Diverticular disease, or diverticulosis, is a very common condition—especially as we get older. It occurs when small pouches or pockets, called diverticula, form in the wall of the bowel. These pouches are most often found in the lower part of the colon (large intestine), but not in the rectum.
Around 1 in 3 people over age 50 have diverticulosis
This increases to more than 1 in 2 by age 70
Diverticulosis usually doesn’t cause any symptoms and is often discovered during tests for other conditions.
The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but it’s believed to develop when pressure builds up in the bowel over many years—often due to a low-fibre diet. This pressure causes the inner lining of the bowel to push out through weak spots in the muscle wall, forming the small pouches.
It also tends to run in families, which may suggest a genetic link.
Most people with diverticulosis have no symptoms at all. However, some may experience:
Cramping or bloating
Mild abdominal discomfort
Symptoms similar to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Occasionally, diverticulosis can lead to complications:
Diverticular bleeding (often painless but may be significant)
Diverticulitis – when one or more pouches become inflamed or infected, causing:
Sudden abdominal pain (often on the lower left side)
Fever
Nausea
In rare cases, diverticulitis can lead to more serious problems like bowel perforation, abscesses, or infection of the abdominal cavity (peritonitis).
For most people, no specific treatment is needed if there are no symptoms. However, certain steps can help:
Increase dietary fibre (fruits, vegetables, whole grains) or use fibre supplements to ease bloating and cramping
Stay hydrated and keep physically active
Fibre may also help prevent the condition from getting worse, although it’s unclear whether it prevents complications like diverticulitis.
If diverticulitis occurs:
Antibiotics are usually needed to treat the infection
Severe or repeated cases may require hospitalisation or, in rare cases, surgery to remove the affected section of the bowel
Your doctor will guide you through the best treatment plan based on your symptoms and overall health.