Question: What causes What I need to know about Diverticular Disease ?
Answer: Doctors are not sure what causes diverticular disease. Many think a diet low in fiber is the main cause. Fiber is a part of food that your body cannot digest. It is found in many fruits and vegetables. Fiber stays in the colon and absorbs water, which makes bowel movements easier to pass. Diets low in fiber may cause constipation, which occurs when stools are hard and difficult to pass. Constipation causes your muscles to strain when you pass stool. Straining may cause diverticula to form in the colon. If stool or bacteria get caught in the pouches, diverticulitis can occur.
Source: NIDDK

Question: What are the symptoms of What I need to know about Diverticular Disease ?
Answer: The symptoms for diverticulosis and diverticulitis are different. Diverticulosis. Many people don't have symptoms, but some people have cramping, bloating, and constipation. Some people also have bleeding, inflammation, and fistulas. If you are bleeding, bright red blood will pass through your rectum. The rectum is the end of the colon that connects to the anus. The rectum and anus are part of the gastrointestinal tract, which is the passage that food goes through. Rectal bleeding is usually painless, but it can be dangerous. You should see a doctor right away. Diverticulitis. People with diverticulitis can have many symptoms. Often pain is felt in the lower part of the abdomen. If you have diverticulitis, you may have fevers, feel sick to your stomach, vomit, or have a change in your bowel habits.
Source: NIDDK

Question: What is (are) What I need to know about Diverticular Disease ?
Answer: Eat a high-fiber diet to help prevent problems. Talk to your doctor about using fiber products like Benefiber, Citrucel, or Metamucil. Daily use can help you get the fiber you need if you do not get it through your diet. Ask your doctor about which food choices are right for you. Eating foods high in fiber is simple and can help reduce diverticular disease symptoms and problems. Try eating more of the following: - Fruit. Raw apples, peaches, pears, and tangerines. - Vegetables. Fresh broccoli, squash, carrots, and brussels sprouts. - Starchy vegetables. Potatoes, baked beans, kidney beans, and lima beans. - Grains. Whole-wheat bread, brown rice, bran flake cereal, and oatmeal. Talk with your doctor about making diet changes. Learn what to eat and how to put more of these high-fiber foods in your diet.
Source: NIDDK