Diverticulitis is primarily caused by:

Diverticulitis is primarily characterized by inflammation of diverticula, which are small pouches that can form in the walls of the colon, often due to increased pressure within the intestinal lumen. The primary cause of diverticulitis is indeed related to the obstruction of fecal matter. When feces become trapped in these pouches, it can lead to increased pressure and irritation, promoting infection and inflammation. This obstruction can hinder normal bowel function, allowing bacteria to multiply, which contributes to the inflammatory process and the development of diverticulitis.

While other factors, such as an infection in the diverticula, can occur secondary to the obstruction, the initial cause that predisposes someone to develop diverticulitis is the accumulation and obstruction of fecal matter in the diverticula. This highlights the importance of diet and bowel habits in the prevention and management of this condition.