Colon Info

Colon Bleeding: Causes, Symptoms, And Preventions

The colon is one of the major parts of the digestive system (along with the mouth, the stomach, the esophagus, the rectum, and the anus. It is vital to survival since it is where nutrients, vitamins, and water are processed and are, eventually, distributed to different parts of the body. Without it functioning the way it should, consequences can be fatal if not treated right away.

One of the most common symptoms of diseases related to the digestive tract and others is colon bleeding. The word symptoms should be emphasized since some people would mistake colon bleeding as a disease. Bleeding from the colon occurs as the result of different conditions. Some of these conditions are not serious, while some of them can be life-threatening since it can also be a symptom of colon cancer which is the 3^rd highest cause of death in the United States.

Bleeding in the colon, as mentioned earlier, might be serious or not. But that really depends on where the bleeding started. To be able to determine the gravity of the cause, consulting your doctor is really a must so that he will be able to diagnose where the colonic bleeding started and be able to treat it accordingly.

Some of the most common colon bleeding causes are the following:

1. Stomach acid
2. Infections associated with aspirin, alcohol, and other medicines, especially NSAIDs or Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs which are used for arthritis or gout and blood-thinning medications
3. Ulcers
4. Benign tumors or polyps
5. Stomach cancer
6. Colon cancer
7. Hemorrhoids
8. Inflammation due to intestinal infections

The cause or causes of bleeding in the colon may be detected through the following tests:

1. Endoscopy
2. Barium X-ray
3. Angiography
4. Radionuclide scanning

Among all these tests, endoscopy is the main diagnostic technique in determining the cause or the causes of the colon bleeding. Other symptoms accompanying colon bleeding are the following:

1. Weakness
2. Shortness of breath
3. Diarrhea
4. Lethargy
5. Faintness
6. Cramps
7. Abdominal pain

In order to prevent colon disorders that cause colon bleeding, traditional practices like taking a lot of vitamins, especially Vitamin D, have a diet that is low in fat and high in fiber, avoid vices, and have a periodical check-up to ensure that your body systems are in tip-top shape. Constant exercise have also been shown to ensure that you have a healthy digestive system. Take good care of yourself. Always remember that prevention is ALWAYS better than cure.