What You Can Change
  • Medical Conditions and Medications
  • Genetic and Environmental Factors

Are You at Risk for Diverticulitis? Key Factors You Need to Know

Are You at Risk for Diverticulitis? Key Factors You Need to Know

Understanding Your Risk

Diverticulitis doesn't affect everyone equally. Knowing your risk factors can help you take steps to prevent this painful condition.
Contents
  • Age and Gender: The Uncontrollable Factors
  • Lifestyle Factors: What You Can Change
  • Medical Conditions and Medications
  • Genetic and Environmental Factors

Age and Gender: The Uncontrollable Factors

Age is a significant risk factor for diverticulitis. The condition becomes more common as we get older, particularly after age 40. By age 60, about half of people have diverticulosis (pouches in the colon), which can lead to diverticulitis. Gender also plays a role, with women slightly more likely to develop the condition, especially at younger ages.

Lifestyle Factors: What You Can Change

Several lifestyle factors can increase your risk of diverticulitis. A low-fiber diet is a major culprit, as it can lead to constipation and increased pressure in the colon. Obesity, physical inactivity, and smoking are also associated with higher risk. Interestingly, regular exercise can lower your risk, even if you're overweight.
An inflammation or infection of small pouches called diverticula that can form in the walls of your digestive tract.

Medical Conditions and Medications

Certain medical conditions can increase your risk of diverticulitis. These include inflammatory bowel diseases, diabetes, and conditions that affect connective tissue, like Marfan syndrome. Some medications, particularly long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, may also increase risk. However, don't stop any prescribed medications without consulting your doctor.

Genetic and Environmental Factors

There may be a genetic component to diverticular disease, as it tends to run in families. Environmental factors also play a role. Diverticulitis is more common in developed countries with Western diets, suggesting that lifestyle and dietary habits are important. Some studies have also linked vitamin D deficiency to an increased risk of diverticulitis.

FAQs

Can young people get diverticulitis?

Yes, although it's less common, diverticulitis can affect younger adults.

Does stress cause diverticulitis?

Stress isn't a direct cause, but it may exacerbate symptoms.

Can I prevent diverticulitis?

A high-fiber diet and healthy lifestyle can help reduce your risk.

Is diverticulitis hereditary?

There may be a genetic component, but lifestyle factors are also important.

Do all diverticula lead to diverticulitis?

No, most people with diverticulosis never develop diverticulitis.

The Bottom Line

While some risk factors for diverticulitis are beyond our control, many can be modified through lifestyle changes and a healthy diet.
Concerned about your risk for diverticulitis? Talk to Doctronic about personalized prevention strategies.
Additional References
  1. Strate LL, Liu YL, Aldoori WH, Giovannucci EL. Physical activity decreases diverticular complications. Am J Gastroenterol 2009; 104:1221.
  2. Aune D, Sen A, Leitzmann MF, et al. Body mass index and physical activity and the risk of diverticular disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies. Eur J Nutr 2017; 56:2423.
  3. Strate LL, Liu YL, Huang ES, et al. Use of aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs increases risk for diverticulitis and diverticular bleeding. Gastroenterology 2011; 140:1427.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.