Diverticular disease

Diverticular disease and diverticulitis are related digestive conditions that affect the large intestine (bowel).

Diverticula are small bulges or pockets that can develop in the lining of the intestine as you get older.

Most people with diverticula do not get any symptoms and only know they have them after having a scan for another reason.

When there are no symptoms, it is called diverticulosis.

When diverticula cause symptoms, such as pain in the lower tummy, it’s called diverticular disease.

If the diverticula become inflamed or infected, causing more severe symptoms, it’s called diverticulitis.

You’re more likely to get diverticular disease and diverticulitis if you do not get enough fibre in your diet.