Colon Health Problems

The colon, also known as the large intestine, is an integral part of the human digestive system that is vulnerable to a variety of health problems, ranging from lesions to cancer. All ingested food passes through the colon, where it is processed, stripped of nutrients and digested before being pushed out as waste through the rectum. The colon is exposed to a multitude of elements, including hormone secretions, digestive acids and food-borne pathogens that increase its risk of developing a health condition.

Colon Polyps

• Colon polyps are small and benign growths of cells inside the intestinal tract that are a moderately common condition among individuals over the age of 40. These cells form on the lining of the colon and can produce several unsavory side effects, including blood in stools, pain through the torso and irregularity of bowel movements. They are more common in individuals who eat a low-fiber diet, consume too much fat or are overweight. Colon polyps are removed once they are discovered, as some of them may develop into colon cancer if allowed to grow for a long period of time.

Colon Cancer

• Colon cancer is one of the most serious types of colon health problems. In 2008, the American Cancer Society estimated 108,000 people would be diagnosed with colon cancer by the end of that year (see "Additional Resources," below). Colon cancer frequently grows from a specific type of noncancerous colon polyps. Symptoms of colon cancer include sudden onset of long-term diarrhea or constipation, blood in stools, abnormal amounts of gas, abdominal discomfort and frequent intestinal cramping. Colon cancer may be prevented or cleared up if it is caught early, which is why regular screenings, colonoscopies and body scans in individuals over 40 are recommended.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

• Many individuals suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), also known as a spastic colon. This episodic disorder is triggered by emotion or physical stress and produces uncomfortable symptoms such as frequent cramping, bloating and oscillating bouts of severe constipation and severe diarrhea. IBS is a physically harmless disorder; however, it often causes significant anguish and stress in the individual who suffers from it. Doctors are not clear on the causes of IBS or why it affects one person and not another, and there is currently no medication that cures it. Treatment for IBS focuses on relieving the specific symptoms and encouraging lifestyle changes to prevent future episodes.

Diverticulitis

• Another colon health problem is diverticulitis, the formation of bulbous pouches inside the large intestine. Diverticulitis is common in individuals over the age of 40; however, it only shows symptoms when one or more of the pouches become infected, irritated or inflamed. The resulting symptoms include pain throughout the torso, nausea, alterations in bowel movement and a persistent low fever. Antibiotics and diet adjustment are the most common treatments for mild to moderate diverticulitis; however, serious instances of infection may require the removal of infected areas of the intestine by surgery.

Ulcerative Colitis

• Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a colon health problem that creates the consistent swelling of the lining of the large intestine. UC is similar to Crohn's disease, another inflammatory colon disease, and if left untreated may result in dangerous complications such as internal bleeding. Common symptoms of colitis include diarrhea, vomiting and severe abdominal pain, especially after ingesting high-fat foods or foods rich in complex carbohydrates. Sufferers often experience nutrient loss, anemia and weight loss due to the issues surrounding their digestion. There is no cure for UC--only dietary therapies and symptom-specific treatment.