Question: What are the symptoms of diverticular disease?
Answer: Symptoms of diverticular disease depend on whether diverticula—pouches in the wall of the colon—lead to chronic symptoms of diverticula, diverticular bleeding, or diverticulitis. Most people first notice symptoms when they develop complications, such as diverticular bleeding or diverticulitis.

Chronic symptoms of diverticula

Some people have chronic symptoms related to diverticula, even when diverticulitis is not present. Chronic symptoms may include

bloating
constipationordiarrhea
cramping or pain in the lowerabdomen

Other conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome, cause similar symptoms, so having these symptoms may not mean you have diverticular disease. If you have these symptoms, see your doctor.

Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis may cause acute symptoms such as

abdominal pain, most often in the lower left side of your abdomen
constipation or diarrhea
fevers and chills
nauseaorvomiting

The pain caused by diverticulitis is typically severe and comes on suddenly, although the pain may also be mild and worsen over several days. The intensity of the pain may change over time.
Question: What causes diverticular disease?
Answer: Doctors aren’t sure what causes diverticular disease. Experts think the following factors may play a role in causing or increasing the risk for this disease.

Genes

Research suggests that certain genes may make some people more likely to develop diverticular disease.

Lifestyle factors

Certain lifestyle factors may increase the risk of diverticulitis or complications of diverticular disease, including

diets low infiberand high in red meat
lack of physical activity
medicines such asnonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)andsteroids
obesity
smoking

Other factors

Scientists are studying other factors that may play a role in diverticular disease. These factors include

bacteriaorstoolgetting caught in a pouch in your colon
changes in themicrobiomeof the intestines
problems with connective tissue, muscles, or nerves in your colon
problems with theimmune system