Diverticulitis is a disease that occurs when the intestinal wall begins to weaken, and an abnormal pouch is formed in the digestive tract. These new-formed pouches are known as diverticula, and they can be extremely hazardous to overall health. These pouches lack the strength of typical digestive pouches and hence rupture much more easily. Even a minor rupture in the colon might result in a life-threatening infection that may require rapid surgery.