Colonic Disease Types, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Colonic Disease - Types, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Published on Mar 09, 2023  - 5 min read
Introduction:
The colon is a part of the large intestine. The colon disease causes symptoms like altered bowel movements, pain or discomfort, blood in stools, etc. These conditions are diagnosed by performing a colonoscopy. The treatment depends on the extent of the disease where medications or surgical procedures are recommended.

What Are Colon and Its Function?

The large intestine has two segments, the colon, and the rectum. The colon measures around five feet long, and the rectum is around six inches in length. The colon forms the continuation from the small intestine, where the partially digested food from the small intestine is transferred to the colon. The colon removes the excess water, nutrients, and electrolytes from the incompletely digested food and forms a solid waste product, termed stool. The stool is stored in the rectum and finally excreted out of the body through the anus.

What Are the Types of Colonic Disease?

Colon diseases can be classified as functional or structural disorders. In functional disorders, the colon looks normal with no abnormalities. However, an issue in the functioning of the colon affects the colon and the rectum. And the causes are unknown. In contrast, in structural disorders, an abnormality is detected in the colon that requires surgical intervention.
Functional Disorder of the Colon:

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  Constipation: It is a condition where there are fewer bowel movements less than three times a week. Also, the stools are hard, dry, lump-like, difficult to pass, and have a feeling of incomplete bowel emptying.
  
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    Causes: It can be due to deficient water intake, roughage, or dietary fibers. Poor habits like controlling or delaying going to the bathroom also contribute to constipation.
    
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    Treatment: Intake plenty of water, include fiber-rich foods, and roughage in the diet. Also, fiber supplements like psyllium husk can also be recommended in severe cases.
    

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