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Diverticulosis causes

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1];Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Seyedmahdi Pahlavani, M.D. [2]

Overview

Diverticula are thought to be caused by an increased pressure within the lumen of the colon. Increased intra-colonic pressure secondary to constipation may result in weaknesses in the colon walls giving way to diverticula. Other causes may include high-pressure colonic spasm, which may be due to dehydration or low-fiber diets. Fiber causes stools to retain more water and to become easier to pass during a bowel movement.

Common Causes

Causes by Organ System

Cardiovascular No underlying causes
Chemical/Poisoning No underlying causes
Dental No underlying causes
Dermatologic No underlying causes
Drug Side Effect No underlying causes
Ear Nose Throat No underlying causes
Endocrine No underlying causes
Environmental No underlying causes
Gastroenterologic Low-fiber diet, Constipation, Colonic wall weakness, Frequent straining, Increased intra colonic pressure
Genetic No underlying causes
Hematologic No underlying causes
Iatrogenic No underlying causes
Infectious Disease No underlying causes
Musculoskeletal/Orthopedic No underlying causes
Neurologic No underlying causes
Nutritional/Metabolic Low-fiber diet, Processed food use
Obstetric/Gynecologic No underlying causes
Oncologic No underlying causes
Ophthalmologic No underlying causes
Overdose/Toxicity No underlying causes
Psychiatric No underlying causes
Pulmonary No underlying causes
Renal/Electrolyte No underlying causes
Rheumatology/Immunology/Allergy No underlying causes
Sexual No underlying causes
Trauma No underlying causes
Urologic No underlying causes
Miscellaneous Lack of exercise

Causes in Alphabetical Order

  • Colonic wall weakness
  • Constipation
  • Frequent straining
  • Increased intra colonic pressure
  • Lack of exercise
  • Low-fiber diet
  • Olderage
  • Processed food use.

References

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