All Colon health Articles

by Mary Mihaly and Jacquelyn Rudis We look forward to our later years as a time for plenty of travel, reflection, playing with grandkids, volunteering—not to mention spending our hard-earned retirement savings! Sadly, for too many older people, their "golden years" are a time of pain and despair. An estimated 18%-25% of elders need care for depression and related mental health disorders, Read more...

(Colonic Ileus, Ogilvie’s Syndrome, Acute Colonic Pseudo-obstruction, Acute Nontoxic Megacolon) by Krisha McCoy, MSDefinition In intestinal pseudo-obstruction, foods and liquids are unable to pass through the intestine, causing a build-up of food, fluid, and gas in all or part of the colon. The symptoms of this condition acts like a mechanical bowel obstruction, but no blockage is found when Read more...

(IBD, Crohn's Disease, Regional Enteritis, Ileitis, Granulomatous Ileocolitis, Ulcerative Colitis) by Diana KohnleDefinitionInflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is the term used for a group of diseases and disorders that affect the intestinal tract. IBD causes the intestines to become inflamed and irritated. IBD is a lifelong illness that can be difficult to control. IBD affects about 600,000 Read more...

(VC, CT Colonography)Pronounced: virtual koh-luh-NAHS-kuh-pee by Diana KohnleDefinition A virtual colonoscopy is a procedure in which x-rays and computers produce two and three dimensional images of the entire large intestine. The procedure is used to diagnose colon and bowel disease, diverticulitis, and colon polyps that could lead to cancer. Virtual colonoscopy can be performed with computed Read more...

by Krisha McCoy, MSDefinitionShort bowel syndrome is a complication that can occur in people who have part or all of their small intestine removed.The Small Intestines© 2008 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc.CausesShort bowel syndrome occurs when so much of the small intestine is removed (usually half or more) that there is inadequate surface area in the small intestine for the absorption of vitamins Read more...

(Antibiotic-associated Diarrhea, Clostridium difficile-induced Colitis, C diff) by Krisha McCoy, MSDefinition Antibiotic-associated colitis is an inflammation of the colon (a part of the large intestine). This condition results in diarrhea . Normal Anatomy of the Intestines© 2008 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc.Causes Antibiotic-associated colitis is caused by a growth of harmful bacteria (often the Read more...

(Colonic Angiodysplasia, Arteriovenous Malformations [AVM] of the Colon) by Krisha McCoy, MS Definition Angiodysplasia of the colon occurs when enlarged and fragile blood vessels in the colon result in occasional bleeding in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. If you think you may have this condition, contact your doctor immediately. Normal Anatomy of the Intestines© 2008 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc. Read more...

by Urmila R. Parlikar, MS As you get older, you may begin to worry about things you never gave much thought to in the past: retirement savings, your will, regular bowel movements. Bowel movements ? Older people, it seems, can become preoccupied with having a daily bowel movement. Concerns about regularity are so prevalent, in fact, that many older adults end up abusing laxatives. Older people Read more...

(Adynamic Ileus, Paralytic Ileus, Nonmechanical Bowel Obstruction, Ogilvie’s Syndrome, Colonic Pseudo-obstruction) by Michelle Badash, MSDefinitionIleus is a type of bowel obstruction. It results when peristalsis stops. Peristalsis is the wavelike contractions that help push stool through the colon and small bowel. Ileus is a “nonmechanical” bowel obstruction. The other type of obstruction Read more...

(Congenital Megacolon, Colonic Aganglionosis) by Michelle Badash, MSDefinitionHirschsprung's disease is a rare congenital disorder—affecting about 1 in 5,000 US newborns—that results in an obstruction of the bowel. This prevents normal bowel movements. It usually occurs as an isolated finding but can also be part of a syndrome.CausesHirschsprung's disease is caused by the absence of certain Read more...

by Michelle Badash, MSDefinitionFamilial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is a rare, inherited type of colorectal cancer. FAP results in the development of hundreds of polyps inside the large intestine.Colon Polyp© 2008 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc.CausesFAP is caused by a genetic defect. Polyps usually begin developing during puberty, and 90% of people with FAP will have polyps by age 25. By the age of Read more...

DefinitionColon polyps are growths on the lining of the colon or rectum. The colon and the rectum are parts of the large intestine, which is part of the digestive system. The two most common kinds of polyp are adenomatous polyps and hyperplastic polyps. Adenomatous polyps can become larger over time and may develop into cancer. Hyperplastic polyps do not increase in size and only rarely become Read more...

by Michelle Badash, MSMain Page | Risk Factors | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | Screening | Reducing Your Risk | Talking to Your Doctor | Living With Colorectal Cancer | Resource GuideYou have a unique medical history. Therefore, it is essential to talk with your doctor or healthcare provider about your personal risk factors and/or experience with colorectal cancer. By talking openly and Read more...

by Michelle Badash, MSMain Page | Risk Factors | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | Screening | Reducing Your Risk | Talking to Your Doctor | Living With Colorectal Cancer | Resource Guide Common symptoms of colorectal cancer include: Change in bowel habitsBlood (either bright red or black and tarry) in the stool(feces)Stools that are narrower than usualDiarrhea, constipation, or feeling that Read more...

by Michelle Badash, MSMain Page | Risk Factors | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | Screening | Reducing Your Risk | Talking to Your Doctor | Living With Colorectal Cancer | Resource GuideThe purpose of screening is early diagnosis and treatment. Screening tests are usually administered to people without current symptoms, but who may be at high risk for certain diseases or conditions.Screening Read more...

by Michelle Badash, MSMain Page | Risk Factors | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | Screening | Reducing Your Risk | Talking to Your Doctor | Living With Colorectal Cancer | Resource GuideA risk factor is something that increases your likelihood of getting a disease or condition.It is possible to develop colorectal cancer with or without the risk factors listed below. However, the more risk Read more...

by Michelle Badash, MSMain Page | Risk Factors | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | Screening | Reducing Your Risk | Talking to Your Doctor | Living With Colorectal Cancer | Resource GuideNational Cancer InstituteAddress:6116 Executive BLVD, RM 3036ABethesda, MD 20892-2580Phone:1-800-422-6237Internet address:http://www.cancer.govDescription of services provided:This website provides information Read more...

by Michelle Badash, MSMain Page | Risk Factors | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | Screening | Reducing Your Risk | Talking to Your Doctor | Living With Colorectal Cancer | Resource GuideGeneral GuidelinesEat a healthful diet.Exercise regularly.Avoid obesity.Stop smoking.Use alcohol in moderation.Eat a Healthful DietDiets that are high in fat (particularly fat from animal sources, such as meat) Read more...

by Michelle Badash, MSMain Page | Risk Factors | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | Screening | Reducing Your Risk | Talking to Your Doctor | Living With Colorectal Cancer | Resource GuideYour doctor will first review your medical history, then give you a complete medical exam. One or more of the following tests may be performed:Digital Rectal Exam —Your healthcare provider will examine the Read more...

by Editorial Staff and Contributors To see an animated version of this procedure, click Procedure InMotion . DefinitionA visual exam of the rectum and the lower portion of the colon, called the sigmoid colon, with an instrument called a flexible sigmoidoscope. This instrument shines light and allows the doctor to view the inside of the intestine (bowel) through a tiny video camera. Sigmoidoscopy Read more...