There are many diseases that may harm the colon and impair its function, learn about the most important of them by reading this article. The body efficiently gets rid of waste it no longer needs when the colon is healthy and functioning properly. However, he may develop some digestive diseases that may result from diet, stress and nervous pressure, or taking some medications. The following will detail the 7 most common problems affecting the colon:
1. Irritable bowel syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common problem affecting the large intestine.
Although irritable bowel syndrome can cause a great deal of discomfort, it does not harm the intestines. This syndrome is twice as common in women and in people under the age of 45.
The most common symptoms
The main symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome are
Abdominal cramps, bloating, and a change in the general behavior of the bowel.
Constipation or diarrhea, or both, in the form of nating bouts between them.
Diagnostic methods
Since the underlying cause of this syndrome is not yet known, there is no specific test for it.
Your doctor may perform blood tests, x-rays, sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy, and take stool samples, to make sure you don''t have other diseases.
treatment
In most cases, the symptoms of this syndrome can be controlled through diet, stress management, and the use of probiotics and medications.
2. Diverticulosis
It is a formation of small, enlarged sacs called diverticula, which protrude through the lining of the colon.
This disease becomes more common with age, and a low-fiber diet is believed to be the main cause.
The most common symptoms
Most people with it do not have any symptoms, and if they are present, they include mild cramping, flatulence, or constipation.
Diagnostic methods
It is often discovered through tests that are required for another reason, for example it may be discovered during a colonoscopy to check for cancer.
treatment
Symptoms are relieved by eating a high-fiber diet and using pain relievers.
3. Diverticulitis
In the previous case, if the sacs become inflamed or infected, then the condition turns into diverticulitis.
Symptoms of diverticulitis
Learn about the most common symptoms
Abdominal pain, which is usually on the left side.
fever and chills
Nausea and vomiting.
Cramps and constipation.
In severe cases, it can lead to bleeding or blockage.
Diagnostic methods
The doctor will perform a physical exam and imaging tests to diagnose it.
treatment
Treatment may be with antibiotics, pain relievers, and a liquid diet.
4. Colitis
It is a group of conditions that cause inflammation of the inner lining of the colon, and it includes several types, including:
Infectious colitis (caused by an infection that attacks the large intestine).
Ischemic colitis (caused by insufficient blood supply to the colon).
Crohn''s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Symptoms of colitis
Here are the most common symptoms of colitis
diarrhea.
Rectal bleeding.
abdominal cramps
Urgent need to go to the bathroom frequently.
Diagnostic methods
Diagnosis is by colonoscopy and biopsy (taking a tissue sample for examination under a microscope).
treatment
Depending on the result of the diagnosis, the appropriate treatment is determined.
5. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Which is characterized by chronic inflammation in the digestive system, and inflammation for a long time leads to damage to the digestive system.
Although the underlying cause is unknown, it is caused by a defect in the immune system, and it is a term to describe the following two conditions:
Crohn''s disease, which can affect any part of the digestive system from the mouth to the anus, but often affects the colon and intestines.
Ulcerative colitis usually affects the colon and rectum.
The most common symptoms
Its symptoms are characterized by the presence of
persistent diarrhoea.
abdominal pain
bloody stool
Weight loss.
Fatigue.
Diagnostic methods
It is diagnosed by endoscopy and imaging tests, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT), and taking stool samples for examination.
treatment
When diagnosed, it may be treated with aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, and immunomodulatory drugs.
6. Colon polyps
Polyps are small lumps that grow inside the colon tissue. Most are considered benign tumors, but some may turn into cancer.
The most common symptoms
Most do not cause symptoms, but if present they may include blood on underwear or on the toilet paper after a bowel movement, blood in the stool, or constipation or diarrhea that lasts more than a week.
Diagnostic methods
It is diagnosed through a colonoscopy, biopsy, or examination of stool samples.
treatment
The doctor removes them during a colonoscopy.
7. Colon cancer
Colon cancer can start as small polyps and polyps.
The most common symptoms
Its symptoms include a change in bowel behavior or bleeding, but often there are no symptoms.
Diagnostic methods
It can be detected through a regular examination, such as a colonoscopy.
treatment
With early detection, surgery, chemotherapy or radiation can be an effective treatment.
