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What is diverticulosis?
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Diverticulosis is a condition that occurs when diverticula are present in the intestine, without signs of inflammation, and does not cause diverticulitis or diverticular bleeding, according to the NIH.
Diverticulosis is often found during routine X-ray exam or colonoscopy. Symptoms are often nonexistent; however, some people experience constipation, diarrhea, chronic cramping or pain in the lower abdomen and bloating. The NIH recommends for people who experience these symptoms to seek medical advice from their health care provider as other conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome and stomach ulcers, cause similar problems.
Diverticulosis may sometimes be treated with a high-fiber diet or fiber supplements, medications or even probiotics.
Diverticular disease occurs when small sacs or pouches, called diverticulum, form and push outward through weak spots in the colon wall. Multiple pouches are called diverticula.
Diverticulosis is most common in people older than age 50 years. In some cases, people with diverticulosis go on to develop diverticulitis. More recently, diverticular disease is becoming increasingly common in people aged younger than 50 years.
While the exact cause of diverticulosis and diverticular disease are not known, it is suggested that a low-fiber diet is the cause of both diverticulosis and diverticular disease.
First noticed during the early 1900s in the U.S., diverticulosis and diverticular disease are suggested to have stemmed from consumption of processed foods containing significantly less fiber. Both conditions are particularly common in the U.S., England and Australia —where low-fiber diets are common.
Other research suggests decreased levels of serotonin cause decreased relaxation and increased spasms of the colon muscle, leading to diverticulosis and diverticular disease. Even more research suggests obesity, lack of exercise, smoking and certain medications cause diverticular disease.
References:
http://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/diverticular-disease-of-the-colon