IF YOU notice a 'stitch-like' pain in the lower part of your tummy or changes to your bowel habits, you might put it down to IBS or eating something funny. But these uncomfortable symptoms may be caused by a little-known gut condition that's actually surprisingly common . 4 Ultra-common diverticular disease can cause stomach pain and bloating Credit: PA 4 Sophie Miller, 23, was diagnosed with the condition in 2023 Credit: Sophie Miller and Guts UK 4 Sophie, pictured with her partner, sought help after experiencing stich-like pains in her abdomen Credit: Sophie Miller and Guts UK 4 The disease can cause symptoms similar to those triggered by bowel cancer so it's important to get them checked out Known as diverticular disease , it affects a whopping one in three people in their lifetime, according to Guts UK .
Despite being so common, few people could name the symptoms it causes or even know of its existence, the digestive health charity warned. As a result, people with hidden diverticular disease may not get diagnosed and can continue to suffer agonising symptoms. In honour of Diverticular Disease Awareness Week, Guts UK called on Brits experiencing telltale signs of the condition to get them checked out.
Read more on bowel habits TOILET TALK Are YOUR bowel habits normal? Expert answers 9 'embarrassing' questions SHOCK DIAGNOSIS I was tired all the time before being told I had cancer - I was blindsided The often painful disease is caused by small pouches forming in the wall of.