A normal colon is strong and relatively smooth. A colon affected by diverticulosis has weak spots in the walls. A single pouch is called a diverticula. The presence of these pouches on the colon is called diverticulosis. When the pouches are inflamed or infected, it is called diverticulitis.
Diverticulosis is a common condition affecting both men and women.
Since diverticulosis takes so long to develop, it usually appears later in life. It affects over 50 percent of those over age 60. Occasionally it occurs in much younger individuals where it is usually a more aggressive problem. This disorder is mostly one of Western society. It is very rare in rural Africa or India where the diet consists of grains very high in dietary fiber.