Inflammation of the colon: most common symptoms and causes

The intestines consist of the tubular visceral part of our digestive system, extending from the stomach to the anus, which are divided into the small intestine (which can reach up to 8 meters) and the large intestine (measured between 1 to 1, 5 meters long and 6.5 centimeters in diameter and which is composed of the colon, the caecum and the rectum).

We must distinguish the colon, which is the part of the large intestine that lies between the rectum and the ileum. It consists of four sections: the ascending colon, the transverse colon, the descending colon and the sigmoid colon.

Between the main functions of the colon, it is very important for the storage of different residues, the proper maintenance of the correct balance of hydration, the extraction of water and for the absorption of certain vitamins as for example is the case of vitamin K.

However, like any organ in our body, the colon can become sick and swollen. Among the most common diseases we can mention the following:

Polyps: growths of tissues in the colon that are usually benign but that can become cancerous.
Ulcerative colitis: ulcers present in the colon and rectum.
Diverticulitis: inflammation or infection of diverticula -small sac- in the colon.
Irritable bowel syndrome: symptoms such as changes in bowel habits, bloating and abdominal cramps.
Colorectal cancer: formation of tumors in the lining of the large intestine. The risk of developing it increases after 50 years of age.

In some of these conditions one of the symptoms that may arise is the inflammation of the colon, a medical condition known by the name of colitis. But what are its most common signs and causes? We discovered it.

The symptoms of the inflamed colon

Although it is more common and usual to talk about the inflammation of other organs of our body as for example is the case of liver or of pancreas, the truth is that the colon It also becomes inflamed. And when this happens we have a medical condition known as colitis, which basically consists of inflammation or swelling of the colon or large intestine.

Their symptoms can actually be quite diverse and unclear, although the most common are the following:

Abdominal pain: it can be felt mostly in the lower abdomen. This pain can be constant or intermittent.
Distension: It is common to feel the abdomen full, swollen or tight.
Bloody stoolsIt can be present in small amounts (only possible to be detected by a hidden blood test in the stool), or to change the appearance and color of the stool when there is enough.
Diarrhea: consists of soft and liquid stools, which are repeated in quantity throughout the day.
Other symptoms: such as chills, constant desire to have bowel movements and dehydration.

What are your causes?

Actually there are several causes that can cause inflammation of the colon, since there are many conditions that can cause swelling of the large intestine. Here are the most common:

Crohn's disease

Disease that causes inflammation of parts of the digestive tract, almost always involving the beginning of the large intestine and the lower end of the small intestine. Its causes are unknown, although we are faced with a condition that arises when the immune system attacks by mistake and destroys healthy body tissue. It is, therefore, an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation of some parts of the digestive tract, with thickening of the intestinal walls.

There are some known factors that can influence its appearance: family history and genes, certain environmental factors, smoking and tendency of the organism to overreact to normal bacteria present in the intestines.

Ulcerative colitis

A condition that causes inflammation of the lining of the colon and rectum, related to Crohn's disease to consist of a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Its causes are also unknown, although it is usually suffered by people with problems with the immune system. On the other hand, there are also risk factors such as family history or other autoimmune diseases.

Certain infections

It is one of the most common causes. Basically they consist of infections that cause colon swelling, usually as a result of a viral infection, a parasite or food poisoning due to bacteria.

It is usually accompanied by other related symptoms, such as diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fever and dehydration.

Ischemic colitis

Also known as ischemia of the colon consists of a Sudden inflammation of the colon when there is a temporary reduction or loss of blood flow to part of the large intestine.

It especially affects people older than 50 years with a history of peripheral vascular disease. However, there are also certain risk factors such as: irritable bowel syndrome, high or low blood pressure, diabetes, blockage of the large intestine, atrial fibrillation or rheumatoid arthritis. This article is published for informational purposes only. It can not and should not replace the consultation with a Physician. We advise you to consult your Trusted Doctor. ThemesColon