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Intestines
The intestines aid in the digestion and absorption of food and stretch from the stomach to the anus.
4,885 Questions
How long can you be constipated without dying?
While the duration of constipation can vary greatly among individuals, being constipated for several days to weeks is common and typically not life-threatening. However, chronic constipation lasting more than a few weeks can lead to complications, such as bowel obstruction or fecal impaction, which may require medical intervention. If someone experiences severe pain, bloating, or other concerning symptoms, they should seek medical attention. It’s important to address constipation promptly to avoid potential complications.
Does iron make bowel movements darker?
Yes, iron can change the color of your stool. It will generally make it appear a bit darker, almost black at times.
What is the treatment for eating feces?
The medical term for eating feces is coprophagia. If children eat feces, along with other things such as dirt, paint chips, etc., the term for that is pica.
Why people eat fecal matter varies. They may be mentally ill, elderly, a toddler, malnourished, curious, sexually-aroused, or bored.
Why does your anus burn after you have a bowel movement?
Anal itch, also known as pruritus ani, is an irritating, itchy sensation around the anus (the opening through which stool passes out of the body). Anal itch is a symptom, not an illness, and it can have many different causes. In most cases, a person with anal itch does not have a disease of the anus or rectum. Instead, the itchy sensation is a sign that one or more of the following has irritated the skin in the area:
Stool on the skin around the anal opening - If the anal area isn't cleaned properly after a bowel movement, a small amount of stool may be left behind on the skin, causing the area to itch. Less often, watery stools may leak out of the anal opening and cause itching. This sometimes happens in otherwise healthy people whose diets include very large amounts of liquids.
A diet containing foods or beverages that irritate the anus - A number of foods and drinks can irritate the anus, including spices and spicy foods, coffee (both caffeinated and decaffeinated), tea, cola, milk, alcoholic beverages (especially beer and wine), chocolate, citrus fruits, vitamin C tablets and tomatoes. Once a person eats or drinks something that can irritate the anus, it usually takes 24 to 36 hours before anal itching begins. That's the time it takes the food to travel through the digestive tract.
Treatment with antibiotics - Some powerful antibiotics that work against many different bacterial species can trigger anal itch by disturbing the normal ecology of the intestines. These drugs are called broad-spectrum antibiotics, and include tetracyclines and erythromycin (both sold under several brand names).
A local chemical irritation or skin allergy in the anal area - In sensitive people, chemicals and medications that are applied to the anal area can cause local irritation or allergic reactions. Some major culprits include dyes and perfumes used in toilet paper (especially scented toilet paper), feminine hygiene sprays and other deodorants for the area around the anus or genitals, medicated talcum powders, and medicated skin cleansers and soaps, especially perfumed soaps. Anal itch also can be triggered by over-the-counter medications (suppositories, creams, ointments) intended to treat anal problems.
Intense cleaning after a bowel movement - Although the anal area should be cleaned after every bowel movement, this cleaning must be gentle. Aggressive rubbing and scrubbing, especially with soaps or other skin cleansers, can irritate the skin and trigger anal itch.
Where does the splenic flexure joins the colon?
The splenic flexure, also known as the left colic flexure, is the point where the transverse colon bends downward to become the descending colon. It is located on the left side of the abdomen, near the spleen. This junction is significant as it marks the transition from the upper part of the colon to the lower part, playing a role in the overall function of the digestive system.
What is the correct code for adenocarcinoma of the colon?
The correct code for adenocarcinoma of the colon, according to the International Classification of Diseases for Oncology (ICD-O), is 8140/3. This code signifies a malignant neoplasm of the colon that is classified as an adenocarcinoma. For billing and coding purposes, the specific ICD-10-CM code for colon adenocarcinoma would be C18.9, indicating malignant neoplasm of the colon, unspecified. Always verify with the latest coding guidelines for accuracy.
Not having a bowel movement for five days can be concerning and may indicate constipation. Common causes include dehydration, lack of dietary fiber, sedentary lifestyle, or certain medications. It’s essential to increase fluid intake, consume fiber-rich foods, and consider gentle physical activity. If the issue persists or is accompanied by severe discomfort, it's advisable to consult a healthcare professional.
How long does it take to have a normal bowel movement after colon surgery?
The medication they give you during a colonoscopy can make you slightly constipated. Increasing your fiber should do the trick! You can either do this naturally by eating a lot of fruit or veggies, drinking prune juice or other thick juice; or you can take some of the OTC fiber supplements like Metamucil or Benefiber. I'd avoid a laxative unless you are constipated for several days.
What is one of the major functions of the large intestine?
Reasorbs water from the chyme (waste) and gets rid of the rest of the waste.
