Diverticular Disease Diagram illustrating diverticular disease.
What is diverticular disease? This is a condition where small balloon-like pouches form in the walls of the large intestine. Each pouch is about the size of a marble. If these pouches become infected, the condition is known as diverticulitis. Who is affected? Diverticulitis is more common seen in people over the age of 40 years. According to local research, about one in five people in Singapore are estimated to have diverticular disease.
What causes diverticulitis? The pouches usually form because of a weakness in the wall of the large intestine. Risk factors include: • Getting older (but noted to be rising in younger people) • Constipation • Diet low in fibre and high in red meat • Obesity What are the symptoms or complications of diverticulitis? Some people with diverticular disease have no symptoms and