Nearly half the people older than age 60 have small, bulging pouches (diverticula) in their digestive tracts — a condition known as diverticulosis. Although diverticula can form anywhere, including in your esophagus, stomach and small intestine, most occur in your large intestine — especially on the left side of the colon just above the rectum. Because these pouches seldom cause any problems, you may never know you have them.

Sometimes, however, one or more pouches in the colon may become inflamed or infected, causing severe abdominal pain, fever, nausea and a marked change in your bowel habits. When diverticula become infected, the condition is called diverticulitis. Mild cases of diverticulitis can be treated with rest, changes in your diet and antibiotics. But serious cases may require surgery to remove the diseased portion of your colon. Occasionally, you may develop complications that require emergency surgery.

Fortunately, only 15 percent to 20 percent of people with diverticulosis ever develop diverticulitis. Best of all, you can help prevent both types of diverticular disease by including more high-fiber foods in your diet.