Colon Problems

The colon, also called the large intestine, is a part of the digestive system. The colon gets afflicted with a number of problems ranging in severity. Some of the more common colon problems are discussed below.

Constipation

One of the most prevalent colon problems, constipation is rarely if ever dangerous, but can become very uncomfortable. Usually characterized by difficulty in passing stool, it can be taken care of by including adequate fiber and water in the diet and leading an active life.

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids occur when a person strains hard for bowel movement while constipated, causing rectal veins to stretch and swell beyond capacity which then results in inflammation and even bleeding. The best way to avoid hemorrhoids is to avoid constipation by including adequate roughage in diet. This is a great way to avoid common colon problems.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

IBS is a very common bowel disorder and afflicts almost a fifth of adult Americans. Symptoms include constipation, diarrhea, severe cramping and loss of appetite. IBS is more common among women than in men. There is no known cure for IBS but symptoms can be almost completely eliminated by paying attention to your diet and noticing which foods affect your body negatively.

Fistulas

A fistula is an abnormally developed passage between two parts of the digestive tract. Fistulas are characterized by swelling and excruciating abdominal pain. Externally developed fistulas can discharge pus while internal ones can cause diarrhea. Some fistulas are congenital while others form suddenly as a result of diseases and traumas or after surgery due to local infection.

Volvulus

Volvulus is a colon problem characterized by twisting of a length of the intestine around itself which results in colon obstruction. A part of the digestive system may continue to work properly and hence swell up because of the volvulus obstruction, resulting in gangrene. Volvulus has to be immediately dealt with surgery because gangrene develops rapidly and may become fatal.

Polyps

These are small growths that appear along the colon lining. Polyps most often look like little bumps; while some also possess a stalk, others are relatively flat. Polyps are a critical concern in colon health because it is medically known that almost all cancers of the colon start with being benign polyps.

Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis is a disease afflicting the bowel that results when the colon gets inflamed. The outside of the colon can then get infected as well. The swollen diverticula can also narrow down the bowel causing an obstruction. Diverticulitis usually affects the middle aged and the elderly. Symptoms include abdominal pain and tenderness, loose bowel movements and fever, as well as a blood test that shows increased white blood cell count.

Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s is an inflammatory and chronic condition of the large intestine. Believed to be partly hereditary, the affliction induces intermittent diarrhea attacks accompanied by abdominal pain, fever and weight loss. The condition has a tendency to complicate and require surgery, as well as a tendency to recur later.

Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a large intestine disorder where the colon gets inflamed and develops ulcers. Usually occurring in people aged 15 to 35, ulcerative colitis is characterized by bloody diarrhea attacks in rapid succession which vary in duration and severity among different people, and also from one attack to the next. Accompanied by acute pain and rectal spasm, these attacks may lead to high fever, loss of appetite, and general weight loss. People with persistent ulcerative colitis have a greater than even chance of developing colon cancer.

How to have a Healthy Colon

While most of the above conditions can be treated either surgically or with proper medication, it is generally better to avoid them in the first place. The colon is a delicate part of the digestive system yet requires minimal care to stay healthy. Eating a healthy diet that is low on fat is the first step one can take to avoid colon problems. Processed foods rich in complex fats hurt the colon and so must be avoided. Appropriate amounts of roughage and fiber must also be included in the diet. These help the digestive system work better and thus prevent a lot of colon problems from developing. Finally, an active and stress-free lifestyle with regular exercise can go a long way in ensuring colon health.