Diverticular Disease

Diverticular disease is a condition in which small pockets or outpouches occur in the bowel. When these pouches become inflamed, this is called diverticulitis. There are generally no symptoms of diverticular disease but people may suffer mild cramping, bloating, constipation or diarrhea, flatulence, blood in the stool, or anaemia. If diverticulitis is present, people may have symptoms such as sharp pain, fever, abdominal distension, nausea, and vomiting. Treatment options include antibiotics, resting the bowel, a high fibre diet with good quantities of roughage, pain relieving medication, and surgery.