New in Colon Health

Rectal Prolapse Complications

Rectal protrusion may occur during straining or at rest. Protrusion of the rectal lining during straining can sometimes occur otherwise healthy infants. It is usually transient and resolves by itself. Rectal prolapse in adults,...

Complications From a Complete Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is a common screening and diagnostic test that can find colon cancer and other problems in the large intestine, according to the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. It is an outpatient procedure that...

Blood After Colonoscopy

According to the National Institutes of Health, a colonoscopy is a lower gastrointestinal tract examination to assess patients for abnormalities in the colon. A colonoscopy is performed on an outpatient basis and lasts 15 to 30...

Air Pocket After a Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy also helps diagnose the causes of unexplained weight loss, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain and sudden changes in bowel habits. According to Gihealth.com, it is normal to experience bloating and gas pains after col...

Colostomy Side Effects After Surgery

A colostomy is a surgical procedure that is used to treat diseases of the bowel such as colorectal cancer. During the procedure, a portion of the large intestine is brought out of the bowel through an opening in the abdomen. St...

A Colonoscopy & Post-Procedure Pain

A colonoscopy is a procedure that enables the physician to examine the lining of the colon for abnormalities such as colon tumors, colon polyps, inflammation, ulceration and sites of bleeding. Some patients may experience mild ...

What are EDD & Colonoscopy?

According to the National Institutes of Health, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, or EDD, and colonoscopy are gastrointestinal procedures that are used to diagnose various illnesses of the gastrointestinal tract. A colonoscopy enable...

Colonoscopy in Children

A colonoscopy is a test that will give his doctor an opportunity to examine his colon from the inside so that she can best treat your child's health problem. Understanding a little more about the procedure will help ease any co...

Dangers of Colon Cleansing Before a Colonoscopy

According to the Washington Health Center, a colonoscopy is a test that is conducted by a gastroenterologist in order to check for colon abnormalities such as colon cancer and colon tumors. In order for the doctor to perform an...

Alternatives for a Colonoscopy

According to Emedtv.com, a colonoscopy is a test that enables the direct visualization of the lining of the colon and rectum. A flexible lighted fiberoptic tube is usually inserted into the colon. A colonoscopy is used to help ...

What Are the Dangers of Colonoscopy in the Elderly?

A colonoscopy is a test that is mainly used to screen for colorectal cancer in the elderly. According to the National Institutes of Health, a colonoscopy is a routine diagnostic test that is performed every 5 to 10 years. A col...

Abnormal Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is a lower gastrointestinal test that enables a gastroenterologist to examine the lining of your colon. A thin flexible tube known as a colonoscope is used. According to Emedtv.com, a colonoscopy helps find colon ...

Special Diets for a Spastic Colon

"Spastic colon" is another term for "irritable bowel," according to the Mayo Clinic. Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a medical condition characterized by stomach cramping, sudden urges to move your bowels, diarrhea and con...

How to Get the Enema Bag Ready for Use

Plain tap water or saline--saltwater--is usually the best choice, but sometimes soap is added when plain enemas have not been effective. Adding phosphates, mineral oil or other substances, however, have not been proven to provi...

Colonoscopy Techniques

Colonoscopy is the visual examination of the colon using a lighted, flexible fiberoptic tube called a colonoscope. Colonoscopy checks for abnormalities such as colon cancer, cancerous polyps, ulceration and inflammation of colo...

How Safe Is Fleet Prep for Colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is a lower gastrointestinal procedure that enables the direct examination of the lining of the colon and rectum. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, colon cleansing i...

Colonoscopy Recovery Procedures

According to the University of Michigan Health System, a colonoscopy is a test used to check for abnormalities on the lining of the colon and rectum. A colonoscopy is mainly used to diagnose colon cancer, inflammatory bowel dis...

Bad Side Effects of a Colonoscopy

Patients who have unexplained bowel movement changes, weight loss or abdominal pain may be referred by a doctor to receive a colonoscopy. A colonoscopy is a diagnostic test that utilizes a colonoscope, a narrow, lighted tool, t...

Colonoscopy After Effects

For patients without a family history of colorectal cancer, routine colonoscopy screening should begin at age 50, advises the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. During this testing procedure, a doctor uses a...

The Best Diet for Colon Health

Your diet can have a great impact on the health of your colon, as well as the rest of your gastrointestinal tract. Your diet can play a role in your risk for colon cancer and polyps, as well as other colon-related conditions or...

Types of Colonoscopy Anesthetics & Demerol

A colonoscopy is a test used to assess the lining of the colon and rectum for abnormalities such as tumors, polyps, ulcers, inflammation and areas of bleeding. It may cause discomfort, so anesthetics and narcotic pain killers a...

Complications From a Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is a diagnostic procedure used to examine and evaluate the interior region of a patient's colon or intestinal tract. If a doctor suspects that a patient has colon polyps, colon cancer or colitis, she may recommend...

A Colonoscopy & Bleeding

According to Gicare.com, a colonoscopy is an exam conducted by a gastroenterologist so as to check for colon abnormalities such as colon tumors, colon polyps, ulcers, inflammation and areas of bleeding. A colonoscopy is also us...

Difficulties During a Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is a lower gastrointestinal procedure used to examine the colon and rectum for abnormalities. During a colonoscopy, a lighted flexible tube known as a colonoscope is inserted into the rectum and colon and used to ...

How Colonoscopy Prep Works

A colonoscopy is a procedure conducted by gastroenterologists in order to diagnose certain colon abnormalities such as colon cancer, colon polyps, bleeding sites, inflammation and ulceration. In order for a colonoscopy to be su...

A Colonoscopy of an Inflamed Colon

Colon inflammation is also known as colitis. There are several inflammatory bowel diseases that cause colon inflammation. Colon inflammation results in bleeding colon ulcers that cause stomach pain and hinder the absorption of ...

Colonoscopy Exam Procedures

Colonoscopy, which involves three processes, is a test used to examine colon abnormalities such as colon cancer, colon tumors, polyps, ulcers and sites of bleeding and inflammation. A colonoscopy also may be used to check for t...

How to Give Enemas to a Child

If your child is struggling with constipation for an extended period of time, your pediatrician may recommend the administration of an enema. Children's enemas purchased from the pharmacy or grocery store usually contain sodium...

A Colonoscopy With Polypectomy

Although the rates of colon cancer have decreased over the last 10 years, Durado Brooks, M.D., lead author of the American Cancer Society report in the April 1, 2008 "American Family Physician," colon cancer remained the second...

Complications of Colonoscopy

Mayoclinic.com describes a colonoscopy as one of the best yet simplest exams to detect changes or abnormalities in the colon or rectum. A colonoscopy can reveal diseases such as cancer before they reach their advanced stages. D...

Diseases of the Colon in Infants

Diseases of the colon in infants may occur for a variety of reasons. Some conditions are a result of infection, others may relate to a food sensitivity or allergy, and still others occur for reasons that are unclear. Although ...

How to Give an Enema With an Enema Bag

Enemas help to irrigate the rectum and colon and improve health and vitality. According to Kristina Amelong, a Certified Colon Hydrotherapist at Optimum Health Network, a good enema program involves infusing filtered water into...

Sigmoid Colon Disorders

There are many disorders that can affect the sigmoid colon. The sigmoid colon is an S-shaped portion of the colon near its terminal end, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse website. The websit...

Asacol Contraindications

Asacol is the brand name for the generic drug mesalamine. This prescription medication is indicated to treat patients with ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease. Asacol is a type of antiinflammatory drug that limits...

How to Give Enemas to Children

An enema, also known as a colonic, is a procedure designed to cleanse waste from the bowels. Some medical practitioners believe that enemas can help relieve constipation and other medical problems. The process of giving an enem...

Drugs That Block TNF

Medications known as TNF-alpha blockers are used in adults and children with various types of autoimmune or inflammatory diseases. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, these high-cost drugs are approved for use t...

Age for Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is a test used to examine the walls of the colon and rectum for abnormalities such as cancer, colon polyps, ulcers, and areas of bleeding and inflammation. Colonoscopy is also used to examine the causes of changes...

Colon Health With Probiotics

In exchange for a warm place to hang out and feed, these "friendly bugs" destroy harmful bacteria before they can make it to your colon. Probiotics ensure that the balance of good bacteria versus bad bacteria in your

Diet Restrictions Prior to a Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is an exam to detect abnormalities within the colon and rectum and possible causes of rectal bleeding, chronic diarrhea or constipation, or other intestinal issues. A colonoscopy is considered the "gold standard"...

What Are Some Side Effects of a Colonoscopy & EGD Test?

EGD is used to detect abnormalities in the upper gastrointestinal tract. MayoClinic.com states that colonoscopy is a test used to detect colon abnormalities, such as colon cancer and colon polyps. Colonoscopy and EGD tests have...

Virtual Colonoscopy Side Effects

Virtual colonoscopy is a computerized tomographic scanning of the colon. During the procedure, patients are given a liquid called contrast media, which enables the gastroenterologist to identify abnormal colon tissues. Air is p...

Types of Colonoscopy

According to the National Institutes of Health, colonoscopies are tests that enable gastroenterologists to examine the colon for abnormalities such as colon cancer, colon polyps, ulcerations and areas of inflammation and bleedi...

Diseases Associated With Mucus in the Bowel

The intestines produce mucus, which protects and lubricates the bowel. A small amount of mucus normally passes unnoticed in the stool. With certain diseases and conditions, bowel mucus production increases. Increased stool mucu...

How to Know If Your Colon Is Healthy

Your colon, or large intestine, is an organ in the lower part of your digestive tract. Colon cancer can be a devastating and sometimes fatal disease. It's hard to know for sure whether your colon is healthy unless you have diag...

Asacol Warnings

Ulcerative colitis, a type of inflammatory bowel disease, is often quite disruptive to daily activities, and, therefore, drug treatment is often used to manage this disease. Asacol HD (mesalamine) is a delayed-release drug used...

Colonoscopy: The Complications From Sedation

According to Patient.co.uk, a colonoscopy is a test conducted by a gastroenterologist to assess the colon for abnormalities such as colon cancer, tumors, polyps, ulceration and areas of bleeding and inflammation. Sedatives such...

Diseases of the Sigmoid Colon

The sigmoid colon is about 16 inches long and usually lies within the pelvic bowl. Certain colon diseases can affect the sigmoid colon and cause significant health problems.

What Are the Causes of Spastic Colon Pain?

Spastic colon, now known as irritable bowel syndrome, affects 58 million Americans and represents one of the most common complaints encountered by doctors, according to the Washington University School of Medicine Section of Co...

Complications of a Colonoscopy

According to the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, colonoscopy is a test that enables the doctor to look inside the colon using a flexible tube known as colonoscope. A colonoscopy is used to diagnose colon abnorma...

What Are the Treatments for a Spastic Colon?

Spastic colon is a former name for what doctors now call irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS. The original name refers to frequent, disorganized "spastic" contractions of the muscles in the colon that occur in response to a meal o...

Spastic Colon in Children

Spastic colon is a condition that doctors now refer to as irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS. According to Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist Michael Picco, M.D., IBS can affect anyone, including children. IBS, like other gastrointes...

Diets for Good Colon Health

Maintaining good colon health is important for having regular bowel movements and preventing or reducing the risk of developing chronic diseases, such as colon cancer. Several dietary factors have been found to promote large in...

Diseases of the Ascending Colon

Numerous diseases are associated with the ascending colon. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, or NIH, the digestive system consists of a series of tubes that run from the m...

Definition of Spastic Colon

According to Dr. Chung Owyang, director of gastroenterology at the University of Michigan Health System and author of the chapter on IBS in the 2009 edition of the medical reference book "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medic...

Colonoscopy Alternatives

Colonoscopy is the internal examination of the walls of the colon using a flexible fiberoptic tube known as a colonoscope. Colonoscopy is used to diagnose abnormalities of the colon such as colon cancer, colon polyps, bleeding ...

Spastic Colon Treatment

According to Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist Michael Picco, spastic colon is another name for what doctors call irritable bowel syndrome. The term "spastic colon" arose from motility studies that showed that the colons of people...

Rare Colon Diseases

There are numerous rare colon diseases. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, the colon, also known as the large intestine, is a long, hollow tube at the terminal end of a per...

What Are the Dangers of Colon Hydrotherapy?

The proponents of colon hydrotherapy state waste products accumulate in the colon, leading to a condition called autointoxication, which can cause a number of health conditions. Practitioners of colon hydrotherapy promote its ...

A Spastic Colon and Constipation

Once called a spastic colon, this gastrointestinal disorder now goes under the name of irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS. Ordinarily the disorder switches between diarrhea and constipation, but not always. A segment of this popu...

Infectious Diseases of the Colon

The ingestion of potentially contaminated food and beverages provides an easy portal of entry for infectious organisms that may affect the colon, or large intestine. Although the gastrointestinal system possesses several mechan...

How to Flush Out Your Colon

Its importance in the removal of accumulated feces from the human body is paramount. Unfortunately, without adequate provision being made through suitable diet and general health consciousness, the colons functioning will becom...

Bowel Disease Symptoms

According to MedlinePlus, a health website operated by the National Institutes of Health, inflammatory bowel disease is a group of inflammatory conditions that affect the colon and small intestine. Two of the most common types ...

What Are the Causes of Colon Polyps?

Colon polyps are clumps of cells that form on the lining of the colon. Certain factors such as age, weight and lifestyle habits increase risk for developing colon polyps. MayoClinic.com notes that in many cases, they are non-ca...

Colon Inflammation Diet

There are multiple medical conditions that can cause the colon, also known as the large intestine, to become inflamed. Inflammation can be painful and lead to malnutrition due to poor absorption of nutrients and loss of appetit...

How to Make a Colon Cleanse Enema

A colon cleanse enema can irrigate the rectum and lower colon, relieve constipation and detoxify the body. According to Nick Foley and Sally James, naturopathic doctors at "Ask a Naturopath," the water volume from enemas expand...

What Are the Benefits of a Virtual Colonoscopy?

Colon cancer is the third-most common cancer diagnosed in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and is the second-most common cause of cancer-related deaths among cancers that affect men and wom...

Biologics for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease refers to ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, according to the American College of Gastroenterology. These conditions are characterized by gastrointestinal inflammation that originates when the bo...

Complications With a Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is a medical procedure used to detect changes or abnormalities inside the colon or large intestine, using an instrument known as colonoscope. Colonoscopy usually takes about 20 minutes to an hour. According to a 2...

Colon Hydrotherapy Tips

If you have ever been irregular for more than a few days, you realize how uncomfortable it can become. One remedy is to use colon hydrotherapy. This entails either going to a professional colon hydrotherapist in a clinical set...

Colostomy Surgery Complications

Colostomy surgery is a procedure in which a portion of the large intestine, called a stoma, is brought through the abdominal wall to carry stool out of the body. Stool exits the body through the stoma and enters a bag attached ...

Types of Enemas

There are many types of enemas, some of which can be used at home, while others are performed under the direction of a health professional. In his book "Colon Health", Dr. Norman Walker claims that constipation is the body&...

Products to Soothe Intestinal Inflammation

The most common cause of intestinal inflammation is inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a term used to describe intestinal disorders like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Traditional and alternative medications can h...

Psyllium & Colon Health

Psyllium is most commonly used for treating constipation and is the active ingredient in over-the-counter laxative products such as Metamucil and Bulk-K. Consult your doctor before you begin taking psyllium for colon health, or...

What Are the Causes of Ischemic Bowel Disease?

Ischemic bowel disease occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the intestines becomes blocked or narrowed. Ischemic bowel disease has many possible causes and several risk factors that influence its development. The exten...

Diseases of the Colon or Intestinal Tract

The duodenum signals the stomach to stop emptying and aids in digestion and nutrient absorption. The jejunum and ileum aid in absorption of fats and other nutrients, according to the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. The la...

Diseases of the Colon & Anus

The colon, which makes up part of the large intestine, is a long tube at the end of the digestive system where the body makes and stores fecal matter. The anus is the opening at the end of the digestive tract where the fecal ma...

The Disadvantages of Colon Hydrotherapy

However, before self-treating or beginning any form of alternative or complementary medicine, discuss safety and efficacy issues with your primary health care provider. Colon hydrotherapy comes with a few disadvantages that you...

How to Use Magnesium Citrate for Bowel Colon Prep

A colonoscopy is a type of medical procedure that allows a health care provider to view inside the colon and intestines for causes of unusual bowel problems like constipation, diarrhea and bleeding. To fulfill this procedure th...

Inner Colon Health & Hydrotherapy

It's a process of cleansing the colon with water to improve colon health. The National Council Against Health Fraud explains that proponents of colon hydrotherapy believe that all diseases begin in your colon. By

Diet for Healthy Colon

The colon is also home to several good bacteria, which help make vitamins and enzymes, and play a role in improving the immune system, controlling cholesterol and preventing certain cancers, according to the website Jackson/Sei...

Diseases of the Small Bowel

The small bowel is the principal site of digestion and absorption, receiving food from the stomach and delivering undigested fecal material to the colon. Diseases of the small bowel range from mild, short-term disorders to seve...

Colon Polyps That Cause Cancer

A colon polyp is a small cluster of cells that forms on the inner lining of the colon, which is the last segment of the digestive tract. Some polyps are benign, such as inflammatory or pseudo polyps, and do not become cancerous...

Colon Polyp Symptoms

Colon polyps appear as raised, flat or stalk-like growths of tissue on the surface of the large intestine. Colon polyps typically don't cause cancer, but some types of polyps can become cancerous. Polyps don’t produce sym...

What Are the Complications of a Colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is a procedure used to directly visualize the colon. The physician inserts a camera connected to a tube inside the anus and into the large intestine. The procedure is able to detect ulcers, abnormal growths and in...

Preparing for a Colonoscopy & Endoscopy

Colonoscopy is an examination of the large intestine through a scope placed into the body at the rectum. It is performed routinely every 10 years beginning at age 50 unless symptoms require the study be done earlier. Upper gast...

Preparing for a Colonoscopy With Miralax

A colonoscopy is a procedure in which a physician inserts a flexible tube with a camera through the rectum and uses it to see the entire length of the colon. The colonoscopy procedure has become increasingly important in diagno...

What Are the Symptoms of Spastic Colon?

Spastic colon is another name for irritable bowel syndrome, a condition that causes muscles in the small and large intestine to contract abnormally. FamilyDoctor.org, a website of the American Academy of Family Physicians, stat...

Reasons for Colonoscopy Procedure to Be Aborted

A colonoscopy procedure fails and aborts when the physician cannot advance the endoscopy tube to the juncture of the colon and small bowel. A number of events can complicate the procedure and cause this colorectal screening too...

What are the Risks With a Colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is a screening technique designed to discover the presence of colorectal polyps and cancer. Colonoscopies facilitate the diagnosis and prevention of colorectal cancer. During the procedure, the doctor examines the...

Side Effects of Colonoscopy Prep

A colonoscopy is a procedure that enables a gastroenterologist to examine the colon for tumors, ulcers, inflammation and sites of bleeding. Colonoscopy preps are medications prescribed to remove fecal matter from the colon to f...

Types of Anesthetics for a Colonoscopy

According to the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, a colonoscopy is a test that enables a gastroenterologist to examine the inner lining of the colon and rectum. A colonoscopy helps detect colon problems such as c...

Complications of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

According to Family Doctor, about 500,000 people in the United States have this disease. No one is sure what causes inflammatory bowel disease. It can occur in any segment of the GI tract---from the mouth to the rectum---but mo...

Guidelines for Colonoscopies

The colonoscopy is an exam of the colon using a colonoscope, which is a long, thin, flexible tube with a camera and light at the end. The operator of the colonoscope can steer it through the colon, see images of the colon linin...

The Effects of Reverse Breathing

Reverse breathing -- also called Taoist breathing -- reverses the natural in-out movement of the stomach found in natural breathing. It occurs when the diaphragm is pulled into the chest during inhalation and drops down into th...

Contagious Diseases of the Colon

Contagious disease of the colon typically causes diarrhea and abdominal cramping. Most of these diseases resolve on their own and are not life-threatening. A few have serious consequences associated with them. Clostriudium diff...

How to Cope With Preparation for a Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is a medical procedure that is administered to examine the lower sections of the digestive system for abnormalities. The procedure itself can provoke anxiety, but is usually painless due to anesthesia. The prepara...

Fruits That Flush the Colon

The digestive system works naturally at removing waste and toxins from your body. However, you can add more fiber to your diet to help the waste move through your colon easier. Dr. Michael Picco, a gastroenterologist at the May...

Colon Flush Diets

Eating fast foods that are low in fiber and high in refined flour, saturated fat and refined sugar, can lead to irregularity and weight gain. Eating a whole foods diet and including certain herbs and herbal teas can flush the c...

Blockage of the Small Bowel

Blockage of the small bowel, or small bowel obstruction, is a blockage in the small intestine that impedes the normal passage of fluid and digested material. The blockage is categorized as partial or complete. Most partial smal...

Drugs For a Colonoscopy

According to the American College of Gastroenterology, a colonoscopy procedure is conducted to detect colon problems such as colon polyps, ulcers, inflammation and bleeding. Colonoscopy is also used to diagnose colon diseases s...

What Causes Inflammatory Bowel Disease?

Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, causes chronic inflammation of the intestinal tract. The inflammation can also involve organs other than the intestines. Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are the two most common inflamm...

Alternatives to a Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is a medical procedure designed to prevent and detect colorectal cancer. A colonoscopy examines the entire colon and rectum for polyps and any abnormalities. Polyps and abnormalities may be benign or cancerous. Th...

About Inflammatory Bowel Disease

About 10 in every 100,000 people in the United States have IBD, according to Dr. Jean-Paul Achkar of the Cleveland Clinic. IBD is characterized by remissions and relapses of varying intensity. Ulcerative colitis affects only th...

Supplements for Colon Health

Supporting your colon's health is important to maintaining peak physical condition, and a variety of good lifestyle habits such as exercise, adequate water and a good diet contribute to this. As an addition to these habits, die...

Types of Colonoscopy Preps

A colonoscopy is a procedure that enables a gastroenterologist to examine the lining of the colon and rectum for abnormalities such as colon cancer, ulcerations, bleeding and inflammation. The colon must be completely clean for...

Colon Hydrotherapy Information

As early as 1500 B.C., Egyptians believed in maintaining health by using enemas fashioned out of cat skin to flush their colons of waste. Over 3500 years later, people all over the world use colon hydrotherapy in the belief tha...

What are the Recommendations for Colonoscopy Screenings?

The goal of colonoscopy screenings is to detect colorectal cancer and reduce its incidence and mortality. Colonoscopy, an invasive procedure, examines the rectum and the entire colon, looking for precancerous and cancerous grow...

Common Colon Polyps

Colon polyps occur on the lining of the colon. While most colon polyps are benign, certain types develop into colon cancer. Middle-aged and older adults are more likely to have colon polyps. Further, the development of colon po...

What Are the Treatments for Malignant Colon Polyps?

A malignant colon polyp--also known as colon cancer--occurs in the large intestine. Most cases of colon cancer begin as a small noncancerous polyp that becomes malignant over time. There were 106,100 new cases of colon cancer i...

Different Kinds of Colon Problems

The colon, or large intestine, absorbs water and salts while moving fecal material toward the rectum. Disruption of normal colon structure and function can occur with a variety of medical conditions. Congenital defects, interru...

Colon Health Benefits

A healthy colon or large intestine harbors friendly bacteria, absorbs needed nutrients and blocks absorption of unwanted microorganisms that can cause disease. Dietary fiber enhances the health of the colon, and a healthy colon...

Colon Disease Symptoms

The colon, also called the large intestine, is a five-foot long tube that connects to the small intestine at one end and the rectum at the other end. The colon absorbs up to three pints of water a day plus nutrients, and consol...

Colonoscopy Side Effects

A colonoscopy is a procedure conducted by a gastroenterologist in order to view the inside of the colon and rectum. A colonoscopy can help detect colon abnormalities such as cancerous growths, colon inflammation and colon ulcer...

Colonic Hydrotherapy Procedures

If you are suffering from constipation, severe headaches, backaches, abdominal gas, bloating or diarrhea, one treatment option to explore is colonic hydrotherapy. This alternative form of treatment advocates cleansing the colon...

Different Colon Diseases

The colon, or large bowel, connects the small intestine to the rectum. The primary functions of the colon are absorption of water and salt and transport of fecal material to the rectum. Infection, inflammation and structural an...

Common Anesthetics for a Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is a procedure used to view the inside of the colon and rectum. According to the American Gastroenterology Association, a colonoscopy is an important procedure used to detect colorectal cancer, colon ulcers, and i...

What Are the Benefits of a Colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is a medical procedure in which a long flexible tube known as a colonoscope is inserted into the colon in order to detect colon abnormalities. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidn...

Different Types of Colonoscopy Preps

Schanz. In the United States, gastroenterologists rely on sodium phosphate or polyethylene glycol cleansers, according to Cleveland Clinic gastroenterologist Ashish Atreja and colleagues. Many people risk dehydration from b...

Medications to Stop Before a Colonoscopy

Many people take prescribed or over-the-counter medications they must stop using before a colonoscopy. It proves important to comply with these drug restrictions, and if not, it proves crucial for people to tell their doctor th...

Vitamins for the Colon

The colon, or lower intestine, is the most important region of human digestive system. It is the final part of solid food's journey through the body system, which begins with the mouth ingesting food, the stomach's digestion of...

Colonoscopy Risks to the Elderly

About 20 percent of routine colonoscopy patients in the United States are 65 years and older, according to New York gastroenterologists Lawrence B. Cohen and Christina Tennyson. However, many older individuals are insufficientl...

How to Prep a 4 Year Old for a Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is a test that examines the colon for abnormalities and causes of underlying conditions. Doctors insert a small flexible tube with a light and camera attached into the rectum. The scope takes pictures of the colon...

Colonoscopy Prep Complications

Around 4 to 5 million people in the United States undergo colonoscopy, a procedure done under sedation that examines the inner lining of the colon, the lower part of the intestine, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality...

How Can I Make the Prep for a Colonoscopy Easier?

About a day before a colonoscopy, you will have to drink a very unappealing solution commonly called colon prep. The solution works by evacuating everything from the small intestine to the lower large intestine, called the colo...

How to Prep for a Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is a procedure conducted to see inside the colon and rectum. It is a useful screening tool that detects potentially life-threatening conditions as well as clues to diagnose bowel or abdominal issues. Preparing for...

Colectomy Effects

Colectomy is a term used to describe the surgical removal of the colon, also known as the large intestine. Surgeons perform the operation to treat cancer, diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis and some types of trauma. Colectomy h...

Complications From Colostomy Surgery

A colostomy may also become necessary to rest the elimination tract, which includes the colon, rectum and anus, due to complications of disease, injury or bowel obstruction. Whatever the case, a patient should discuss the minor...

Causes of Small Bowel Obstructions

Small bowel obstruction occurs when the small intestine becomes blocked, either from within the bowel itself or from an external source, thus preventing food, liquid and gas from passing adequately through the intestinal tract....

Vitamins for a Strong Colon

Excluding skin cancers, colorectal cancer is the third most common diagnosed cancer in the United States. One in 19 Americans develops the disease. Thankfully, there are ways to reduce the risk, including eating a healthy diet ...

Inflammatory Breast Diseases

The breasts contain a number of cell and tissue types that make up the ducts, lobules and the nipple, which support lactation. The breast also contains fat cells, blood vessels, connective tissue and lymph nodes that support br...

What Are Some Types of Bacteria?

Many types of bacteria can inhabit or infect the human body. Those that live harmlessly in or on the body are colonizers. Bacteria that cause disease are pathogens. Certain bacteria may be colonizers, but can cause disease unde...

What Are the Causes of Yellow Stools?

Yellow stool, also known as pale stool, may be an indicator of a serious medical illness. There are several medical conditions that may cause yellow bowel movements. If bowel movements that are yellowish in color are seen, an e...

Common Colon Diseases

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 t...

Risks of Colon Hydrotherapy

Colon hydrotherapy, also called colonic irrigation, is an alternative health care practice intended to cleanse toxins and built-up waste from the colon, also known as the bowel and large intestine. The procedure is said to keep...

What Are the Treatments for Colon Polyps?

Colon polyps left untreated can become a host to the development of colorectal cancer, which, according to the American College of Gastroenterology, is the second most common cancer--asymptomatic in most cases, and deadly. Howe...

Side Effects of Colon Hydrotherapy

Minerals are sometimes added to the water during a colon hydrotherapy treatment, and this type of treatment is frequently used for weight loss and detoxification purposes but can have side effects like removing healthy bacteria...

Discussion on Colonoscopy

The colonoscopy is an examination of the colon using an instrument called a colonoscope. The colonoscope has a camera and light at the tip of a long, thin, flexible tube. The physician directs it around bends in the colon as ...

Colonoscopy Indications

Colonoscopy is an internal examination of the large intestine using a small camera attached to a flexible pipe, or a colonoscope. This procedure can also take tissue samples of the colon in order to look for a microscopic chang...

Feline Inflammatory Bowel Disease Symptoms

According to the Cat Fanciers Association, gastrointestinal disorders are a common reason for veterinary visits in feline medicine. The causes of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are variable, and often no single source is iden...

Types of Colon Polyps

The intestine is a long hollow tube surrounded by muscle that extends from the stomach to the anus. The portion of the intestine just prior to the rectum is called the colon, and is part of the large intestine. The Mayo Clinic ...

About Seronegative Arthritis

The seronegative arthritis family of joint pain is characterized by the combination of joint pains as well as non-joint manifestations. The four syndromes are ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, Reiter's syndrome/reac...

Complications of Colostomy Reversal Surgery

A colostomy is a opening made in a part of the colon (large bowel) to allow the evacuation of feces for collection in external bag attached to the skin. A colostomy may be performed for various reasons, the most common of which...

Information on Spastic Colons

Spastic colon, known medically as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), is a painful and sometimes embarrassing condition that affects the intestinal tract. One in five Americans is affected by the disorder, which affects more women ...

Inflammatory Bowel Disease Facts

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that more than 1.4 million people in the U.S. live with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a group of diseases that affect the intestines in people from 15 to 35. IBD ...

Healthy Colon Diet

Diseases and conditions that affect the colon, or large intestine, are common and can range in severity from uncomfortable to life-threatening. The relationship between nutrition and intestinal health is inherent as the primary...

Clinical Features of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Persistent diarrhea and abdominal pain can indicate symptoms belonging to a group of disorders known as inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD. There are two types of inflammatory diseases---Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. ...

Types of Bowel Disease

There are several types of bowel diseases. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one bowel disease, colorectal cancer, is the second highest cause of all cancer deaths. In 2006, over 53,000 Americans died...

Colon Hydrotherapy Process

For a sluggish colon, herbs such as cascara sagrada and buckthorn can also be taken the night before to stimulate bowel movements. According to the Clayton College of Natural Health Herb Guide, cascara sagrada is a natural laxa...

Medications to Avoid Before a Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is a diagnostic procedure performed by a gastroenterologist with the purpose of examining the lower intestine or colon. A colonoscope, which is a long flexible device, is inserted into the rectum and passed throug...

What Is the Progression of the Disease Colon Cancer?

Doctors think that all cases of colon cancer originally begin as small growths called polyps, according to GIHealth.com. These polyps are benign, which means that they are not cancerous. The cells in these polyps, however, have...

What is a Spastic Colon?

Spastic colon is another term for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which is a common disorder that affects the large intestine (colon), according to the Mayo Clinic. The Mayo Clinic states IBS causes spontaneous contractions of ...

What Are the Different Types of Colon Polyps?

Polyps are abnormal growths of the mucus membranes and can occur anywhere in the body. Colon polyps grow on the mucus membranes (lining) of the large intestine. They are caused by heredity (inherited or familiar disorder), abno...

What are the Symptoms of a Spastic Colon?

A spastic colon---also referred to as irritable bowel syndrome---is a chronic medical condition associated with the large intestine (colon). The cause of this common condition is unknown, but treatment strategies are available ...

What Is Colazal?

Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis (UC) are the two main forms of inflammatory bowel disease. Ulcerative colitis is a chronic condition marked by inflammation affecting the lining of the colon (large intestines) only. The s...

Colon Diseases

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDKD) reports that the colon, also called the large intestine, is approximately five feet long. The main function of the colon is to absorb salt and water ...

About Colonoscopies

The colon, also known as the large intestine, is responsible for the absorption of water and some nutrients as well as the compaction of feces. Sometimes the inside of the large intestine may need to be visualized, whether it's...

Colon Polyps Symptoms

Colon polyps are groups of tissue that grow inside the large intestine. Most polyps are not dangerous, but they can be cancerous, according to Medline Plus. Risk factors for developing polyps include being over the age of 50, a...

Enemas in Adults

There are many reasons to want to completely clean the colon as an adult. An enema is designed to do just that. It has a thin, slender tip made to insert directly into the anus where it will reside in the exit of the anus. Sque...

Healthy Colon Foods

Keeping your colon healthy is important for preventing constipation, which can lead to an infection called diverticulitis. This painful disorder sometimes requires surgery and can result in complications including cancer, accor...

Colon Hydrotherapy Procedures

Colon hydrotherapy is a cleansing method using enemas or other equipment (such as colonics) to introduce water into the colon. The Northern Michigan Holistic Health Alliance, an organization that promotes ethical practices and ...

Gotschall Diet

The Gotschall Diet, also known as the Specific Carbohydrate Diet, can help improve symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease such as diarrhea, pain, cramping and bloating. Patients use the diet to treat Crohn's disease and ulcerat...

Bowel Diseases

In the human body, the bowel is composed of the large intestine (colon) and the rectum. After you eat a meal, the ingested food is passed along the bowel where nutrients are absorbed and excess waste is excreted through the rec...

Types of Sigmoid Colon Polyps

Colon polyps are clumps of cells that form in the lining of the large intestine or rectum. There are several types of polyps. Some of these polyps are benign, or noncancerous, while other types may become malignant over time. A...

How to Lose Weight With Colon Cleanser

Some health care providers believe a colon cleanse can benefit your health in many ways by ridding the body of toxins. But it's also a great way to jump-start a weight loss program. A typical cleanse includes components of fast...

Types of Polyps in the Colon

Colon polyps are growths that protrude from the surface of the colon. There are several types of colon polyps, including adenomatous polyps, hyperplastic polyps, and inflammatory polyps. Colon polyps are considered to be precur...

Three Types of Colon Polyps

Colon polyps are protrusions that can arise from the surface of the colon (also known as the large intestine), according to the National Digestive Disease Information Clearinghouse. They are precursors to colon cancer, one of t...

Side Effects of Colonoscopy Screening

A colonoscopy is a medical procedure that allows your doctor to view the inside of your colon and rectum. Typically, this procedure is used to detect ulcers, inflamed tissue or abnormal growths or tumors within the colon. Durin...

Symptoms of a Partial Bowel Blockage

A partial bowel blockage, also called a partial bowel obstruction, is a condition in which your intestines are partially blocked. This blockage can stop or slow the passage of fecal material through your bowels. If you have a p...

How Does Asacol Work?

Asacol is a brand of the generic medication mesalamine. It is used to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Two different disorders are classified as inflammatory bowel disease: ulcerative colitis and Crohn's Disease. Inflamm...

Pros & Cons for Having a Colonoscopy

During a colonoscopy, the rectum and entire colon of patients are examined using a colonoscope, which is thin, tube-like instrument with a small camera. A colonoscope is inserted into the colon through the anus. This facilitat...

Side Effects of a Partial Colectomy

A partial colectomy is the surgical removal of a section of the colon. This surgery is used to treat a number of diseases and conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer, bowel obstruction and bowel perf...

Inflammatory Joint Diseases

Inflammation is a general term that describes swelling, redness and pain after exposure to an irritant. This irritant can be anything from trauma to bacteria. There are many categories of inflammatory joint diseases, and many f...

Colon Obstruction Symptoms

A colon obstruction occurs when intestinal adhesions, hernias, tumors, inflammation or other structural problems in the intestines block the passage through the large bowel. Obstructions can be partial or complete. While partia...

Symptoms of a Polyp or Growth in the Colon

A colon polyp is a growth on the surface of the colon. Though most small polyps tend to be benign, larger ones may be cancerous or pre-cancerous. Heredity, lifestyle and diet are believed to play a large role in the formation o...

How to Clean the Colon for Weight Loss

When trying to lose weight, it is important to find the reason for your excess weight. Sometimes, fat intake, exercise and metabolism are not responsible for weight gain and retention. A blocked colon can add pounds quickly and...

How to Find a Polyp During a Colonoscopy Procedure

Colonoscopies are commonly used to examine patients for polyps in their colons. Polyp detection is important because colon polyps can be a precursor for colon cancer. Consequently, colonoscopies should be done regularly (approx...

Colon Disease Signs and Symptoms

A diseased colon can cause major issues in a person's digestive tract. Depending on the severity of the disease, a person may experience anything from a slight discomfort to death. Knowing the signs of a diseased colon can go a...

How to Cleanse the Colon for Weight Loss

Colon cleansing programs have been used to improve health since ancient times. More recently, they have been advocated for weight loss. Weight loss is an obvious side effect from fasting and cleansing, but it is not the only be...

The Benefits of Rutin

Rutin is a supplement touted for its bioflavonoid (compound found in citrus fruits) properties. The typical uses for ruitin include treating poor blood circulation, hemorrhoids, skin bruising and varicose veins. In addition, ru...

Colectomy Operative Procedures

A colectomy may be required to remove the organ that sits at the end of the digestive system in order to prevent the spread of disease or to treat a condition that affects the colon, report doctors at the Mayo Clinic. A colecto...

Anemia of Inflammatory Disease Facts

Anemia of inflammatory disease, also known as anemia of chronic disease, is well known consequence of chronic inflammation. It is usually detected during routine blood work.

How Does a Colonoscopy Procedure Work?

Colonoscopy is a procedure that that allows a physician to use a lighted, flexible tube, known as a colonoscope, to view the interior of the rectum and large intestine (colon) and look for abnormalities that could lead to colon...

What Are the Benefits of Colonic Hydrotherapy?

Colonic hydrotherapy is a term used to describe the cleansing of the colon in an effort to eliminate the buildup of toxins and other unhealthy substances inside the large intestine. High-powered enemas are used to perform this ...

How to Cleanse the Colon to Lose Weight

Colon cleansing involves using products to bring on frequent bowel movements to remove toxins from the body. This process can reverse poor digestive health that is a result of an unhealthy diet. Keep in mind that colon cleansin...

Signs of an Impacted Colon

An impacted colon is the presence of hard, dry stool in the rectum. This condition is also known as a fecal impaction. There are several signs of an impacted colon that give health professionals the information they need to m...

Causes of an Impacted Colon

Impacted colon, also known as fecal impaction, occurs when stool becomes hard and dry and is difficult to eliminate from the rectum. As the impaction worsens, it may cause symptoms such as small stools, straining during bowel ...

About Entocort EC

Endocort EC is an oral medication used to treat Crohn's disease, an inflammatory bowel disease that affects the colon. Endocort is manufactured by Prometheus Therapeutics and Diagnostics; the generic name for the medication is ...

How to Clean the Colon to Lose Weight

According to the Global College of Natural Medicine, weight loss is practically guaranteed with a proper colon cleanse. While it may be true that a person can lose two to five pounds by completing a colon cleanse, these results...

The Best Foods for a Healthy Colon

Many health-conscious people are familiar with the term heart-healthy when it comes to diet. Eating healthy foods also applies to your colon. Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, so ea...

About Spastic Colon

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), also known as spastic colon, affects as many as one in five Americans, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC). Stress can worsen the problem, resulting in ...

Signs of Colon Polyps

Colon polyps, though generally harmless, can become cancerous. They form along the lining of your colon and are usually asymptomatic. The symptoms that do exist can also be related to other conditions, so the only way to receiv...

About Chron's Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a general term used to describe conditions that cause the intestines to become inflamed. Crohn's disease is a type of IBD that affects the digestive tract in multiple areas. This disease can ...

Colon & Rectum Problems

The rectum is the last part of the digestive system, and the colon, which is also called the large intestine, precedes it. Food passes into the colon from the small intestine. Water and nutrients are absorbed into the body, the...

About Diseases of the Colon & Rectum

The small bowel and large bowel make up the digestive tract. The first part of the large bowel is the colon, and it is in this location that water is absorbed into the body from digested food. The rectum is the second part of t...

What Are the Benefits of Colon Hydrotherapy?

Colon hydrotherapy, also known as a colonic, is a process where a water-based solution is introduced into the colon through the rectum and then removed. Its proponents believe that this procedure removes dangerous toxins from ...

About Colon Disease in Babies

When many people hear the term "colon disease," they tend to think about colon cancer and the preventive measures older adults may take to screen for the disease. Colon disease is not restricted to adults and is not always canc...

What Causes Collitis?

Colitis is an uncomfortable and at times painful inflammation of the colon. The colon's main job is to absorb water from the fecal matter and solidify feces. When the cells of the colon get inflamed, water absorption becomes im...

How Is a Colonoscopy Test Done?

Your colon contains the last portion of your digestive tract and the rectum. Also referred to as the large intestine, it begins where the small intestine ends. Occasionally you may experience symptoms that involve the colon, su...