Diverticular disease, illustration. This illness is also known as diverticulitis, diverticulosis or CDD (colonic diverticular disease). It is characterised by sacs (diverticula, brown) that protrude externally from the colon wall. They are increasingly common with age, and may initially produce no symptoms. However, they may become inflamed, infected and may even rupture, resulting in fever, vomiting and pain. Treatment requires antibiotic drugs, more severe cases may require surgery to remove part of the colon.