What is the primary characteristic of diverticulitis?

The primary characteristic of diverticulitis is the formation of pouches in the colon. This condition specifically arises when these pouches, known as diverticula, become inflamed or infected. Diverticula can form in the walls of the colon due to increased pressure, often as a result of a low-fiber diet. When they become inflamed, this leads to diverticulitis, manifesting with symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever, and changes in bowel habits.

While inflammation of the intestines can occur in various gastrointestinal conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease, it is not the defining feature of diverticulitis. Excess bile production is related to different digestive issues and chronic abdominal pain can result from many gastrointestinal disorders, but neither of these captures the essence of diverticulitis as accurately as the presence of diverticula in the colon. Understanding the focus on the structural formation of diverticula is crucial in identifying and diagnosing diverticulitis correctly.