Diverticular Disease

Diverticular Disease: Putting It All Together

Here is a summary of the important facts and information related to Diverticular Disease.

• People with diverticular disease develop small pouches-called diverticula-in the walls of their colon.
• The diverticula develop from excess pressure in the colon that is caused by constipation due to lack of fiber in the diet.
• The condition is common in older people.
• The vast majority of those affected never develops symptoms and remains unaware that they have the condition.
• The diverticula occasionally become infected or inflamed, typically causing tenderness and pain in the lower, left side of the abdomen.
• In a small number of cases, complications can be severe and may result in a life-threatening condition, requiring emergency surgery.
• In most cases, eating a high-fiber diet is the best and only treatment required.