A Diverticulum is an outpouching of the large bowel wall.
Colonic Diverticulosis causes no symptoms. Diverticulitis (inflammation of a diverticulum) may cause fever, tummy pain, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.
Colonic Diverticulosis is a common condition. In contrast to Westerners, Diverticular disease among Asians demonstrates right-sided predominance. It is more common in older people, increasing from less than 5% at age 40, to 30% by age 60, to 65% by age 85.
Among all patients with Diverticulosis:
- 80-85% remain asymptomatic
- 15-20% develop Diverticulitis
Diverticulitis refers to the inflammation of a diverticulum.
The presentation depends on the severity of the inflammation.