Diverticular disease is very common in the United States.
Diverticula Diverticula form when a small spot of the inside layer of the intestine pouches out through the muscular layer. Once these pouches form they remain for life but frequently cause no problems. If the diverticula become inflamed they cause the condition known as diverticulitis. If this happens, usually one or all of the following symptoms occur. The symptoms usually last for several days and may have to be treated with antibiotics and pain medication if severe enough.