Symptoms of digestive disease can be extremely uncomfortable and cause nutritional deficiencies. Even doctors cannot always tell what the problem is until several tests and procedures are completed. Once the affected area is pinpointed as the colon, or large intestine, some possibilities can be ruled out. Distinguishing the type of disorder can still be tricky, however.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Approximately 1 in 5 Americans have symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), according to the National Institutes of Health. While IBS does not damage the colon, it does produce symptoms of pain, bloating, vomiting, headache and constipation, alternating with mucus-filled diarrhea. Also known as a spastic colon, IBS is characterized by irregular contractions of the digestive tract. Instead of smooth, muscular waves that push food through the bowel, undigested matter is trapped, forming toxins and gas. IBS symptoms may be triggered by stress and foods that increase mucus secretion in the gut, such as animal fats, margarine, dairy products, carbonated beverages, sugar, citrus, artificial sweeteners, spices, alcohol, caffeine, and wheat. Individuals may have different sensitivities, however, making an elimination diet necessary to determine the exact offenders.
Diverticular Disease
The Mayo Clinic reports that 10 percent of Americans over 40 years old have diverticulosis, which becomes more common with age. Diverticulosis occurs when the colon wall stretches to form pouches. It is associated with chronic constipation. There may be no symptoms, or abdominal pain and bloating. If the pouches become inflamed, torn or infected, the condition is known as diverticulitis. Symptoms of diverticulitis may include cramping, nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, and a change in bowel habits. Rarely, bleeding may occur. The formation of an abscess could lead to perforation and peritonitis, a serious complication. Antibiotics are used to treat infection.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
It is estimated that 1 million Americans have some form of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), according to the Chron's and Colitis foundation of America. The two most common forms of IBD are ulcerative colitis (UC) and Chron's disease. Both disorders cause damage to the lining of the large intestine, or colon, but Chron's disease may also involve other parts of the digestive tract. These conditions run in families, and are triggered by an abnormal immune response. Ulcerative colitis destroys the inner lining of the large intestine, causing sores, or ulcers to completely cover the colon. Chron's disease can affect the entire wall of the colon, but may occur in patches. Over time, Chron's disease produces adhesions and may form fistulas. Both disorders are characterized by abdominal cramping and diarrhea, which is sometimes bloody. Complications include an increased risk of bowel cancer.
Colon Cancer
The American Cancer Society has determined that there were 106,100 new cases of colon cancer in the United States in 2009. Cancer of the colon and rectum is the third most common type of cancer in America. A reported decline in colorectal cancer rates and deaths can be attributed to increased screening. Doctors have been able to save lives by removing polyps before they become malignant. Early detection also improves treatment outcomes for this type of cancer.
