It is not unusual for people over the age of 55/60 to have diverticula....better known as small bulging pouches. They are usually are located in the digestive tract. This is called diverticulosis. When they become infected or inflamed, it is called diverticulitis.


Diverticula:
* These are the small pouches that develop when weak spots give way to
pressure.
* The pouches are small at first and grow larger over time.

Diverticulosis:
* Normally occur in large intestines.
* Can form anywhere. Includes esphogus, stomach and small intestines.
* These pouches normally don't cause any problems, you won't know you have
them.

Diverticulitis:
* The inflammation or infection of the pouches normally located in large
intestines.
* The pain from an attack normally is severe and comes on quickly. It
normally feels like appendicitis, except the pain is on the left side.
* Sometimes a person will have mild pain which will get worse over time.
* Person may also have abdominal tenderness, fever, nausea, and constipation
or diarrhea.