Diverticula are small pouches which bulge out from any hollow structure in the body. Diverticulitis describes the condition which occurs when diverticula become inflamed and painful. Quite often diverticulitis can be managed with a high fibre diet and by increasing vegetables in the diet. A few patients who still experience colicky pain and distension need treatment with drugs (antispasmodics) or peppermint oil. These reduce the spasm in the colon which is often the cause of these symptoms