Diverticula are bulges in the lining of the wall of the intestinal tract.
Illustration by Mira Norian for Verywell Health
The condition of having diverticula is called diverticulosis.
Diverticulitis, on the other hand, is when diverticula become infected.
Illustration by Mira Norian for Verywell Health
Both diverticula and diverticulitis can be labeled diverticular disease.
About half of adults aged 60 or older live with diverticula.
Most people with diverticula do not experience symptoms or complications.
What Is the Main Cause of Diverticula?
Diverticula are not likely to disappear, however, 95% of people with diverticula do not experience symptoms.
How Do You Know If You Have Diverticula?
Diverticula are common among older adults, many of whom do not experience symptoms.
If symptoms occur, they can indicate diverticulitis.
However, if symptoms occur, they might indicate damage to the intestinal walls.
Since most people with diverticula are older, age is a factor in life expectancy after treatment.
The word “diverticulum” refers to a single pouch or bulge.
Diverticulitis
Diverticula can become inflamed (swollen or infected).Inflammationis the body’s response to injury.
Inflammation of the diverticula can cause diverticulitis.
Only about 5% of people who have diverticula experience diverticulitis.
This includes:
Summary
Diverticula are bulges in the lining of the intestines.
They most commonly occur in the large intestine (colon).
They are common in about half of the older adult (over age 60) population.
Most people do not experience symptoms of diverticula.
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