Colon Infection Symptoms

Before we start discussing on the various colon infection symptoms, let's first understand what is a colon and what are the various functions of the colon. In humans, the colon is the final part of the digestive system and it extracts moisture and salts from solid wastes before they are eliminated from the body. The colon is not a major contributor in the absorption of foods and nutrients but it does play a very important part of absorbing water, potassium and fat soluble vitamins. The human colon consists of four parts; ascending transverse, descending and sigmoid colon. People suffer from colon infection when certain type of bacteria starts dwelling inside it. As we all know that bacteria are omnipresent and the immune system of the human body kills of the harmful ones. However, some bacteria are very powerful and are not destroyed by the human immune system and they enter into the body and become the cause of various health complications.

People encountering colon infection is very rare as colon is home to more than 75% of the body's immune system. Yet infections do happen and one of the main reasons for colon infections is poor diet. In most cases harmful bacteria which cause colon infection have used food as an entering medium. Diseases causing bacteria can enter your body by drinking impure water, eating partially cooked or undercooked meats and even having physical contact with people suffering from any contagious infections. Usually these contagious pathogens are eliminated by the body's immune system but some of them are very strong, adaptable and not easily destroyed.

Colon Infection Causes

One of the leading causes of colon infections all around the globe is a bacterium known as Clostridium difficile or C-diff. The C-diff bacteria is found everywhere; plants, animals and especially in unhygienic places. It's present in large quantities in human and animal feces and it floats quickly to neighboring surroundings through air. Another main reason behind the occurrence of C-diff colon infection is when patients are administered a high dose of antibiotics. These antibiotics are administered so that they can kill the harmful bacteria in the body but sometimes in addition to killing the harmful bacteria, these antibiotics kill bacteria needed for healthy digestion. These healthy bacteria reside in the intestine and killing them triggers the growth of C-diff bacteria.

Diverticulitis is also known to be an important cause of colon infection in the body. When the body suffers from diverticulitis the colon suffers from small pouches which begin to swell outwards. These pouches can be easily infected and lead to severe health deteriorating conditions. Medical reports suggest that more than 12% of adults over 45 years of age are prone to diverticulitis.

Symptoms of Colon Infection

Many leading colorectal surgeons of the world proclaim that in majority of colon infection cases symptoms are found to be similar even if the cause of the infection differs. One of the most common colon infection symptoms is watery stools also known as diarrhea. People suffering from colon infection will show the following symptoms:

• People may need to visit the restroom more than 10 times a day.
• In severe cases people may also suffer from bloody diarrhea and bloody stools.
• Constipation.
• Due to the constant loss of fluid because of diarrhea many people suffer from dehydration.
• Other common symptoms include dry mouth, excessive thirst and muscular weakness.
• Fever.
• Nausea.
• Sudden weight loss.
• Abdominal pain and a constant feeling of bloating is also a known symptom.

Colon Infection Treatment

Mild colon infections can be treated at home. All the patient has to do is to start consuming high fiber foods. Foods high in fiber act as stool softeners and minimize the pressure inside the colon so that the waste products could move out easily. Doctors suggest that people should have at least 35 g of fiber each day. People suffering from colon problems should also start drinking more fluids as they aid in healthy bowel movements. Depending on the severity of the symptoms the doctors can also prescribe antibiotics to ease the pain. In severe cases doctors also advise to follow a liquid diet so that the colon can get some rest from its daily activities. In severe cases a hospital stay is advised and if there's still no improvement in the condition of the patient then a colon surgery is the next step.

So this was all about colon infections, its symptoms, causes and treatment. There are many steps which can be taken to prevent colon infections such as consuming healthy foods, drinking juices and maintaining an ideal weight.