Sometimes small saclike pockets protrude from the wall of the colon. This is called diverticulosis. Increased pressure within the intestines seems to be responsible. This may be caused by many years of a diet low in fiber. When the intestinal pouches become inflamed, the condition is called diverticulitis.
Many older persons have diverticulosis.
The digestive system becomes sluggish as a person ages. Diverticulosis is common in nations where fiber intake is low. Continual use of medicines that slow bowel action. In most cases, diverticulosis causes no discomfort. With diverticulitis, you can experience severe abdominal pain, nausea, and fever.