Diverticular disease describes small pouches that form in the wall of the intestine. They are quite common as we age, and typically a patient can live their life without even being aware of their existence. Diverticulosis is rare in people who eat high fiber diets. Because of this, it is thought that pressure from the stool created by a low-fiber diet and from straining to eliminate, causes these pouches to form.
Occasionally, these balloon-like pouches become inflamed and cause serious complications that may require antibiotics, hospitalization and possibly even surgery.