A polyp is an extra piece of tissue that grows inside your body. Colonic polyps grow in the large intestine, or colon. Most polyps are not dangerous. However, some polyps may turn into cancer or already be cancer. To be safe, doctors remove polyps and test them.

Most colon polyps do not cause symptoms. If you have symptoms, they may include blood on your underwear or on toilet paper after a bowel movement, blood in your stool, or constipation or diarrhea lasting more than a week.

Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease may also be called ileitis or enteritis.

Crohn's disease is an ongoing disorder that causes inflammation of the digestive tract, also referred to as the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Crohn's disease can affect any area of the GI tract, from the mouth to the anus, but it most commonly affects the lower part of the small intestine, called the ileum. The swelling extends deep into the lining of the affected organ. The swelling can cause pain and can make the intestines empty frequently, resulting in diarrhea.

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease, the general name for diseases that cause swelling in the intestines. Because the symptoms of Crohn's disease are similar to other intestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis, it can be difficult to diagnose. Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation and ulcers in the top layer of the lining of the large intestine. In Crohn's disease, all layers of the intestine may be involved, and normal healthy bowel can be found between sections of diseased bowel.

Crohn's disease affects men and women equally and seems to run in some families. About 20 percent of people with Crohn's disease have a blood relative with some form of inflammatory bowel disease, most often a brother or sister and sometimes a parent or child. Crohn's disease can occur in people of all age groups, but it is more often diagnosed in people between the ages of 20 and 30. People of Jewish heritage have an increased risk of developing Crohn's disease, and African Americans are at decreased risk for developing Crohn's disease.

Colitis

Colitis is an inflammation of the large intestine that can be caused by many different disease processes. These processes include acute and chronic infections, inflammatory disorders (ulcerative colitis, Crohn's colitis, lymphocytic and collagenous colitis), lack of blood flow (ischemic colitis), and history of radiation to the large bowel.

If you have experienced having an unusual pattern of bowel movement, abdominal pain or cramping, bloating, or constipation, that could be a sign of a colon problem. Colon problems may lead to nothing more serious than general discomfort but it can also lead to very grave outcomes in most serious cases. Here are some of the most common colon problems experienced by many men and women today and how you can avoid them.

1. Colorectal polyps

These are outgrowths in the lining of the colon, which can either be benign or malignant (cancerous). The presence of polyps can be diagnosed by an x-ray or an endoscopy and malignancy is usually determined by a biopsy. Removal is the main treatment option for benign polyps to remove the risk of a mutation into a malignant form. For cancerous polyps, surgery is recommended, as well as radiation and chemotherapy. A diet high in processed fats, oils, and meats as well as a genetic predisposition to GI diseases are some of the risk factors for the development of polyps in the colon.

2. Crohn's disease

This is an inflammation in the GI tract and is often misdiagnosed as Irritable Bowel Syndrome or colitis. There is no known cure for this disease and treatment is confined to the symptoms which include cramping, diarrhea, bloating, weight loss and skin lesions. Patients with damaged intestines may often require surgery to remove the damaged sections.

3. Ulcerative colitis

It is a disease that spans the entire length of the colon and involves the mucosa and sub mucosal walls. It causes inflammation, thickening and bleeding which often develops into abscesses. This condition is predominant in people of Jewish ancestry, young adults and women. Ulcerative colitis may be treated with anti-inflammatory medications.

4. Diverticulitis

This condition occurs when the walls of the colon form sacs which tend to trap fecal matter and prevent their expulsion from the body through normal bowel movement. The accumulated fecal matter becomes an excellent breeding ground for bacteria, and infection often develops. When the sacs rupture, the toxic substances go in to the abdominal cavity spreading the infection.

5. Hemorrhoids

This is the formation of dilated veins in the lower GI walls which is often the result of repeated straining during bowel movements. People who are constipated may strain to expel waste, causing the veins to protrude and swell from the pressure. Hemorrhoids are painful, sensitive and may lead to bleeding.

A good diet, one rich in fruits and vegetables and low in processed oils, meats, fats, and sugars is essential in maintaining the normal activity of our bowel. This, coupled with exercise and a healthy lifestyle will help you keep your colon, and the rest of your body, in good health.

Understanding Colon Problems Recommended Resources:

UAB Health Symstem

University of Cincinnati