Diverticulosis

Diverticulosis is a condition of having multiple pouches (diverticula) in the colon that are not inflamed.

These are out-pockets of the colonic mucosa and submucosa through weaknesses of muscle layers in the colon wall. They typically cause no symptoms.

Diverticular disease occurs when diverticula become inflamed, known as diverticulitis, or bleed.

They typically occur in the sigmoid colon, which is a common place for increased pressure. Some people complain of symptoms such as cramping, bloating, flatulence, and irregular defecation.

The left side of the colon is more commonly affected in the United States while the right side is more commonly affected in Asia.

Diagnosis is often during routine colonoscopy or an incidental finding during CT
scan.