Diverticula are small pouches sticking out of the side of the large intestine (colon).
If diverticula are present in your colon, the condition is known as diverticulosis. Diverticulosis is a very common condition with 50% of people being affected by the condition by the age of 50, and 70% by the age of 80.
Approximately 75% of people with diverticulosis will not experience any symptoms of diverticulosis. This 'symptom free' form of the condition is sometimes known as asymptomatic diverticulosis.
The remaining 25% of people who do experience symptoms are said to have diverticular disease.
Diverticular disease
Diverticular disease can cause episodes of pain in your lower abdomen, as well as constipation and diarrhoea. The condition can normally be treated by eating a high-fibre diet.
Diverticulitis
Diverticulitis is a condition that is associated with diverticula disease. It occurs when the pouches in the wall of your colon (diverticula) become infected and inflamed. This can cause a constant, severe pain, and fever.
One in four people with diverticula disease will experience at least one episode of diverticulitis.
If left untreated, diverticulitis can be serious because the infection can spread to other parts of your body with potentially fatal results. However, diverticulitis can usually be successfully treated using antibiotics. If you have repeated episodes of the condition, surgical treatment may be recommended.
