Colon Disorders

Colon health has come to the forefront of medical care, especially with colon cancer becoming the third most common type of cancer. Subsequently, it is important to understand the different types of colon disorders and their symptoms.

Early detection is essential, and spotting any symptoms can ensure that you and your doctor can protect your colon. Below are the most notable of the colon disorders.

Polyps

Polyps grow along the colon’s lining, creating small bumps that can range from circular to mushroom shapes. The vast majority of colon cancer develops from benign polyps, which play a substantial role in early detection. If polyps are discovered before they become cancerous, they can be treated without undergoing invasive surgery.

It is possible to develop polyps and not even know it. Thus, people over the age of 50 are encouraged to have a routine colonoscopy. However, in some cases, polyps do have symptoms, including:

Rectal bleeding
Blood in your stool
Constipation, diarrhea, or narrowing of stool
Pain or obstruction during bowel movements

Colon Cancer

Colon cancer is the third most common type of cancer, following only lung and breast cancer in prevalence. While there may not be any noticeable signs of colon cancer, some symptoms may include:

Rectal bleeding
Abdominal pain
Changes in your daily bowel movements (including constipation, diarrhea, or changes in the stool’s thickness)
Stool that is black or dark red in color

If you have a history of colon cancer in your family, or if you are African-American, it is important to begin colonoscopies at the age of 45.

Diverticulosis Diverticulosis

Diverticulosis Diverticulosis is a colon disorder that impacts those over the age of 50. This disorder occurs when there is a formation of pockets, called diverticula, on the colon’s walls.

Diverticulosis becomes more common in elderly patients and usually occurs because of a scarcity of fibers from fruit and vegetables from one’s diet. There are usually no symptoms associated with Diverticulosis, but some patients do develop the following conditions:

Abdominal pain
Rectal bleeding

Though this colon disorder is very common, especially among the elderly, it is easily detected with an x-ray, and it is treated with a diet high in fruit and vegetable fibers and fluids, such as water and juice. The fiber and liquids increase the water content and consistence of stool, which reduces the intestinal pressure.

Diverticulitis Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis Diverticulitis is a bowel disorder that can infect the colon. If the diverticulum is inflamed and bursts, then the colon can become infected as well. If this infection goes untreated, then the abdominal cavity could become infected, leading to a fatal illness. The population most affected is the middle-aged to the elderly. The symptoms include:

Abdominal pain
Tenderness in the abdomen
Loose bowels
Constipation
Diarrhea
Fever

Acute cases of diverticulitis can be alleviated with antibiotics, as well as changing to a high fiber diet once the infection has cleared. Recurring cases or infections with complications may require surgery.

Prevention of Colon Disorders

If you are over 50, or the age of 45 in cases of familial history or African-American descent, it is time to talk to your doctor about your colon health. As noted above, many times there are no symptoms for some of the most common colon disorders. Prevention is the best medicine.

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