What Causes Issues with the Ascending Colon?

Ascending Colon Problems: Causes, Symptoms & Treatments

The ascending colon is a crucial segment of the large intestine. It is responsible for soaking up water and nutrients from the food we digest as it travels upward along the right side of our abdomen. If there are any issues with the ascending colon, it can lead to various digestive problems and might signal underlying health issues that need to be addressed.

Conditions Responsible for Ascending Colon Disorders

Several factors can impact the ascending colon, leading to discomfort, pain, and various gastrointestinal issues. Here are some common reasons:

• Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) : Conditions like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are chronic inflammatory disorders that can affect the ascending colon. Ulcerative colitis usually results in inflammation and ulcers along the lining of the colon. At the same time, Crohn’s disease can impact all layers of the bowel and may even affect healthy tissue between inflamed areas.
• Diverticulitis : Diverticulitis most commonly occurs in the sigmoid colon (lower left abdomen). However, it can also affect the ascending colon, particularly in Asian populations.
• Constipation : When stools are hard or large and tough to pass, they can cause pain and even lead to tears in the anal lining (anal fissures). Constipation is often the result of low fibre intake, dehydration, or certain medications.
• Diarrhoea : Overactive contractions of the colon can lead to frequent, loose stools, resulting in cramping and discomfort. Infections, food intolerances, or chronic conditions may trigger diarrhoea.
• Colon Cancer : Tumours in the ascending colon can lead to pain, changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue.
• Infections : Bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections can cause infectious colitis, leading to irritation, swelling, and sometimes severe symptoms.
• Ischaemic Colitis : This points to a dip in blood supply to the colon that may lead to tissue damage and pain.

What Causes Growth in the Colon?

Abnormal growths in the colon are commonly addressed as polyps or tumours. They occur when cells start dividing spontaneously and can either be benign (not cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

Polyps are an accumulation of cells that form on the colon's lining. While most polyps are harmless, some types, particularly adenomas and serrated lesions, have the potential to turn into cancer over time. The likelihood of developing polyps tends to increase with age (especially after 45), as well as due to factors like family history, inflammatory bowel diseases, poor diet, obesity, smoking, and heavy drinking.

Moreover, certain inherited conditions, such as Lynch syndrome and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), can greatly raise the chances of developing colon polyps and colorectal cancer.

Finally, ongoing inflammation from conditions like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease can cause changes in cells, which in turn heighten the risk of colon growth and cancer.

How Do You Clear the Ascending Colon?

Taking care of your colon and keeping that ascending colon clear can be accomplished through a few natural and lifestyle changes:

• Proper Hydration: You must intake 6-8 glasses of water each day to help keep your digestion on track and avoid constipation.
• High-Fibre Diet: Consider incorporating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. They add bulk to your stool and facilitate day-to-day bowel movements.
• Saltwater Flush: Some people suggest sipping a mix of sea salt and lukewarm water on an empty stomach to kickstart bowel movements. However, it is best to practise this with caution and consult a doctor first.
• Herbal Remedies: Herbal teas and natural laxatives, such as psyllium husk or aloe vera, can be helpful for occasional constipation.
• Regular Exercise: Staying active is great for your digestive health and helps keep your bowel movements regular.
• Medical Interventions: If you are dealing with persistent or severe symptoms, you may need medical treatments like prescribed laxatives, enemas, or even surgery, especially if there is an obstruction or chronic condition involved.

How Serious is a Colon Infection?

The severity of colon infections can vary quite a bit, from mild cases that resolve on their own to severe situations that can be life-threatening.

1.  Mild Infections : Many instances of infectious colitis, which can be triggered by bacteria, viruses, or parasites, often lead to symptoms like diarrhoea, cramping, and some mild discomfort. Thankfully, these usually clear up with some supportive care and, if needed, specific antibiotics.

2.  Severe Complications : In certain cases, infections can escalate into serious complications such as:

• Toxic Megacolon: This is a rare but critical condition where the colon expands rapidly and becomes paralysed, putting the patient at risk for perforation, sepsis, and shock.
• Perforation: It is a chronic or severe infection that can weaken the walls of the colon, leading to a rupture that allows bacteria to spill into the abdominal cavity, which can result in peritonitis and potentially cause sepsis.
• Chronic Inflammation: Ongoing or repeated infections can result in chronic colitis, which raises the risk of developing colon cancer and other complications over time.

Problems related to the ascending colon can arise from different factors. To keep your colon healthy and avoid serious complications, it is crucial to recognise issues early, adopt healthy habits, and seek timely medical care.