A condition in which a part of the wall of the large intestine bulges out like a balloon. The multiple bulges are called diverticula. The complications of diverticulosis include infection (diverticulitis) and bleeding. The disorder is more common with advancing age: over 50% of patients older than 60 have diverticula. Other risk factors for acquiring diverticulosis include constipation, a diet that is low in dietary fiber content or high in fat and high intake of red meat. Many patients have diverticulosis without having any symptoms.