Diverticular disease and diverticulitis

Diverticular disease and diverticulitis are related digestive conditions that affect the large intestine (colon).

In diverticular disease, small bulges or pockets (diverticula) develop in the lining of the intestine. Diverticulitis is when these pockets become inflamed or infected.

Symptoms of diverticular disease include:

lower abdominal pain feeling bloated

The majority of people with diverticula will not have any symptoms; this is known as diverticulosis.

Symptoms of diverticulitis tend to be more serious and include:

more severe abdominal pain, especially on the left side high temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F) or above diarrhoea or frequent bowel movements

Read more about the symptoms of diverticular disease and diverticulitis.

Symptoms

Symptoms of diverticular disease and diverticulitis include abdominal pain, bloating and a change in normal bowel habits.