Gastroenterology Associates of Central Georgia LLC
Gastroenterologists located in Macon, Gray, Warner Robins, and Milledgeville, GA
Your colon is responsible for the final stages of digesting, processing, and eliminating food, making it an incredibly important component of your digestive system. If you’re suffering from a disease of the colon, Gastroenterology Associates of Central Georgia can help. Schedule a visit to their clinic in Macon, Georgia, and start improving your colon health today. You can book your visit by phoning the office.
Diseases of the Colon Q & A
What does the colon do?
The colon, otherwise known as your large intestine or large bowel, is one of the last parts in your digestive system. It consists of four separate parts:
Ascending colon
Transverse colon
Descending colon
Sigmoid colon
Together, these parts of your colon are responsible for:
Storing and processing waste
Reabsorbing water from the food processed in your small intestine
Maintaining water balance in your digestive system
Absorbing some vitamins from your food, like vitamin K
Flora-aided fermentation (breaking down your remaining food with bacteria)
The main purpose of your colon is to aid in the final stages of processing food before moving it into the rectum for disposal.
What are some diseases of the colon?
Your colon works to process and eliminate the elements of your food that your body doesn’t need, in addition to helping your body get rid of your stool, which is full of bacteria. A high-fiber diet full of fruits and vegetables helps your colon stay healthy. If your colon is not functioning properly, you might experience a variety of problems, including bloating, gas, and abdominal pain.
Some diseases of the colon include:
Colon cancer
Colorectal cancer is malignant tissue in your colon. The American Cancer Society estimates that colorectal cancer affects one out of every 22 men and one out of every 24 women in their lifetimes.
Crohn’s disease
Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any area of your gastrointestinal tract, including the colon, and can range in severity from mild to debilitating. It’s not clear what exactly causes Crohn’s disease, though the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation estimates that upwards of 780,000 Americans are affected by it.
Diverticulosis and diverticulitis
Diverticulosis describes the formation of little pouches, called diverticula, in the lining of your digestive system, often in the colon. Diverticulosis is typically harmless, with researchers estimating that 80% of cases cause no noticeable symptoms. Sometimes, however, these diverticula can get infected or inflamed and become diverticulitis, which can cause pain and other symptoms.
How do you treat colon diseases?
While some colon diseases can be eliminated with simple lifestyle changes, others might require more involved measures, like surgery or chemotherapy.
The team at Gastroenterology Associates of Central Georgia offers a wide range of treatment options for diseases of the colon. Your doctor can work with you to determine the best course of action depending on your particular condition and your unique needs and preferences.
To learn more about how Gastroenterology Associates of Central Georgia can treat your colon condition, schedule a visit today by calling the office.