Situated on the lining of the large intestine, diverticula are nothing but tiny bulging sacs. Diverticulitis, on the other hand, is a condition where these sacs get infected or swollen. Although a more common condition in the large intestine, these can appear in any area of the digestive system. Interestingly, the exact reasons behind the occurrence of diverticulitis are not discovered. Although some theories conclude that the lack of fiber in the body can lead to the formation of the sacs. The absence of adequate bulk in the digestive tract can cause strain on the bowel movements. Apart from low fiber, chronic constipation, age, and obesity can be triggers for the development of diverticulitis. What are the primary diverticulitis symptoms? The main symptom of diverticulitis is a sudden, sharp pain in the lower left area of the abdomen. This discomfort can get severe with every passing day. Besides the obvious cramping, diverticulitis symptoms comprise Nausea Diarrhea Constipation Bloating or gas Rectal bleeding Fever and chills If you notice any of the above-mentioned diverticulitis symptoms, then you must notify your general practitioner. Your doctor will draw diagnosis with the help of blood tests such as white blood cell count to examine any abnormal fluctuations causing infections.