What is Diverticulitis?

Many people have small sacs in their colon that protrude outward through weak spots, like an inner tube protruding into the weak spots of a rubber band. These pouches are called diverticula, and the condition of the appearance of diverticula is called diverticulosis.

About half of all Americans between the ages of 60 and 80, and almost all over 80, have diverticulosis. When the sacs become infected or irritated, the condition is called diverticulitis. It occurs in 10 to 25 percent of people with Diverticulopathy.