Abdominal pain can signal many things, but constant or persistent pain felt in the lower left side of the abdomen pain is paired with pain, nausea or other symptoms, you may have a condition called diverticulitis.

What Is Diverticulitis?

Diverticula may develop when pressure causes small pouches to protrude from the colon. While they rarely cause problems, they are most common after the age of 40, reports the Mayo Clinic. The presence of these pouches is called diverticulosis.

Diverticula are found in more than half of Americans older than 60. It is believed that people who eat low-fiber diets or diets containing mostly processed foods may be at greater risk. Because constipation and hard stools are more likely when people don’t eat enough fiber, straining to pass stools and putting pressure on the colon or intestines leads to the formation of these pouches.

Diverticulitis occurs when the pouches become inflamed or infected. Patients may experience abdominal pain, nausea, fever and bowel movement changes.

What Are the Symptoms?

Most people who have diverticulosis have no symptoms and don’t realize they have the condition, except perhaps for some bloating or cramping in the lower part of the abdomen. In rare cases, they may notice blood in the stool or on toilet paper.