The term rectal prolapse refers to a condition in which the tissue that lines the rectum drops down into, or protrudes through, the opening of the anus. According to the National Institutes of Health, rectal prolapse most commonly occurs in children under age six and in the elderly. A prolapsed rectum often appears as a reddish-colored mass that extends beyond the anus, most commonly noticed after a bowel movement. Rectal prolapse is more common in certain conditions and requires surgical intervention to repair.
Constipation
According to 2007 information from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, more than four million people suffer from constipation in the United States. Constipation refers to having three or less bowel movements per week. People suffering from constipation experience hard, dry stools that are small and difficult to pass. They also often find bowel movements painful, experience straining, bloating and a feeling of fullness. Complications of constipation can include hemorrhoids and rectal prolapse. Treatments for complications often include stool softeners and laxatives. People can help avoid constipation by remaining hydrated and eating plenty of fruits, vegetables and fiber.
Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis is an inherited life-threatening disease that causes nutritional deficiencies and severe lung damage. Cystic fibrosis affects the cells that produce sweat, mucus and digestive juices, causing them to become thick and sticky. The thickened secretions plug up tubes, passageways and ducts, especially in the pancreas and lungs, according to the MayoClinic.com. Symptoms of cystic fibrosis include persistent cough, wheezing, repeated lung and sinus infections, foul-smelling greasy stools, poor weight gain and growth, distended abdomen from constipation and intestinal blockages. Complications of cystic fibrosis include respiratory failure, diabetes, blocked bile ducts, rectal prolapse, intussusceptions, a collapsed lung and nasal polyps. There is no cure for cystic fibrosis, but physicians treat the complications and symptoms with antibiotics, mucus-thinning drugs and bronchodilators.
Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is a disorder that involves the inability to tolerate gluten proteins, most commonly found in foods containing wheat, rye or barley. With Celiac disease, an immunological, or allergic, reaction that occurs in the small intestine destroys its lining, resulting in an inability to absorb vital nutrients. Over time, decreased absorption leads to deficiencies in vitamins and minerals, depriving the brain, bones, organs and peripheral nervous system of nourishment, which leads to illness. Symptoms of celiac disease include intermittent abdominal pain, bloating and diarrhea. Complications of celiac disease include malnutrition, loss of calcium and bone density, lactose intolerance and cancer, according to the MayoClinic.com. The National Institutes of Health warns that people with Celiac disease are prone to rectal prolapse. Treatment of Celiac disease means avoiding gluten, which will allow inflammation and symptoms to subside. Patients must read labels carefully when buying food products to avoid accidentally ingesting gluten and causing symptoms to return.
