What are colon polyps? How are they diagnosed and treated? Discover the types of colon polyps, their risk factors, and effective prevention and management strategies.

Understanding Colon Polyps

Colon polyps, also known as colorectal polyps, are small growths that develop on the lining of the large intestine, or colon. These polyps are quite common, and while many are benign, some can potentially develop into colorectal cancer if left untreated. It is important to understand the types of colon polyps, their causes, and the various diagnostic and treatment options available.

Types of Colon Polyps

There are several different types of colon polyps, each with its own characteristics and potential for becoming cancerous:

Adenomatous Polyps

Adenomatous polyps, also known as adenomas, are the most common type of colon polyp. They are considered precancerous, meaning they have the potential to develop into colorectal cancer if not removed. Adenomas can be further classified as tubular, villous, or tubulovillous, based on their appearance and growth pattern.

Hyperplastic Polyps

Hyperplastic polyps are the second most common type of colon polyp. These polyps are generally considered non-cancerous, as they are less likely to become malignant. However, certain types of hyperplastic polyps, known as sessile serrated polyps, may have a higher risk of developing into cancer.

Inflammatory Polyps

Inflammatory polyps are typically associated with chronic inflammatory conditions of the colon, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. These polyps are generally not considered precancerous, but they can indicate an underlying inflammatory process that requires medical attention.

Hamartomatous Polyps

Hamartomatous polyps are rare and are often associated with genetic syndromes, such as Peutz-Jeghers syndrome or juvenile polyposis syndrome. These polyps are benign and do not have a high risk of becoming cancerous, but they may require ongoing monitoring and management.

Risk Factors for Colon Polyps

Certain factors can increase an individual’s risk of developing colon polyps, including:

Age

The risk of developing colon polyps increases with age, especially after the age of 50.

Family History

Individuals with a close family member (parent, sibling, or child) who has had colon polyps or colorectal cancer have a higher risk of developing polyps themselves.

Lifestyle Factors

Factors such as a sedentary lifestyle, a diet high in red meat and processed foods, and obesity may contribute to an increased risk of colon polyps.

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

Individuals with chronic inflammatory conditions of the colon, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, have a higher risk of developing colon polyps.

Diagnosing Colon Polyps

Colon polyps are typically diagnosed through a colonoscopy, a procedure in which a doctor inserts a long, flexible tube with a camera into the rectum to examine the inside of the colon. During the colonoscopy, the doctor can identify and remove any polyps that are present.

Other diagnostic tests, such as sigmoidoscopy, virtual colonoscopy, or fecal occult blood tests, may also be used to detect the presence of colon polyps.

Treatment and Management of Colon Polyps

The primary treatment for colon polyps is their removal, which is typically done during a colonoscopy. This procedure, known as a polypectomy, helps prevent the potential development of colorectal cancer.

After the removal of a polyp, the doctor will examine it to determine its type and whether it has any cancerous or precancerous features. Based on the findings, the doctor will recommend a follow-up schedule for regular colonoscopies to monitor for the development of new polyps.

In some cases, particularly for individuals with a high risk of developing colon polyps, the doctor may recommend preventive measures, such as taking certain medications or making lifestyle changes, to reduce the risk of polyp formation.

Preventing Colon Polyps

While it is not always possible to prevent the development of colon polyps, there are several steps individuals can take to reduce their risk:

Regular Screening

Routine colonoscopy screenings, starting at age 45 or earlier for individuals with risk factors, can help detect and remove polyps before they have a chance to develop into cancer.

Healthy Lifestyle

Maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding tobacco use can all contribute to a lower risk of developing colon polyps.

Family History Awareness

Individuals with a family history of colon polyps or colorectal cancer should discuss their risk with their healthcare provider and undergo more frequent screening as recommended.

Conclusion

Colon polyps are a common condition, and while many are benign, some can potentially develop into colorectal cancer. Understanding the different types of polyps, their risk factors, and the importance of regular screening and early detection is crucial for maintaining colon health and reducing the risk of cancer. By working closely with healthcare providers and adopting a proactive approach to prevention, individuals can take steps to protect their long-term well-being.

Colon Polyp | Colorectal Polyp

Also called: Colon polyps

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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. Polyps can be removed when a doctor examines the inside of the large intestine during a colonoscopy.

Anyone can get polyps, but certain people are more likely than others. You may have a greater chance of getting polyps if you :

• Are over age 50
• Have had polyps before
• Have a family member with polyps
• Have a family history of colon cancer

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.

NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

• Colon Polyps

  (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases)

• Polyps of the Colon and Rectum

  (American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons)

  Also in Spanish

• Colonoscopy: MedlinePlus Health Topic

  (National Library of Medicine)

  Also in Spanish

• Lower GI Series (Barium Enema)

  (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases)

  Also in Spanish

• Screening Tests to Detect Colorectal Cancer and Polyps

  (National Cancer Institute)

  Also in Spanish

• When You Visit Your Doctor: Colonic Polyps

  (Harvard Medical School)

• Can Colorectal Polyps and Cancer Be Found Early?

  (American Cancer Society)

  Also in Spanish

• Before a Colonoscopy: Ten Questions to Help You Select an Endoscopist

  (American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy)

• Large bowel resection – slideshow

  (Medical Encyclopedia)

  Also in Spanish

• ClinicalTrials. gov: Colonic Polyps

  (National Institutes of Health)

• Article: Endoscopic features of lymphoid follicles in the colonic mucosa using the. ..

• Article: Age-Specific Differences in the Risk of Colorectal Precursor Lesions Among Patients…

• Article: Serum microRNA Levels as a Biomarker for Diagnosing Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver. ..

• Colonic Polyps — see more articles

• American Cancer Society

• ASGE: Find a Doctor

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• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

• Intestinal Polyps (in Children)

  (North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition)

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Enfermedades del intestino grueso | Enfermedades del colon

Otros nombres: Enfermedades del intestino colon

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El colon, también llamado intestino grueso, es parte de su sistema digestivo. Es un tubo largo y hueco que se encuentra al final del sistema digestivo, en el cual el cuerpo produce y almacena las heces. Existen muchos trastornos que pueden afectar su capacidad para funcionar adecuadamente. Entre ellos:

• Cáncer colorrectal
• Pólipos del colon: crecimientos de tejido en el colon que pueden hacerse cancerosos
• Colitis ulcerativa: úlceras en el colon y el recto
• Diverticulitis: inflamación o infección de pequeños sacos o divertículos en el colon
• Síndrome del intestino irritable: un cuadro molesto que causa cólicos abdominales y otros síntomas

El tratamiento de las enfermedades de colon varía ampliamente dependiendo de la enfermedad y su severidad. Puede incluir dieta, medicinas y, en algunos casos, la cirugía.

NIH: Instituto Nacional de la Diabetes y las Enfermedades Digestivas y Renales

• Problemas anatómicos de la parte inferior del aparato digestivo

  (Instituto Nacional de la Diabetes y las Enfermedades Digestivas y Renales)

  También en inglés

• Cirugía laparoscópica

  (Sociedad Estadounidense de Cirujanos de Colon y Recto)

  También en inglés

• Colectomía abdominal total

  (Enciclopedia Médica)

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• ¿Limpieza de colon es una buena manera de eliminar las toxinas del cuerpo?

  (Fundación Mayo para la Educación y la Investigación Médica)

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• Proctocolectomía total con ileostomía

  (Enciclopedia Médica)

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• Resección del intestino grueso

  (Enciclopedia Médica)

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• Resección laparoscópica de colon

  (Sociedad Estadounidense de Cirujanos Gastrointestinales Endoscópicos)

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• Colitis

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• Colitis isquémica

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• Colitis microscópica

  (Fundación Mayo para la Educación y la Investigación Médica)

• Enfermedad de Hirschsprung

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• Fistula enterovesical

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• Gas: Tema de salud de MedlinePlus

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• Isquemia e infarto intestinal pequeño

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• Megacolon tóxico

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• Seudoobstrucción intestinal

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• Aparato digestivo y su funcionamiento

  (Instituto Nacional de la Diabetes y las Enfermedades Digestivas y Renales)

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• Enfermedad de Hirschsprung

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• Tu sistema digestivo

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Miscellaneous Colon Infections

CloudHospital

Last Updated: 10-Apr-2023

Originally written in English

Miscellaneous Colon Infections

Overview

Colon, known as part of the large intestine , is a section of the digestive tract. The stomach and small intestines digest and absorb the food you eat. The colon helps regenerate body fluids and absorb nutrients from leftover food.

The mucous membrane, the deepest layer of the large intestine, is in close contact with food. The mucous membrane promotes the absorption of water and electrolytes from food into the bloodstream. When water is removed, undigested food turns into waste. These substances subsequently pass through the rectum and are excreted in the feces.

Colitis is a disease in which the lining of the colon becomes inflamed either acutely or chronically. This condition is becoming more and more frequent throughout the world. Infections, autoimmune and inflammatory bowel diseases, ischemia, drugs, and radiation exposure are all possible causes of colitis.

Infection is the most common cause of colitis and has become a major public health problem as a result. In this post, we’ll look at colon infections, including the most common causes, diagnosis, and available treatments, as well as ways to prevent.

What is infectious colitis?

Colon infection, often known as infectious colitis, is a broad term. In most patients, acute diarrhea is caused by bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections of the colon. The colon is a common site of infection for various bacterial infections.

Epidemiology

• Bacterial colitis is responsible for up to 47% of all cases of acute diarrhoea.
• Campylobacter jejuni is the most common bacterial cause of diarrhea, with an incidence of 25 to 30 per 100,000 people worldwide.
• Yersinia enterocolitica colitis occurs most often in young children in winter. In the United States, one case per 100,000 people is reported annually.

After malaria, Chagas disease and leishmaniasis, Amoebiasis is the second leading cause of death associated with protozoan infections.

What are the risk factors for colon infection?

• Age: Children and infants are susceptible to colon infections because their immune systems are still growing. In addition, as we age, the immune system becomes less efficient, making older people more susceptible to colon infections.
• Immune disorder: reduced immunity creates an environment for the reproduction of microbes and parasites in the intestines. If a person’s immune system is weakened, opportunistic colon infections are more common.
• Major conditions: Major intestinal diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), ischemic colitis and colorectal cancer can damage the lining of the colon. This can make the colon vulnerable to infections.
• Lower stomach acid: acid content in the stomach contributes to the destruction of pathogenic microorganisms. For example, proton pump inhibitors help reduce stomach acid. Excessive use of these drugs can destroy the body’s natural protective layer. Microbes have the ability to travel through the digestive tract and infect the intestines and colon.

Infection usually occurs when:

1. Ingestion or consumption of contaminated food or water (often referred to as food poisoning)
2. Contact with sick people or contaminated items such as cutlery, faucets, toys or diapers.

Diseases of the colon are usually transmitted by the fecal-oral route. Pathogens (disease-causing organisms) in stool can contaminate the food you eat if you don’t properly disinfect and maintain personal hygiene.

What are the symptoms of a colon infection?

Although symptoms may vary depending on the cause of the infection, they usually include:

• Watery diarrhea
• High fever
• Abdominal cramps
• Soreness in the area of ​​inflammation
• Nausea
• Vomiting

90 034 Tenesmus

Severe infection may also present with the following signs:

• Diarrhea more than ten fifteen times a day
• Dehydration
• Blood or pus in stool
• Kidney failure

What are the causes of colon infection?

Common pathogens responsible for colonic infection include viruses, bacteria and parasites.

A. Bacterial Causes: Colon infections are commonly caused by the following bacteria:

• Campylobacter jejuni
• Clostridium difficile
• Escherichia coli
• Shigella 900 35
• Salmonella
• Yersinia enterocolitica bacteria

1. Campylobacter jejuni

• Campylobacter jejuni infection is caused by ingestion of contaminated food or drink. Several variables affect infection, including the number of bacteria consumed, the pathogenicity of the organisms, and host immunity. The incubation period is usually 2 to 4 days.
• C jejuni multiplies in the bile before penetrating the epithelial layers and moving to the lamina propria, causing extensive bloody and edematous enteritis.

2. Clostridium difficile

• The bacterium Clostridium difficile can cause an opportunistic infection of the colon called pseudomembranous colitis . These bacteria usually coexist with other colonic bacterial fauna. Treatment with antibiotics such as cephalosporins, clindamycin, carbapenems, trimethoprim, and fluoroquinolones alters the natural microflora of the gut.
• This allows Clostridium difficile to colonize the intestines and produce toxins through overgrowth and colonization. Clostridium difficile produces a toxin that causes pseudomembranous colitis .
• Patients with inflammatory bowel disease, especially those with ulcerative colitis, are more responsive to treatment with Clostridium difficile.

3. Escherichia. E. coli

• The most common routes of E. coli infection include the fecal-oral route, from animal carriers, and through ingestion of contaminated food and drink.
• The strains of E. coli that cause gastroenteritis in humans can be divided into six categories:
1. Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC)
2. Enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC)
3. Enteroinvasive Escherichia coli (EIEC),
4. Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC)
5. Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC)
6. Diffuse adherent E. coli (DAEC)
• Enterotoxigenic E. coli is the leading cause of traveler’s diarrhea.
• Enterohemorrhagic E. coli has two main serotypes: E. coli O157: H7 and non-O157: H7; Cows are natural reservoirs for both serotypes. Thus, the disease is associated with the consumption of undercooked meat, contaminated milk or vegetables. They cause bloody diarrhea and produce Shige-like toxins, resulting in symptoms similar to Shigella dysenteriae infection.
• Enterotoxigenic E. coli and enteroaggregative E. coli are two of these subgroups that cause nonbloody diarrhea. Both generate enterotoxins that stimulate the release of chlorides and water, inhibiting absorption.
• Enteropathogenic E. coli and invasive E. coli do not produce toxins. they invade enterocytes and cause self-limiting colitis and cause flare-ups, especially in children under two years of age.

4. Shigellosis

• Shigella is a common cause of water source contamination. Shigella can infect the colon with as few as 200 organisms, and about 1 million organisms must infect the colon to cause campylobacteriosis and salmonellosis. The good news is that shigella rarely enters the bloodstream.
• Shigellosis is mainly a disease of children aged 1 to 4 years.
• Shigella is extremely resistant to acid excretion from the stomach. About 50 Shigella species can be divided into four serological categories. In the United States, S sonnei is the most commonly isolated cause of shigellosis.
• Shigellosis is mainly transmitted by the fecal-oral route. This bacterial disease spreads through contaminated drinking water and from person to person.
• The first non-specific signs of shigellosis appear after a 36-72 hour incubation period and include fever (39°C) and stomach cramps. Watery diarrhea usually occurs after 48 hours, followed by dysentery (small stools with bloody mucus and tenesmus) after 2 days.
• Abdominal tenderness is usually widespread. With sigmoidoscopy, hyperemia, a lot of small bleeding, the absence of transverse folds of the mucous membrane and thick purulent discharge from the mucous membrane are visible. Tenesmus, feces bloody, slimy, small in volume. Fluid and electrolyte loss can be relatively significant, especially in children and the elderly.

5. Salmonellosis

• Salmonella can cause disease in humans in a variety of ways. Some strains, such as S enterica, enter the intestinal tissues but do not spread to other organs of the body through the circulation. Non-typhoid strains of Salmonella are another name for these bacteria. Salmonella enterica causes enteritis, the most common Salmonella infection.
• Other strains of Salmonella, such as Salmonella Typhi, Salmonella Paratyphi A, Salmonella Schottmuelleri, and Salmonella Hirschfeldii, can enter intestinal tissue and spread through the bloodstream to other areas of the body.

B. Viral causes: Viruses that cause colon infections include: 0035

• Infants and young children are vulnerable to viral colitis such as norovirus , rotavirus and adenovirus. Nausea, vomiting, watery diarrhea, and stomach discomfort are common symptoms among those affected.
• Hematochezia and diarrhea, on the other hand, are the most common symptoms of CMV infection. It is clinically difficult to distinguish ulcerative colitis from CMV colitis.

C. Parasitic causes (Entamoeba histolytica):

• The protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica, which can infect the colonic mucosa and cause colitis, is the most common parasite that causes infection of the colon.
• The only parasite that causes dysentery is Entamoeba histolytica, which is rare in the US. It can infect tissues adjacent to the colon and cause the disease to spread throughout the world. Homosexual men, immigrants and institutional groups (eg prisoners) are all susceptible to E. histolytica infection.
• Symptoms of amoebiasis include diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting and tenesmus after a 1–5 day incubation period. The stool may be watery, but in dysentery the stool is usually watery, with mucus and blood.
• Amoebiasis is spread through fecally contaminated drinking water and food, but it can also be transmitted through sexual intercourse or direct contact with fecally contaminated hands or objects.

Note:

Sexually transmitted infections that affect the rectum should be taken into account throughout the examination. Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, Herpes simplex and Treponema pallidum are some of the diseases that can affect HIV patients and men who have sex with men.

How is a colon infection diagnosed?

• Diagnosis requires a detailed history and identification of specific risks.
• Microbiological tests and cultures for bacterial and parasitic infestations should be the primary investigations because intestinal infection is a common etiology of colitis and can cause clinical manifestations indistinguishable from inflammatory bowel disease.
• Patient age, hemodynamic changes, nocturnal diarrhea, tenesmus, urgency, weight loss, comorbidities, history of heart failure, arrhythmias, autoimmune disorders, detailed medication history, signs suggestive of toxic megacolon, and anemia are all red flags to which the doctor should pay attention when examining a patient.
• Complete blood count, ESR, CRP, arterial blood gases, activated partial thromboplastin time, serum albumin, total protein, blood urea, creatinine, electrolytes, and purified protein derivative should be determined as part of the laboratory test.
• Your doctor may recommend a stool test. Stool culture helps identify the pathogen causing the infection in the gut. Stool culture helps in the diagnosis of less than 50% of patients with bacterial colitis.
• In case of severe symptoms, the doctor may also order a colonoscopy. A colon exam helps the doctor look at the infected area of ​​the colon.
• The presence of E histolytica in feces or tissues taken from lesions confirms the diagnosis of amoebiasis. Leukocytosis without eosinophilia is typical. Cysts in the feces are detected using ELISA.
• An abdominal CT scan or x-ray may be recommended if the doctor detects any complications. It helps in detecting problems such as colonic wall thickening, colonic distention and bowel perforation.
• Abdominal CT has recently been used to distinguish inflammatory bowel disease from acute colitis caused by a bacterial infection. Below are four symptoms of bacterial colitis. The four features described for diagnosing bacterial colitis are:
1. Continuous spread
2. Empty bowel
3. Absence of fatty plaques
4. Absence of enlarged lymph nodes

What are the treatment options for a colon infection?

Not all infectious colitis require antibiotic therapy. Depending on the causative agent of the colon infection, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics. However, antibiotics are ineffective against viral causes of the infectious condition.

• Antibiotic treatment is required for people with AIDS, cancer, transplants, prosthetic implants, heart disease, or the elderly.
• Patients with mild to moderate C. jejuni or Salmonella infection do not require antibiotic therapy as the infection clears up on its own.
• For cases of C. difficile, the recommended treatment for infection is metronidazole. If you have a severe case of C. difficile, oral vancomycin is indicated. In difficult situations, oral vancomycin plus intravenous metronidazole is recommended.
1. Antibiotic treatment with quinoline acid is indicated for patients with dysentery and high fever indicative of bacteremia.
2. Most immunocompetent people with CMV colitis may not need antivirals. Valganciclovir is used to treat cytomegalovirus colitis in immunocompromised patients.
• Patients, especially children, with enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (E. coli O157: 7H and non-O157: H7) are not recommended to take antibiotics to treat the infection, as killing the bacteria can lead to the release of more Shigella toxins, which increases risk of infection and lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome.
• Shigellosis is usually a self-limiting disease; however, treatment with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole or ciprofloxacin is often recommended to shorten the duration of illness and prevent person-to-person transmission. In extreme cases, transfusion of fluid and electrolytes is required. Antidiarrheal drugs that suppress peristalsis are not recommended.
• Treatment of E. histolytica is recommended even for asymptomatic individuals. Paromomycin can be used to remove intraluminal cysts in non-invasive colitis. For invasive amoebiasis, metronidazole is the antibiotic of choice. In addition, due to the possibility of bacterial translocation in fulminant amoebic colitis, broad-spectrum antibiotics should be added to therapy.

Note:

After severe diarrhea, oral rehydration and a soft diet can help the intestines recover. Probiotics contribute to the restoration of normal intestinal flora and prevent diseases in the future.

Differential diagnosis

• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Celiac disease
• Colorectal cancer
• Diverticulitis
• Toxic megacolon
• Viral/bacterial gastroenteritis
• Other colitis
• Drug induced colitis
• Radiation colitis
• Acute appendicitis / ileocecal

Prognosis

Most cases of infectious colitis last seven days, and in severe cases several weeks. If left untreated for a long time, the disease can be mistaken for ulcerative colitis.

What are the complications of a colon infection?

• Dehydration: Severe diarrhea can cause loss of electrolytes and water from the body. This can cause dehydration and worsen your overall health.
• Kidney failure: dehydration may cause deterioration of kidney function. Reduced water absorption from the colon due to infection can overload the kidneys, and a dramatic increase in kidney function can lead to kidney failure.
• Toxic megacolon: is an uncommon disease caused by an infection that causes an inability to pass gas or stool, and bloating. Megacolon is a large swollen colon. Diseases such as ulcerative colitis and pseudomembranous colitis, when worsened, can cause toxic megacolon in over 60% of patients. Other conditions associated with inflammation of the colon, including Campylobacter and shigella colitis, can cause toxic megacolon.
• Intestinal perforation: infection can damage the lining of the colon wall and cause rupture or perforation of the intestine. Major trauma can lead to the spread of infection into the abdominal cavity from the colon. This leads to peritonitis (infection of the abdominal mucosa).
• Intestinal strictures, fistulas, abscess and intestinal obstruction
• Guillain-Barré syndrome ( Campylobacter jejuni colitis, CMV )
• Hemolytic-uremic syndrome ( enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli, Shigella )
• Encephalopathy, convulsions ( Shigella )
• Reactive arthritis ( Shigella, Campylob acter jejuni, colitis Yersinia enterocolitica )

How can I prevent colon infection?

Colon infections are mainly spread by the fecal-oral route. Many bowel infections can be prevented by watching what you eat and drink and practicing good hygiene. There are some steps you can take to prevent the spread of pathogens:

• Prepare food in a clean environment.
• Drink clean water. Water treated with ultraviolet light and other similar agents can kill infectious pathogens.
• Cook foods such as meat and eggs thoroughly.
• Disinfect the environment regularly. A dirty environment can harbor several pathogens.
• Always wash your hands. Washing hands before preparing, serving and eating food will remove all surface bacteria.
• Avoid unnecessary use of antibiotics. Antibiotics can destroy the normal bacterial flora in the colon, leaving you open to infections.
• When traveling in developing countries, use only bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth, and avoid ice and raw foods.
• Avoid close contact with people who have an intestinal infection.
• Patients with proctitis should be screened for sexually transmitted diseases.

When should I see a doctor?

Make an appointment with your doctor if you have:

• Severe symptoms
• High fever
• Blood or mucus in the stool
• Diarrhea for more than 2 or 3 days
• Signs of dehydration, such as like excessive thirst or insufficient urine output.

Warning signs

Call your doctor right away if your baby is less than 3 months old and has diarrhea.

Children should be brought to the emergency room if they have:

• signs of dehydration (no urination, paleness, sunken eyes, cold hands or feet, or severe irritation)
• fluid retention problems (frequent vomiting) )
• severe abdominal pain
• impaired consciousness, poor appetite.

Young children should see a doctor if:

• Diarrhea that does not go away
• Blood in stool
• Weight loss

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1.

How to avoid colon infection while traveling?

It is easy to catch infections while traveling. Make sure you eat at hygienic food outlets, drink water from sealed bottles, and wash your hands before eating.

2. How long does the infection last?

Colon infections usually last up to 7 days. In severe cases, this may take 3 to 4 weeks.

3. What food should I avoid when I have a colon infection?

Avoid fatty and spicy foods if you have a colon infection. Also be careful with dairy, caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, and processed sugary foods.

Conclusions

Infectious colitis is inflammation of the colon caused by an infectious agent such as bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites. In most cases, infections clear up on their own; but if they are neglected, problems can arise. Colon infections can be avoided with proper care and hygiene.

Intestinal diseases diagnostics and treatment — Nadezhda Medical Center

The disease is extremely serious, it is associated with disruption of the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, intestinal disease can have various symptoms, among them:

• the presence of pain in the abdomen;
• the presence of flatulence, that is, the accumulation of gases;
• diarrhea or vice versa constipation;
• presence of intestinal bleeding.

Causes of bowel disease

Often one cause is not enough for the onset of a disease. It is influenced by several significant factors. It is noteworthy that the more factors, the more severe the pathological process takes on. Among the main reasons it is worth noting:

• genetic predisposition;
• ingestion of junk food;
• severe stress;
• bad habits;
• presence of intestinal infections.
  
  

  Symptoms

  Clinical picture of intestinal diseases:

  • Dyspeptic syndrome. Nausea, vomiting, unpleasant taste in the mouth, changes in the number of defecation acts (constipation, diarrhea) and the volume of feces (liquid stools, with inclusions of undigested food, uncharacteristic odor), loss of appetite, flatulence (increased flatulence), rumbling, tenesmus (false urges to defecation).
  • Pain syndrome. The severity depends on the location, severity and prevalence of the pathological process. Acute, dull, aching, paroxysmal pain in the right or left iliac, umbilical, epigastric region, in the right or left hypochondrium.
  • Intestinal diseases are accompanied by impaired intestinal motility (violent, accelerated or delayed peristalsis).
  • Intoxication syndrome. Increased body temperature, general weakness, headaches, fatigue, insomnia, changes in psycho-emotional status (tearfulness, irritability).
  • Allergic reactions. Skin rashes, attacks of bronchospasm, drop in blood pressure, loss of consciousness, anaphylactic shock. They are caused by the accumulation of toxic substances in the body, helminthic invasions, and a decrease in immune reactivity.
  • Dehydration, changes in the electrolyte composition and acid-base state of blood plasma, hair loss, thinning and striation of nails, seizures in the corners of the mouth, weight loss, dryness and pallor of the skin, anemia. Caused by loss of fluid through the rectum, insufficient absorption of nutrients in the intestinal lumen. In severe cases, convulsions, cardiac arrhythmias, respiratory failure, lethargy (pathological sleep with hyponatremia), hypotension (lowering blood pressure), vascular collapse, and death are noted.

  Symptoms of intestinal diseases are determined by the affected part of the digestive tract.

  Common bowel diseases

  In clinical practice, there are:

  • Enteritis – inflammation of the mucous membrane of the small intestine. Occurs against the background of infectious pathology, helminthic invasion, food poisoning (consumption of low-quality food). A combination with lesions of other parts of the gastrointestinal tract is characteristic: gastroenteritis, enterocolitis. Accompanied by polyfecalia (increased fecal volume), diarrhea (stool 3-5 times a day), fever, pain in the umbilical region.
  • Colitis is a pathological process characterized by an inflammatory reaction and damage to the mucous membrane of the large intestine. It manifests itself as dyspeptic (alternating constipation and diarrhea, nausea, vomiting), pain (discomfort, pain in the abdomen, which are caused by shaking, intensive walking, eating and are stopped by drugs), intoxication syndromes. Characterized by impaired digestion of food and absorption of nutrients.
  • Irritable bowel syndrome is a functional disorder of the large intestine. It is manifested by discomfort in the abdomen, a change in the quantity and quality of stool (diarrhea, constipation), a change in the psycho-emotional state. This is a diagnosis of exclusion: it is made after performing diagnostic manipulations that refute the presence of an organic pathology (for example, an infection, a tumor neoplasm).
  • Crohn’s disease is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory process that affects the small and large intestines. It is manifested by the formation of ulcers in the wall of the organ (granulomas are determined under a microscope). The clinical picture of the disease: weight loss, abdominal pain, rumbling, dyspeptic syndrome (nausea, vomiting, stool mixed with mucus and blood). In severe cases, ulcers perforate with the development of peritonitis. Rarely, damage to the eyes, esophagus, stomach, joints, oral mucosa is noted.
  • Nonspecific ulcerative colitis – the formation of ulcers of the mucous membrane of the large intestine. The likely cause is microbial infection: the effectiveness of specific antibiotics is noted. Symptoms: stool with pathological impurities (mucus, blood), pain and intoxication syndromes.
  • Cancer is a malignant neoplasm. The third place among the common oncological pathology (after cancer of the lungs, stomach or breast in women) is occupied by colorectal cancer (rectum). Probably development against the background of benign growths of the intestinal epithelium – polyps. Symptoms of the disease: sudden weight loss, diarrhea, constipation, obstructive intestinal obstruction, pain syndrome.
  • Diverticulosis – protrusion of the intestinal wall in the opposite direction from the lumen of the organ. Probable cause: eating food containing a small amount of plant fibers, fiber. Patients are predominantly older people. Manifested by abdominal pain, fever, general weakness, vomiting, diarrhea.

  In clinical practice, eosinophilic enteritis, celiac disease, Whipple’s disease, hemorrhoids, anal fissures, dysbacteriosis, papillitis, epithelial coccygeal tract are also often diagnosed.

  Diagnosis intestinal diseases

  Diagnosis help:

  • Stool culture for microflora and sensitivity to antibiotics.
  • Biochemical analysis of feces.
  • Scraping for helminthic infestations.
  • Abdominal ultrasonography.
  • Abdominal x-ray – determines the presence of free gas, Kloiber cup, ulcerative lesions, dilated bowel loops.
  • Sigmoidoscopy – visualization of the rectum with a flexible endoscope.
  • Irrigoscopy is an X-ray method of examination involving the introduction of a contrast agent into the cavity of the large intestine.
  • Colonoscopy – the introduction of an endoscope into the large intestine (up to the hepatic angle).