Colonic Inertia

Colonic inertia is named so, because, in this condition fecal matter is prevented to attain a normal flow through the colon. This occurs as a result of a dysfunction of the muscles and nerves in the colon. That is the reason it is known to be one of the most common factors which cause constipation. Colonic inertia causes have not been determined, yet, however, factors which cause constipation may be related to this condition, as well. These factors include insufficient water and fiber intake, lack of exercises, stress, pregnancy, frequent changes in regular diet and certain medications like pain medications, antidepressants or iron pills or antacid medicines which are calcium or aluminum based.

Other possible causes may include:

• Hypothyroidism
• Parkinson's disease
• Multiple sclerosis
• Depression
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Colon cancer

Symptoms

Not all people who are afflicted with this condition show any symptoms. However, when symptoms do occur, they include diarrhea (which is where the affected person suffers from watery bowel movements ), abdominal pain (which may include other symptoms like stomach cramps and stomach ache) and abdominal distension (stomach starts protruding outwards). Bleeding from the anal region (one severe symptom as major blood loss can result in a fatal condition), vomiting (can result in a great loss of electrolytes), nausea, slowed gastric emptying (this may disrupt the process of the nutrients getting transported to different parts of the body) and constipation (difficult evacuation of the bowels and one common symptom of colonic inertia) are the other symptoms which may be indicative of this medical disorder.

The patient may not suffer from all of these symptoms at one time and some of these may mimic the symptoms of other medical problems. So, it is necessary to get oneself diagnosed after he/she notices one or more of these symptoms. Colonic inertia diagnosis is carried out by the procedure known as total abdominal colectomy.

Treatment

Patients have varied options for their treatment. One treatment method, which is common and recommended to most patients is the alteration of diet. The patient will be advised to drink 2-4 glasses extra than the normal amount of water he/she drinks everyday. The water must be warm and apart from it, other warm liquids will also be recommended for the patient. This method helps with the passage of bowel movements. More fruits and vegetables must be added to the diet and so should foods rich in dietary fiber. If such methods fail to show any desirable results, then doctors go for more aggressive treatments such as a surgery. A colonic inertia surgery mainly involves the removal of the colon. This is recommended for patients diagnosed with severe symptoms of this condition. Surgical procedures are always kept as the last resort as they have their share of possible complications, such as abdominal pain and diarrhea.

One symptom of colonic inertia which must be concerning enough for you to pay an early visit to your doc is the presence of blood in the stool. Blood in the stool and any abdominal pain that has been going for a quite a long time have all chances to be the symptoms of this condition. In most cases, this condition is not considered a medical emergency. However, if the symptoms are let to persist and progress, then your delay may become the reason of serious complications in the future.