Diverticula are pockets that develop in the colon wall, usually in the sigmoid, or left, colon, but may involve the entire colon. They affect about 50% of Americans by age 60, and nearly 100% by age 80. 

Diverticulosis describes the presence of these pockets, while diverticulitis describes inflammation of, or complications as a result of, these pockets. ¹⁴

Infection can lead to complications, such as swelling or rupturing of the diverticula, abscesses, bowel blockage, or leaks through the bowel wall. If one of the pockets becomes infected and inflamed, bacteria may enter small tears in the surface of the bowel, leading to small abscesses. In rare cases, the infection spreads and breaks through the wall of the colon, causing peritonitis or abscesses in the abdomen. Such infections are very serious and can be life-threatening unless treated without delay. ¹⁵

Most people with diverticulosis do not have any discomfort or symptoms. However, symptoms can include mild cramps, bloating, and constipation.

The most common symptom of diverticulitis is abdominal pain. The most common sign is tenderness around the left side of the lower abdomen. If infection is the cause, fever, nausea, vomiting, chills, cramping, and constipation may occur as well. The severity of symptoms depends on the extent of the infection and complications.¹⁵

Indications are that a low-fiber diet over the years creates increased colon pressure and results in the weak spots in the colon bulging out and turning into diverticula. The disease was first noticed in the United States in the early 1900s, at about the same time that processed foods, which contain refined low-fiber flour, were introduced into the American diet. Diverticulosis is common in the elderly, particularly those who eat a low-fiber diet.¹⁴

Diverticular disease can be difficult to detect because many people have no discomfort or symptoms. Diagnosis of diverticular disease is typically made using abdominal, rectal, and pelvic examinations, and then confirmed with a computed tomography (CT) scan and colonoscopy. Find out how diagnosis of diverticular disease is typically made using colonoscopy.

Look into the treatment options for diverticular disease, so you can discuss them more thoroughly with your physician.

Download, print out, and read a brochure on diverticular disease to help you and those you love understand your diagnosis and options for therapy.

Read the success story of a patient who chose minimally invasive colon surgery to treat his diverticular disease.