Conditions of the Colon

There are several conditions that the colon may have.  These are enumerated bellow:

Diarrhea – Stools that are frequent, loose or watery. Most diarrheas is due to self-limited, mild infections of the colon or small intestines.

Traveller’s diarrhea – may different bacteria commonly contaminate water or food in developing countries. Loose stools, sometimes with nausea and fever are symptoms.

Colitis –Inflammation of the colon. Most common causes of having this are inflammatory bowel disease or infections.

Diverticulosis – small weak areas of the colon’s wall allows the colon’s lining to protrude through which forms tiny pouches called diverticuli. Diverticuli usually cause no problems, but can bleed or become inflamed.

Ulcerative colitis – an inflammatory condition that usually affects the colon and rectum. Like Crohn’s disease, bloddy diarrhea is a common symptom like ulcerative colitis.

Colon Bleeding (hemorrhage) – multiple potential colon problem can cause bleeding. Rapid bleeding is visible in the stool but very slow bleeding may not be.

Crohn’s disease – an inflammatory condition that usually affects the colon and intestines. Abdominal pain and diarrhea which maybe bloody are symptoms.

Salmonellosis – Salmonella bacteria can contaminate the food and infect the intestine causing diarrhea and stomach cramps and usually resolves without treatment.

Shigellosis – Shigella bacteria can also contaminate the food and invade the colon. Some of the symptoms include fever, stomach cramps, and diarrhea, which maybe bloody.

Colon polyps – polyps are small growth. Some of these develop into caner, but it takes a long time. Removing them can prevent many colon cancers.

Colon cancer – Cancer of the colon affects more than 100,000 Americans each year. Most colon cancer is preventable through regular screening.