The large intestine plays a crucial role in digestion, but diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome, colon cancer, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease can cause discomfort and serious health problems. These diseases have different causes and symptoms, but early detection and treatment can improve outcomes.
Diseases of the large intestine include irritable bowel syndrome, colon cancer, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. A hollow organ located in the lower abdomen, the large intestine plays an important role in the digestive process. Made up of the cecum, colon, rectum, and anal canal, the large intestine extends from the small intestine to the anus and helps absorb nutrients and water. People who have difficulty with this area of their body may be suffering from one of many diseases of the large intestine.
Irritable bowel syndrome, also known as nervous indigestion, occurs when the colon contracts excessively. When food is forced through the large intestine faster than usual, it causes gas, bloating and diarrhea. With irritable bowel syndrome, sometimes the opposite occurs and when food moves too slowly it leads to hard, dry stools. Emotional stress and certain medications can often make symptoms worse. Certain foods and drinks such as milk, soda, alcohol, and fruits and vegetables can cause discomfort for people with irritable bowel syndrome.
Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is another of the most common diseases of the large intestine. Polyps can sometimes develop in the large intestine and progress to cancer over time. Smoking and consuming a diet consisting of foods high in fat and low in fiber can often lead to colon cancer. Additional risk factors for colon cancer include older age and a family history of colon cancer. If caught early, colon cancer is highly treatable, but if it’s not, the cancer can spread throughout the body, leading to terminal cancer.
Ulcerative colitis typically affects people between the ages of 15 and 30. An inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis is often characterized by cramping, abdominal pain, and bloody stools caused by the growth of sores in the large intestine. The exact cause of ulcerative colitis remains unknown, but it is thought to be related to an overactive immune system. In some extreme cases, ulcerative colitis can lead to bleeding and ruptures of the colon.
Crohn’s disease is another inflammatory bowel disease that affects the large intestine. Like some other diseases of the large intestine, Crohn’s disease is characterized by abdominal pain and constant diarrhea. If the disease becomes severe enough, it can lead to blockage of the large intestine, as well as ulcers that can poke holes in other organs. The cause of Crohn’s disease isn’t easily known, but research indicates that the disease could be genetic and also related to the immune system. Chhon disease is treatable with lifestyle changes and medications, and sometimes surgery.
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