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"Diverticula can form in the large intestine of people ages 40 and over. These are small “pockets” a few millimetres in size and located in various locations in the large intestine. While diverticulosis mainly affects the colon or large intestine, diverticula can also be found throughout the entire digestive tract, including the stomach and small intestine.\n\nDiverticulitis is an inflammation of the diverticula caused by an infection. Diverticulosis of the colon is widespread, affecting about 50% of people in Western countries over the age of 60. It can cause severe pain.\n\nCauses\n\nDiverticula form when weak areas in the colon wall stretch under pressure. If the pressure causes a small lesion on the wall of the diverticula, an infection may occur. Causes include a sedentary lifestyle and a diet with not enough fibre.\n\nSymptoms\n\nDiverticulosis\n\nDiverticulosis does not cause symptoms. However, when the diverticula become swollen or infected, diverticulitis is the result.\n\nDiverticulitis\n\nIntense and sudden pain at the bottom of the abdomen on the left hand side. Sometimes the pain is moderate, variable and gradually increases over several days.\n\n\nIntense and sudden pain in the lower abdomen on the left side\nSometimes the pain is moderate and variable, gradually increasing over several days.\nAbdominal tenderness\nFever\nNausea\nConstipation or diarrhea\n\n\nTreatment for diverticulosis and diverticulitis\n\nAsymptomatic diverticulosis does not require treatment. However, increasing the amount of fibre in the patient’s diet is recommended. One quarter of patients develop diverticulitis, which is treated with painkillers and oral antibiotics (at home) or intravenous antibiotics (in hospital). Also in 25% of cases, surgery is required to remove the diseased part of the colon. This surgery often requires creating a bowel connection through an opening in the abdomen (stoma) which allows an ostomy bag to be attached. In most cases, the bag can be removed within three to six months after surgery. Bleeding from the diverticula is usually reabsorbed, but if it persists, a colonoscopy and other interventions may be necessary."
<https://www.biron.com/en/education-center/neat-little-guide/digestive-disorders/>