Diseases Of The ColonThat hollow and long tube located at the end of your digestive tract may be the least sophisticated part of your stomach considering that it is where your stool is made and stored. However, you have no choice but to take notice of your large intestine and ensure its maintenance because any abnormality can result to the following Diseases Of The Colon: Colorectal Cancer: This disease, which is popularly known as colon or rectal cancer, is among the top causes of cancer in the United States. The risk of getting Colorectal cancer is prevalent among people over 50 years old but is curable when detected at an early stage. It is thus important to undergo screening when you reach 50 years of age or earlier if you are at high risk. There is a great risk of getting colon cancer if you have a high-fat diet, ulcerative colitis, polyps and of course your genetic make up. Not all polyps are dangerous but some can already be cancerous or can develop into one so doctors have to test them. Some of the symptoms of rectal cancer include narrow stool, blood in the stool, a belief that you have the symptoms of hemorrhoids, discomfort in the stomach and changes in your bowel habits. Ulcerative Colitis: This disease is included in the group of diseases called ibs or inflammatory bowel syndrome disease. Your colon is lined with cells and these are destroyed when inflammation sets in. This disease is related to the growth of ulcers in the lining of the colon and the rectum. It is also a genetic disease which can start as early as early as the age of 15. If you are experiencing weight loss, rectum bleeding, severe tiredness, anaemia and skin sores then have yourself checked for this disease. The symptoms of this illness are similar to the symptoms of appendicitis. In most cases, severe ulcerative colitis requires the removal of the colon. Diverticulitis: This disease of the colon refers to an infected and inflamed colon pouches which anyone, especially those over 60 years of age can have. It is difficult to suspect that you already have this disease because most people do not have symptoms. However, the most common indicators are constipation, bloating, abdominal pain on the left side and mild cramps. This is really a lifestyle disease just like diabetes (although the latter can be highly hereditary) because it develops as a result of the processed food diet most people have today. If you have diabetes then you have a greater risk of developing colon cancer. Most canned and processed foods are very low in fiber so most people are susceptible of getting Diverticulitis. Your doctor can recommend antibiotics for the infection but you can always avoid this and other ibs diseases by resorting to a fiber-rich diet. Irritable Bowel Syndrome: When you are regularly experiencing abdominal cramps, changes in your bowel habits and bloating then you may already be suffering from ibs or Irritable bowel syndrome which is a signal that something is wrong with your large intestine or colon. This is a common disease that occurs among women more than men. There are several but no specific tests that can determine if you have ibs. Your doctor can recommend colonoscopy, sampling of your stool and blood and even x-rays. However, the symptoms of ibs can be controlled with proper stress management, medication and diet. Colonic polyps: Polyps are extra tissues that can be found in the colon. Having polyps in your colon does not automatically mean you already have cancer. Some polyps are not harmful and dangerous but to make sure, doctor remove polyps and have them tested to make sure they are not cancerous. The Diseases Of The Colon are virtual manifestations of the present-day diet of fast foods high in fat and low in fiber. While you cannot control your family history which can put you at a greater risk of developing the Diseases Of The Colon, you can however control your lifestyle by eating the right kinds of food and leading an active life. An alternative lifestyle, despite your busy schedule, would do you and your colon good. |