Rectal Disease

The rectum is the lower part of your large intestine. Because the rectum's opening is the anus (where stool passes out of the body), the rectal area is prone to infection, bacteria or viruses, which makes problems with the rectum common. Some common rectal diseases include, but are not limited to, hemorrhoids, abscesses, incontinence and cancer. Because rectal diseases can differ in potential for harm, it's good to know the symptoms for some common rectal diseases so you have an idea of how to go about rectifying the problem.

External Symptoms

• Many common rectal diseases, such as hemorrhoids, anal abscesses and anal warts, can be seen by regularly checking your rectal area. Hemorrhoids, the most common of all rectal diseases, is characterized by a large growth around the rectum that bulges out and can be felt (and sometimes seen) around the anus. Anal warts are visible to the naked eye. Abscesses are large, pus-filled, bacterial diseases in and around the rectum that can sometimes cause rashes. If you ever see or feel any foreign growth on or under your skin, consult a physician immediately.

Internal Symptoms

• A common internal symptom of rectal disease is problems with bowel movements. Many diseases in the rectum cause blockage in the lower intestines, causing a lack of bowel movements. Some cause internal bleeding in the intestinal walls or rectum, leading to irritation. If blood is appearing in your stool, consult a doctor right away. If you feel bloated or have stomach pains every time stool passes through the rectum and out of the anus, that could be an indication that you have an open sore in your rectum. Again, consult a doctor right away.

Prevention/Solution

• Preventing most types of rectal diseases is easy to do. Simply be conscious about washing that area. Your anus is one of the largest openings to your body (and one of the most frequently used). Make sure to clean daily with soap and warm water. But don't be too overzealous. Wiping too much can actually irritate the skin, open wounds and force unsanitary excretion back into your anus. As ludicrous as it sounds, buying softer toilet paper can actually help prevent unwanted rectal diseases.

Dietary Suggestions

• Whether or not you are suffering from a rectal disease, it is a good idea to eat a well-balanced meal that is soft on your intestines and even softer coming out.

  First, eliminate foods that are prone to causing diarrhea. Sounds like a no-brainer, but many people don't know all the foods out there that can cause upset stomachs. These include caffeine, alcohol, milk, beans, cabbage, broccoli and the artificial sweeteners sorbitol and xylitol.

  Second, add fiber to your diet and double your water consumption. Expelling stool is the No. 1 way to expel harmful bacteria and unwanted diseases from your body.

  Third, how you eat is just as important as what you eat. The slower you eat, the more seamlessly food will pass through your intestines. Also, if you eat in stress-free environments, the muscles in your stomach will be more relaxed and have more strength to do what they're made to do: digest your food through your body.

Common Rectal Diseases

• According to the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, Crohn's disease causes inflammation of the intestinal tract. Although Crohn's can affect any part of the intestines, most cases of Crohn's involves a person's anus and rectum. Symptoms include cramping, diarrhea and anal drainage. Because of the increase in frequency of bowel movements, without treatment, Crohn's can result in severe weight loss, fevers and skin lesions. Any age group can be affected, but most frequently, Crohn's affects men between the ages of 16 and 40. Although the cause is not yet known, treatment always involves some sort of medicine and in many cases surgery.