What does "diverticulitis" specifically refer to?

Diverticulitis specifically refers to the inflammation of diverticula, which are small, bulging pouches that can develop in the lining of the digestive system, most commonly in the colon. This condition occurs when these pouches become inflamed or infected, often resulting in symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever, and changes in bowel habits. The inflammation can occur due to factors such as fecal matter getting trapped in the diverticula, leading to irritation and potential infection. Understanding this definition is essential in differentiating diverticulitis from related conditions such as diverticulosis, the formation of diverticula, and complications like bleeding or perforation, which are not characterized by inflammation.