Hi, Deborah, diverticulitis is not hereditary.
Several factors may increase your risk of developing diverticulitis:
Aging. The incidence of diverticulitis increases with age.
Obesity. Being seriously overweight increases your odds of developing diverticulitis.
Smoking. People who smoke cigarettes are more likely than nonsmokers to experience diverticulitis.
Lack of exercise. Vigorous exercise appears to lower your risk of diverticulitis.
Diet high in animal fat and low in fiber. A low-fiber diet in combination with a high intake of animal fat seems to increase risk, although the role of low fiber alone isn't clear.
Certain medications. Several drugs are associated with an increased risk of diverticulitis, including steroids, opioids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve).
Diarrhea is a symptom of diverticulitis, but this does not mean that if you have diarrhea, you must have diverticulitis. Many other conditions would also cause diarrhea. It is imperative to see a gastroenterologist and get some tests done for diagnosis and treatment.
