They occur with increasing frequency after the age of 40. Infection can occur.
Risk factors are older age and history of diverticula.
Low-fiber diet may be a contributing factor to the development of diverticula. The incidence is 1 out of 1,000 people. A high-fiber diet may prevent development of the disease. Acute diverticulitis requires antibiotic therapy. After the acute infection has stabilized, diverticular disease is treated by increasing the bulk in the diet with high-fiber foods and bulk additives such as Metamucil.