Diverticular Disease Diverticular disease collectively refers to two bowel conditions, called diverticulosis and diverticulitis. Diverticulosis describes a condition in which there are numerous outpouchings in the colon, called diverticula.
Diverticulosis is thought to be a slow process which can develop insidiously over years.
It appears to be a process of aging, affecting over half of the population by the age of 80. In addition, it is more likely to develop in those who eat very little fiber . In most people, diverticulosis never presents problems or symptoms. However, about 20 percent of people experience side effects of this disease when the diverticula become inflamed. This condition, called diverticulitis, can result in rectal bleeding, abdominal infections and in severe cases, ruptures of the bowel .