Sigmoid colon is the lower portion of the large intestine. Pain in this region happens to be one of the most common problems that people suffer from. This HealthHearty article discusses the possible reasons as to why one encounters this pain.
Sigmoid colon is nothing but the lower part of the large intestine of the human body. It is one of the four parts of the colon, which extracts water and salt from the food we eat, before it is eliminated from the body in the form of wastes. It is an ‘s’ shaped curve which connects the descending colon to the rectum. Its main function is to store the solid excretory product evacuated from the bowels, until it is released from the human body. Pain in this region can be related to many health issues, varying from being mild to severe in nature.
Signs and Symptoms
While mostly, abdominal pain comes and goes without giving us much botheration, many a time, it can indicate a serious health condition. Pain in the sigmoid colon, may be an indicator of something mild, or something as serious as colon cancer. Mentioned below are the symptoms that need immediate medical attention.
- Bloody Diarrhea
- Rectal Bleeding
- Fatigue
- Weight Loss
- Loss of Appetite
- Chills and Fever
- Intestinal Obstruction
- Skin Problems
- Changes in Bowel Movement
- Tenderness in the Abdominal Region
Causes
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), almost 50% of the U.S. population suffer from intestinal problems due to their diet, which contains less fiber. This is the main cause of developing sigmoid colon diseases. There are many conditions that can cause pain. Many a time, if the pain is left untreated, the condition may become even worse.
Ulcerative Colitis
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), almost 50% of the people suffering from ulcerative colitis experience very mild symptoms. Ulcerative colitis is the condition wherein the inner lining of the colon and rectum is inflamed with sores and ulcers. The area gets filled with blood and puss and leads to frequent emptying of the colon. As a result, the person may experience extreme pain in the lower abdomen, due to the inflamed colon, accompanied by bloody diarrhea.
Sigmoid Colon Cancer
Many a time, pain may be a result of the already developing colon cancer. This happens when cancerous tumors form in the region, which do not penetrate in the colon’s mucosal layer. However, as the cancer develops to its next stage, the tumors start to penetrate in the colon’s mucosal wall and spread further to the lymph nodes around the sigmoid colon.
Diverticular Diseases
There are 2 types of diverticular diseases: Diverticulosis and diverticulitis. When pockets tend to develop in the intestinal walls, the condition is referred to as diverticulosis, and when these pockets get inflamed, the condition is known as diverticulitis. Both these conditions seem to appear generally on the sigmoid and descending colon.
Sigmoid Volvulus
It is a condition wherein the sigmoid colon twists upon itself and results in obstruction. Many a time, this has to be corrected through medical assistance.
Tortuous Sigmoid Colon
Also known as redundant colon, here, the colon is longer than it is supposed to be. Many times, due to the enlarged size, the sigmoid colon tends to twist and causes blockages resulting in pain.
The treatment depends upon the exact cause. However, eating a high-fiber diet would definitely help one avoid this condition, in most cases. Consultation with a trusted physician is a must, as a delay could lead to further complications.
Disclaimer: This HealthHearty article is meant for informational purposes only and should not be considered as a replacement for expert medical advice.
