Intestinal diverticulosis. Coloured frontal barium enema X-ray of a female patient's intestines with diverticulosis. This is a condition in which numerous small pouches (diverticula) develop in the walls of the intestine. These are seen as projections from the wall (centre right). The pouches form as increased pressure in the intestines pushes the wall out through areas of weakness in the layers of muscle that encircle the intestines. The increase in pressure is usually due to constipation. The condition can cause abdominal pain, bloating and bleeding. The diverticula may become infected (diverticulitis), which can have serious implications. A high-fibre, high-fluid diet can relieve the problem.