Diverticular disease refers to the bulging pouches that can develop in the gastrointestinal wall when the lining pushes through weak spots in the surrounding muscle. The most common site is the sigmoid colon, but diverticula can develop anywhere along the GI tract. There are two forms: diverticulosis, which are non-inflamed pouches, and diverticulitis, which is inflammation of the pouches. Diverticula are caused by increased pressure within the colon lumen from constipation or low-fiber diets, which can weaken the colon walls. While diverticulosis is often asymptomatic, it may cause left lower abdominal pain relieved by bowel movements or gas, alternating constipation and diarrhea, and difficult def