Diverticula are common, especially after age 50. They are usually found in the lower part of the colon. Most often, they don't cause problems.

Understanding the Context

The presence of diverticula is called diverticulosis. Diverticulosis isn't a disease condition. When these pouches become inflamed, the condition is called diverticulitis. Inflammation is immune system activity that increases blood flow and fluids to a ...

Key Insights

Diverticulitis (diverticulosis) is a digestive condition that occurs when the diverticula in the colon become infected and inflamed. Learn the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of this condition, as well as the recommended diet. Define diverticula, diverticulosis, and diverticulitis. Learn the crucial differences between this GI condition, the colon outpouching, and acute inflammation. What are diverticulosis and diverticulitis?

Final Thoughts

In diverticulosis, small pouches develop and bulge out through weak spots in the walls of the colon, typically in the part of the colon called the sigmoid colon on the left side of the abdomen. These small, balloon-like pouches are called diverticula. The condition is more prevalent as people age. For example, it is estimated that half of people in ... Diverticulosis is a common condition among older adults. Eating high-fiber foods can help lower the risk of diverticulitis.

Diverticulosis is the condition of having multiple pouches (diverticula) in the colon that are not inflamed. These are outpockets of the colonic mucosa and submucosa through weaknesses of muscle layers in the colon wall. [1] Diverticula do not cause symptoms in most people. [2] Diverticular disease occurs when diverticula become clinically inflamed, a condition known as diverticulitis.