Diverticulosis

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Diverticulosis is the development of small pouches in the wall of the large intestine. Diverticulitis occurs when the pouches become inflamed. Each pouch is called a diverticulum. Pouches (plural) are called diverticula. About a third of Americans over 45, half of all Americans age 60 to 80, and almost everyone over age 90, have diverticulosis. Approximately 10 to 25 percent of people with diverticulosis develop diverticulitis. Diverticulosis and diverticulitis are also classified as diverticular disease. This pamphlet looks at the causes and possible treatments for diverticular disease.