Improving colon health can improve your quality of life
March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month. This is the time that we want to raise awareness about an organ that we rarely think about unless we have a problem. As we end this year’s awareness month, I want to focus on two of the most common colon issues: constipation and diarrhea.
Grandmas across the ages have stressed the importance of having a good daily constitutional. But too much of a good thing can be a problem. Too little can be an even more miserable problem. Having either problem does not mean that one has colon cancer. However, we want people to be aware that really severe issues can be a sign that it is time to seek help.
What is constipation?
The National Institutes of Health defines constipation as having:
- three or fewer bowel movements a week,
- hard-formed stools that are difficult or painful to pass
- the sensation that not all of the stool has passed.
Constipation can be a miserable and painful situation that Grandma (and your care team) would like to help you prevent or solve. It is important to know what causes constipation before we can know how best to treat the problem.
What causes constipation?
Constipation has many causes and may be chronic (long-lasting) or acute (lasting only a short period of time). Those at high risk include people who…
- have recently undergone surgery with anesthesia
- are taking narcotic pain medications
- eat a low fiber diet
- get little physical activity
- do not drink enough water on a daily basis
- take certain non-narcotic medications and supplements, for example: antihistamines, iron upplements, diet pills, or certain medications for blood pressure, overactive bladder and depression
- have issues with slow movement through the colon or have IBS-c (irritable bowel syndrome with constipation)
What is diarrhea?
Diarrhea is the opposite of constipation: it’s going too much. But how much is too much? Medline Plus explains that having three or more loose, watery stools in one day is diarrhea. Like constipation, diarrhea can be caused by several factors and may be chronic or last only a short period of time. The cause of diarrhea may include medication, illness, inflammation, diet-related (intolerance to foods/beverages), IBS-d (Irritable Bowel Syndrome-diarrhea), or parasites.
What do I do if I have a problem?
An occasional bout of diarrhea or constipation may be fairly easily managed at home or under the guidance of a health care provider. However, hard stools or frequent loose stools can be aggravating and sometimes traumatic to rectal tissue and cause bleeding and pain. Bleeding is a red flag that may signal that something more is going on that may need to be evaluated.
How can worrisome symptoms be evaluated?
The U.S. Preventative Task Force recommends screening colonoscopy for “Adults 45 years and older who do not have signs or symptoms of colorectal cancer and who are at average risk for colorectal cancer (ie, no prior diagnosis of colorectal cancer, adenomatous polyps, or inflammatory bowel disease; no personal diagnosis or family history of known genetic disorders that predispose them to a high lifetime risk of colorectal cancer [such as Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis]).” If a person is under the age of 45 but having issues of diarrhea, constipation, bleeding or pain, their provider will give their recommendations for proper evaluation of these complaints.
What’s my first step?
Start by having a conversation with your primary care provider (PCP). Constipation and diarrhea can be embarrassing topics for many people, but don’t worry: doctors and nurse practitioners are skilled in helping you address these issues privately and with respect for your dignity. If the problem is not caused by a serious underlying condition, we can help you make simple lifestyle changes that greatly improve how you feel. And if your problem IS caused by something serious, the sooner we find it, the sooner we can start treatment and the better your outcome is likely to be!
The bottom line.
The bottom line is that our colon is a very important organ. We want it to remain healthy so we do not have to spend of lot of time thinking about it or dealing with pain, discomfort and embarrassment. If our bowel habits are lacking or are problematic, we should talk to our health care provider. Grandma would approve of a good daily constitutional and no colon cancer.
The general surgeons at Athens General and Colorectal Surgery, part of St. Mary's Medical Group, are highly skilled and experienced in performing colonoscopies and surgeries to treat colorectal cancer.
References
Medline Plus. (2021, July 28). Diarrhea. Also Called: Dysentery, the Runs, the Trots. Retrieved February 8, 2022. Diarrhea | MedlinePlus
NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive, and Kidney Diseases. (2018). Definition and Facts for Constipation. Retrieved February 8, 2022. Definition & Facts for Constipation | NIDDK (nih.gov)
U.S. Preventative Task Force. (2021, May, 18). Colorectal: Screening. Retrieved February, 8, 2022. Recommendation: Colorectal Cancer: Screening | United States Preventive Services Taskforce (uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org)