Which condition could lead to acute diverticulitis?

A fiber-deficient diet is a significant contributing factor that can lead to the development of acute diverticulitis. Diverticulitis occurs when small pouches in the colon, known as diverticula, become inflamed or infected. A diet low in fiber can cause increased pressure within the colon, leading to the formation of these pouches. When the diverticula become impacted with stool or food residues, this can predispose them to inflammation and subsequent diverticulitis.

Inadequate fiber intake is commonly linked to constipation, which can compound the problem by increasing tension in the colonic wall and resulting in diverticular disease. Therefore, a diet rich in fiber is generally recommended to prevent the formation and inflammation of diverticula, thereby reducing the risk of diverticulitis.