Many people have small pouches in their colon that bulge outward through weak spots, like an inner tube that pokes through weak places in a tire. The colon is part of the large intestine that removes waste from your body.

Each pouch is called a diverticulum, pronunciation – DY-vur-TIK-yoo-lum.

Pouches (plural) are called diverticula, pronunciation – DY-vur-TIK-yoo-luh.

The condition of having diverticula is called diverticulosis, pronunciation – DY-vur-TIK-yoo-LOH-siss.

When the pouches become infected or inflamed, the condition is called diverticulitis, pronunciation – DY-vur-TIK-yoo-LY-tiss. This happens in 10 to 25 percent of people with diverticulosis.

Diverticulosis and diverticulitis are also called diverticular disease, pronunciation – DY-vur-TIK-yoo-lur.

About 10 percent of Americans over the age of 40 have diverticulosis. Starting at age 40, the chance of getting it increases about every 10 years. The condition becomes more common as people age. About half of all people over the age of 60 have diverticulosis. Almost everyone over 80 has it.

Things to Remember About Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis

Diverticulosis occurs when small pouches, called diverticula, bulge outward through weak spots in the colon (large intestine).

The pouches form when pressure inside the colon builds, usually because of constipation.

Most people with diverticulosis never have any discomfort or symptoms.

Diverticular disease is more common in people as they grow older.

The most likely cause of diverticulosis is a low fiber diet because it increases constipation and pressure inside the colon.

For most people with diverticulosis, eating a high fiber diet is the only treatment needed.

You can increase your fiber intake by eating these foods:

• Whole grain breads and cereals.
• Fruit like apples and peaches.
• Vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, spinach, carrots, asparagus, and squash.
• Starchy vegetables like kidney beans and lima beans.

Diverticulitis occurs when the pouches become infected or inflamed and cause pain and tenderness around the left side of the lower abdomen.

Contact a doctor if you notice symptoms such as:

• Fever
• Chills
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Rectal bleeding
• Change in bowel habits

For More Information About Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis

International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
P.O. Box 170864
Milwaukee, WI 53217-8076
Phone: 1-888-964-2001 or 414-964-1799
Fax: 414-964-7176
Email: iffgd@iffgd.org
Internet: www.iffgd.org

National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse
2 Information Way
Bethesda, MD 20892-3570
Phone: 1-800-891-5389
Fax: 703-738-4929
Email: nddic@info.niddk.nih.gov
Internet: www.digestive.niddk.nih.gov

American College of Gastroenterology
P.O. Box 342260
Bethesda, MD 20827-2260
Phone: 301-263-9000
Fax: 301-263-9025
Internet: www.acg.gi.org

American Gastroenterological Association
4930 Del Ray Avenue
Bethesda, MD 20814
Phone: 301-654-2055
Fax: 301-654-5920
Email: member@gastro.org
Internet: www.gastro.org

American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons
85 West Algonquin Road, Suite 550
Arlington Heights, IL 60005
Phone: 847-290-9184
Fax: 847-290-9203
Email: ascrs@fascrs.org
Internet: www.fascrs.org

Source: digestive.niddk.nih.gov – October 2006