Diseases of the Colon

The large intestine within the human body is known as the colon. It is an important part of the digestive system. It is located at the end of the digestive tract and is a long hollow tube where stool is stored. There are many common colon disease, which effect the ability of the colon to function properly. Some of the common colon diseases are:

Colitis, Diverticulitis, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is known for the uncomfortable feelings associated with it. It causes cramping, constipation, and diarrhea. It is a common disorder of the large intestine. The signs and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome include: a bloated feeling, abdominal cramping or pain, gas, constipation or diarrhea, and mucous in the stool. Many people suffer form mild symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. If this disorder becomes bothersome and if noticeable on a continuum a doctor needs to be notified for consultation and follow-up. Irritable bowel syndrome is a chronic disease in which at times as its symptoms get less but worsen at times. It is treated with rest and medication, as well as increased fiber within a person's diet.

Diverticulitis is inflammation of the digestive tract with the bulging pouches found mostly in the colon. The symptoms of this disease process are: severe abdominal pain and tenderness, bloating of the abdomen, bleeding from the rectum, constipation, and diarrhea. Nausea and vomiting, fever, and a drastic change in bowel habits. Mild cases of this disease process can be treated with diet, antibiotics, rest and changes in a person's diet. The diet will need to be maintain liquid for a few days to rest the bowel and digestive tract as well as allowing the infection to heal. Sometimes this disease process requires surgery depending on the severity of the infection of the disease process.

Colitis is a common disease of the rectum and colon that results in active ulcers. It is a disease that tries considered to be part of inflammatory bowel disease. The ulcers kill the normal cells the line the colon. Symptoms are bloody diarrhea and severe pain in the abdomen. This disease process will have symptomatic displays of anemia, weight loss, bleeding from the rectum, loss of appetite and joint pain. Many people suffer from this disease process and only have mild symptoms. In severe cases, the doctor must remove the colon.