Irritable,Bowel,Syndrome,and,C health Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Colitis

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Common CharacteristicsColitis is a more rare and potentially serious disordercharacterized by an inflammation of the innermost lining of the colon.Sometimes the entire length of the large intestine is involved; butmore often, the inflammation occurs in the lower portion, in which casethe disease is called proctitis. Colitis tends to come and go, withalternating periods of acute flare-ups and quiescence. In a largenumber of cases, the disorder progresses to ulcerative colitis, inwhich the lining of the colon becomes thickened and bleeds, resultingin blood and mucus mixed with diarrhea. Diagnosis of Irritable BowelDiagnosis of the irritable bowel syndrome is often based on a review ofthe symptoms and a process of elimination of other disorders. The majorsymptoms--abdominal cramping, gassiness, bloating and diarrhea,sometimes alternating with constipation--are characteristic of a numberof other intestinal disorders, such as colitis, diverticulitis (theinflammation of pockets that form in weakened segments of theintestinal wall) or cancer. The diarrhea is somewhat distinctive inthat it often occurs shortly after eating and sometimes immediatelyafter getting up in the morning. The excessive intestinal spasmscausing this syndrome may be detected during a barium enema--a test inwhich a chalky liquid substance is infused into the colon and X-rayfilms are taken--or during a sigmoidoscopic examination--a test inwhich a hollow tube with fiber-optics is inserted through the anus andinto the colon. More often, however, these examinations are performedto rule out other colon disorders that may produce similar symptoms;after these other possibilities are eliminated, a presumptive diagnosisof irritable bowel syndrome is made. Causes of Irritable BowelAfter the digestion and absorption of nutrients by the small intestine,the waste matter is propelled into the large intestine for eventualelimination. Under normal circumstances, regular muscular contractions(intestinal motility) move this waste matter along the five-foot lengthof the colon and into the rectum for comfortable evacuation. However,when irritable bowel syndrome is present, the pattern of motilitybecomes disordered because of excessive muscular contractions,resulting in cramping and diarrhea.There is no clear explanation for this intestinal overactivity,although a number of factors such as emotional stress, diet and anallergic response to particular foods all have been implicated. Heavycigarette smoking also seems to aggravate the problem. Treatment of Irritable BowelWhile psychological factors may play some role in this condition, thereis no doubt that the patient is suffering from distresing physicalmanifestations that may themselves produce anxiety. It is important tounderstand that the condition, although distressing, is not medicallyserious. In many instances, consuming a diet that contains adequatefiber, or roughage, will help. Proper functioning of the lowerintestine requires a minimal amount of bulk composed of the variouskinds of fruit and vegetable fibers that go through the upper intestinevirtually intact because they are not digested by humans. This fiberretains water and makes the stool bulky and soft, thus aiding inintestinal motility. Fiber can easily be added to the diet in the formof salads, raw or lightly processed fruits and vegetables andwhole-grain cereals and breads.For patients who do not respond to dietary and other life-stylechanges, such as reduced stress, drugs may be prescribed. These mayinclude an anticholinergic agent to reduce the intestinal activity, amild tranquilizer or a sedative. Diagnosis of ColitisThere are several inflammatory bowel conditions called colitis, and themost common is ulcerative colitis. The major symptom is diarrheacontaining blood and mucus, often accompanied by severe abdominal painand cramping. Fever, loss of appetite, anemia and weight loss mayoccur, especially if the atack is prolonged or recurrent. The entirecolon may be involved, but the disease usually begins in the rectum andlower portion of the colon. Some mild cases may be confined to thisarea, in which case the stools may be normal or even hard, but containblood and mucus.Ulcerative colitis can be readily diagnosed by sigmoidoscopy, anexamination allowing visual inspection of the lower portion of thecolon. A barium enema and X-ray study also may be performed but usuallynot during an acute flare-up. Studies also may be indicated todetermine whether the colitis is caused by an infection, such asamebiasis or salmonellosis. Complications of ColitisHemorrhage is the most common complication of ulcerative colitis. Insome cases, the bowel also may be perforated, leading to severeinfections. This is always considered a medical emergency requiringimmediate surgery.Colon cancer is much more frequent in patients with ulcerativecolitis, especially those with a family history of the two diseases andin whom the colitis begins in childhood. Cancer is also more common ifthe entire colon is involved. Therefore, patients with ulcerativecolitis should be closely monitored for colon cancer.Treatment of ColitisMild to moderate ulcerative colitis usually can be treated withdrugs and a special diet. Medications, such as anticholinergics, may beprescribed to reduce colon motility. A normal diet usually can beconsumed, but foods that cause diarrhea or irritate the colon should beavoided. Some patients may be advised to avoid raw fruits andvegetables. Antidiarrheal drugs also may be prescribed. More severedisease may require treatment with corticosteroid drugs. Surgery toremove all or most of the colon may be required in severe cases orthose that are considered very likely to progress to cancer.Summing UpIrritable bowel syndrome is a common intestinal disordercharacterized by diarrhea and abdominal cramps. Ulcerative colitis is aless common and more severe inflammatory disease that may involve theentire large intestine. Colitis tends to recur, but in most cases, aremission can be achieved through drug therapy. Since colon canceroccurs more frenquently in ulcerative colitis patients, periodic cancerscreening is recommended. Article Tags: Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Irritable Bowel, Bowel Syndrome, Large Intestine, Lower Portion, Ulcerative Colitis, Colon Cancer