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Diverticulosis used to be a rare disease and even today it is almost nonexistent in certain parts of the world. However, in developed countries like the United States over half of people over 60 have it and most of them are unaware of their condition. The disease usually remains dormant, with the pockets uninfected. Insufficient fiber in the diet is the chief cause as the large intestine must work overtime to produce small, hard stools that ultimately stress the colon beyond its endurance. This pressure causes weak spots in the wall, forcing the tissue to bulge out.
The diagnosis can be confirmed by a barium enema X-ray. If it is known that pockets are present, signs and symptoms alone are enough to make the diagnosis of diverticulitis, and further testing is not usually required. Eventually a high-roughage diet is resumed.
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