Disorders of the Large Intestine - Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Introduction

The large intestine is a long tube-like organ connected to the small intestine on one side and the anus on the other. It is a part of the digestive tract in the human body. Some of the significant intestine disorders are ulcerative Colitis, in which ulcers occur in the colon and rectum, and diverticulitis, in which inflammation or infection of pouches in the colon occurs. Irritable bowel syndrome is a type of illness in which abdominal cramping and other symptoms are noted.

What Are the Disorders of the Large Intestine?

The large intestine is the end of the Gastrointestinal (GI) tract, the long, tube-like route in which food travels along the digestive system. It is followed from the small intestine and ends at the anal canal, where food waste leaves the body. Any obstruction or infection in this passage results in large intestine disorders. Some of the diseases of the large intestine are:

1. A Large Bowel (Large Intestine) Obstruction - In this condition, blockage in the large intestine occurs, which keeps gas or stool from passing out of the body. Intestinal blockage can occur at any place in the large intestine. A significant bowel obstruction may block the bowel fully or partially. It is commonly caused due to-

• Abdominal adhesions (scar tissue) from surgeries.

• Diverticulitis.

• Hernias (it usually occurs in the abdomen or groin region when a part bulges out from the tissue or organ).

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).

• Radiation therapy to the abdomen or pelvis.

The common symptoms of large bowel obstruction include:

• Fever.

• Blood in the stool (rectal bleeding).

• Green or yellow-green vomit.

• Lethargy.

• Swollen, firm belly.

2. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) - is a group of disorders in which chronic inflammation, pain, and swelling) is caused in the intestines. IBD includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative Colitis. Both types affect the digestive system.

• Genetics: It is noted that one out of four people having IBD have a history of the disease in the family.

• Immune System Response: In people with IBD, the immune system considers food as foreign substances. It releases antibodies (proteins) to fight against this threat, causing IBD symptoms.

• Environmental Factors: People who have a history of IBD in the family may develop the disease after coming in exposure to any environmental factor. These factors include smoking, stress, medication use, and depression. The common symptoms associated with IBD include:

• Abdominal (belly) pain.

• Diarrhea or urgent need to poop (bowel urgency).

• Gas and bloating.

• Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss.

• Mucus or blood in the stool.

• Upset stomach.

3. Colitis - Colitis is the inflammation of the colon. Ulcerative Colitis is the most typical form of Colitis seen. It is idiopathic (i.e., of unknown cause). The most common type affects only the rectum and sigmoid colon and is characterized by diarrhea.

Colitis's cause is idiopathic, meaning it is of unknown origin. The common symptoms associated with Colitis are:

• Excessive mucus in stools.

• Blood in the stools.

• Severe, sudden illness.

• Toxemia.

• Perforation.

4. Crohn's Disease - It is a condition in which inflammation and irritation of the digestive tract take place, specifically in the small and large intestines. The common causes of Crohn's disease are:

• Autoimmune Disease: Bacteria in the digestive tract can cause the body's immune system to attack healthy cells.

• Genes: Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is usually seen in families. If any family member, whether a parent, sibling or another family member, has Crohn's disease, they may be at a higher risk of developing it.

• Smoking: Cigarette smoking can increase the risk of Crohn's disease.

The symptoms associated with Crohn's disease are -

• Abdominal pain.

• Chronic diarrhea.

• A feeling of fullness.

• Fever.

• Loss of appetite.

• Weight loss.

How Are Intestinal Disorders Diagnosed?

Intestinal disorders can be diagnosed by performing the following tests-

• Blood test: A blood test can detect the increased numbers of white blood cells that might be indicative of any persisting inflammation or infection. It also identifies lower red blood cell count or anemia.

• Stool Test: In this test, the stool is checked for bacteria or parasites. It can also find out infections that cause chronic diarrhea.

• Colonoscopy: For performing a colonoscopy, the doctor makes use of an endoscope (a tiny tube with a light and camera attached to it) to check the inside of the colon. The doctor might extract a sample of tissue (biopsy) from the colon to identify signs of inflammation.

• Computed Tomography (CT) Scan: A CT scan depicts the images of the digestive tract. It also determines how severe the intestinal inflammation is.

• Upper Gastrointestinal (GI) Endoscopy: The doctor puts a long, thin tube known as an endoscope via the mouth into the throat. An attached camera allows the doctor to see inside. During endoscopy, the doctor may also take tissue samples for further testing.

How Are Intestinal Disorders Treated?

Intestinal disorders can be treated according to the type and condition of the disorder. Some of the medications used to treat such disorders are:

• Antibiotics: Antibiotics are medicines that are used to treat infections.

• Antidiarrheal Medication: Antidiarrheal medications like loperamide are used for treating severe diarrhea.

• Bowel Rest: Bowel rest is given so that the intestines can heal. Doctors may recommend going without food or drink for a few days or longer. They may provide intravenous (parenteral) nutrition to get the nutrition demanded by the body.

• Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids are drugs that help reduce the inflammation caused by autoimmune disease. Examples of corticosteroids include Cortisone, prednisone, etc.

• Immunomodulators: These drugs, such as cyclosporine, help reduce inflammation by suppressing an overactive immune system.

Conclusion:

Large intestine disorders are disorders of the intestine. The intestine is a part of the GI tract attached to the small intestine at one end to the anus at the other. The disorders of the intestine are caused due to any obstruction or blockage in the large intestine or due to inflammation in it. These can be caused due to a variety of reasons. Some large intestine disorders are Inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease, Colitis, etc. The common symptoms noticed are abdominal pain or cramps, blood in stool, diarrhea, vomiting, etc. It can be treated by giving antibiotics, corticosteroids, and antidiarrheal medications as per the patient's condition.