EurekAlert!: Healthy lifestyle linked to lower diverticulitis risk, irrespective of genetic susceptibility At the age of 70, 70 percent of the population will have diverticulosis. However, this doesn’t mean that all of these patients will ever experience diverticulitis. So, what’s the difference, and how ...

Understanding the Context

Diverticulosis is a common condition that can develop in your colon, especially as you get older. It means that little pouches form in the inside lining of your colon. They usually don’t cause any problems. But rarely, they may bleed or develop an infection (diverticulitis).

Key Insights

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. 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.

Final Thoughts

Care guide for Diverticulosis. Includes: possible causes, signs and symptoms, standard treatment options and means of care and support. Certain foods may help prevent complications of diverticulosis and diverticulitis, two related problems that affect the colon. Diverticulosis happens when small pouches (diverticula) form in the walls of the colon. From causes to treatments, get the facts about diverticulitis and diverticulosis from experts at WebMD.