Diverticulitis occurs when small sacs called diverticula that protrude outward from the wall of the colon become inflamed. Common symptoms of diverticulitis include pain in the lower left abdominal area, fever, nausea, vomiting and constipation or diarrhea.

Acute diverticulitis is the third most common digestive system disease for which people are admitted to the hospital. Diverticula describes the formation of small sacs that protrude outward from the large bowel. Acute diverticulitis occurs when diverticula become inflamed.

Diverticular disease includes two phases: a chronic phase known as diverticulosis and an acute component called diverticulitis. Health care professionals recommend a specific two-phase diet during flare-ups of diverticulitis.

The presence of diverticula -- small, sac-like pouches in the large intestine -- is known as diverticulosis, which most often has no symptoms. When food, stool or bacteria become stuck in the diverticula, they become inflamed or infected. This condition is known as diverticulitis.

Diverticulosis occurs when small pouches in the large intestine bulge outward through weak spots. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, or NDDIC, 10 percent of Americans older than 40, and half of people older than 60, have diverticulosis.

Diverticulitis is the inflammation of abnormal pouches that bulge outward through the wall of the colon. The pouches are known as diverticuli, and the condition of having the pouches is known as diverticulosis. When the pouches become inflamed, the condition is known as diverticulitis.

Diverticular disease is a chronic digestive disorder with two phases: a chronic condition known as diverticulosis and an acute disorder called diverticulitis.

Diverticulitis is a complication of diverticulosis. Diverticulitis occurs when diverticula – weak spots in the lining of the large intestine – become inflamed due to trapped stool or bacteria. The exact cause of diverticular disease remains unknown; however, lack of fiber plays an important role, according to the U.S.