Barium Enema: A barium enema is a diagnostic test that us performed to examine the colon and rectum for abnormalities. Barium enema may be ordered for a patient to identify inflammation of the intestinal wall, diverituli, narrowed areas of the bowel, polyps,and cancer. Risks of barium enema include low potassium levels, dehydration, constipation, and rarely rectal bleeding.

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Clostridium Difficile (C. difficile, C. diff)

Clostridium difficile (or C. difficile, C. diff) colitis is an infection of the colon. C. diff infection is most commonly associated with antibiotic use. Another common name is pseudomembranous colitis. C. diff bacteria is commonly found on items such as floors, bedpans, phones, and fingernails, etc. C. diff infection causes are use of certain antibiotics. Risk factors for C. diff infection include hospitalization, age, and chronic medical conditions. Treatment is generally with another antibiotic.
Colitis

Colitis is an inflammation of the colon. There are many cause of colitis, infectious colitis (bacterial or viral), ischemic colitis, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis), microscopic colitis (lymphocytic and collagenous), and chemical colitis. Symptoms of colitis are generally diarrhea (may be bloody) and abdominal pain and/or cramping. Treatment of colitis depends upon the cause.
Colon Cancer

The human colon is a muscular, tube-shaped organ measuring about 4 feet long. It extends from the end of your small bowel to your anus. Most colon cancers start as adenomatous polyps that turn into adenocarcinomas. Colon cancer (bowel cancer) is typically diagnosed through a colonoscopy or other type of endoscopic procedures. Treatment methods include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.
Crohn Disease

Crohn's disease (Crohn disease) is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and is a chronic long-term inflammation of the digestive tract. The cause of Crohn's disease is unknown. Symptoms of Crohn's disease include diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, bloating, and infections of the urinary tract and vagina. Treatment for Crohn's disease includes lifestyle changes in diet, medication, and surgery.
Anatomy Involved in Crohn Disease

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and any part of the digestive tract can be involved (from the mouth to the anus). Symptoms of Crohn's disease include bloating, constipation, and pain or bleeding with a bowel movement (rectal bleeding). Crohn's disease can cause complications in the digestive system. Nutritional complications are common in people with Crohn's disease.
Crohn Disease FAQs

Crohn's disease (Crohn disease) is a chronic condition that is characterized by inflammation of the digestive tract. Crohn's disease is considered an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Symptoms of Crohn's disease include diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, bloating, and fever. Treatment options include diet changes, medication, and surgery. The prognosis for Crohn's disease depends on the patient and the areas affected by Crohn's disease.
Crohn Disease in Children and Teens

Crohn's disease is an inflammation of the small intestine. Crohn's disease is also referred to as inflammatory bowel disease. Crohn's disease in children and teens generally develop symptoms before the age of 20. Symptoms include watery diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, appetite loss, and slowed growth. Management of Crohn's disease in children and teens is possible with medication and lifestyle changes.
Rectal Bleeding

Read about causes of rectal bleeding, including hemorrhoids, anal fissures, polyps, tumors, trauma, and inflammation of the bowel. Also learn when to see a doctor for medical treatment.
Stool Color Changes

Stool color changes and textures to black, tarry, sticky, red, maroon, clay-colored, gray, pale, and yellow can have a variety of causes. Causes include hemorrhoids, pancreatitis, tumors, alcohol abuse, liver disease, cystic fibrosis, celiac disease, cancers, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticular bleeding due to diverticulitis, medication, changes in diet, and other conditions. Treatment of changes in stool color depend on the cause.
Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an acute or chronic inflammation of the membranes that line the colon. Symptoms of UC include abdominal pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, urgency for a bowel movement, fever, fatigue, and lack of appetite. Treatment for UC include medication and lifestyle changes. On occasion, surgery may be a necessary treatment for ulcerative colitis.

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Stool Color Changes Stool color changes and textures to black, tarry, sticky, red, maroon, clay-colored, gray, pale, and yellow can have a variety of causes. Causes include hemorrhoids, pancreatitis, tumors, alcohol abuse, liver disease, cystic fibrosis, celiac disease, cancers, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticular bleeding due to diverticulitis, medication, changes in diet, and other conditions. Treatment of changes in stool color depend on the cause.