Diverticular disease and diverticulitis are digestive conditions that affect the large intestine. Diverticula are small pockets that form in the lining of the large intestine. When they become inflammed or infected, they can cause severe pain in the lower tummy, hard dry stools, diarrhoea and can occasionally cause blood in your poo. You may have a high temperature and get mucus in your poo, or bleeding from your bottom. If you have been undiagnosed and have symptoms, contact your medical practitioner. If you have been diagnosed, you can usually treat the symptoms at home.

Diverticular disease and diverticulitis tend to occur in older people, people who are overweight and/or people eating a low fibre diet. Eating a high fibre diet may help ease the symptoms. Paracetamol can be used to relieve pain. You may need to eat low fibre foods to help you recover from a bout of diverticulitis.

You can help manage your diverticular disease or diverticulitis:

• lose weight if you're overweight
• reduce your alcohol intake
• stop smoking
• drink more water
• become more active
• find ways to relax
• practice mindfulness

• NHS diverticular disease and diverticulitis
• Patient webinars diverticular disease
• Bladder and bowel community
• Guts UK diverticular disease