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What Causes Colon Strictures?

J.M. Willhite
J.M. Willhite

Colon strictures occur when intestinal tissue becomes narrowed due to inflammation. There are several causes for the occurrence of this condition, from infection to inflammation and autoimmune disease. Individuals diagnosed with colon strictures may undergo a variety of treatments depending on the cause and severity of their condition. Approaches may range from dietary changes to the use of drug therapy and, in some cases, surgery to alleviate colonic inflammation.

Establishing the cause of colon strictures often involves several diagnostic and laboratory tests. A blood panel and imaging tests of the abdominal region, including a computerized tomography (CT) scan and X-ray, are usually ordered. It is not uncommon for some physicians to request a stool sample to send for laboratory analysis. In some cases, a colonoscopy may also be conducted to discount the possibility of malignancy.

Treatment for a colon stricture may include surgery.
Treatment for a colon stricture may include surgery.

Colon strictures may be caused by an infection in colonic tissue, as occurs with diverticulitis. The colon can sometimes house diverticula, or pouches, within its tissue that become easily inflamed and infected by the bacteria-laden fecal matter that passes through. As the tissue becomes more irritated, it swells, disrupts bowel movements, and causes abdominal discomfort.

Treatment for a colon stricture may include medication.
Treatment for a colon stricture may include medication.

Another factor that commonly contributes to colonic stricture is chronic inflammation. Ulcerative colitis, a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), is a condition marked by inflammation associated with the presence of ulcerated, colonic tissue; hence, its name. There is no known, definitive cause for the onset of this progressive condition that ultimately results in extensive scarring within the colon.

A blood panel may be conducted to determine the cause of a colon stricture.
A blood panel may be conducted to determine the cause of a colon stricture.

In some cases, an inexplicable, overactive immuno-response is responsible for the onset of colon strictures. Crohn’s disease is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks healthy colonic tissue resulting in extensive inflammation. The chronic inflammation causes a narrowing of the colonic passage that impairs bowel function.

Individuals diagnosed with a narrowing of the colon may experience a range of signs and symptoms. Generally, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal discomfort are common with all forms of strictures. Other signs can include diminished appetite, fever, and significant weight loss.

Symptoms of a colon stricture may include significant weight loss.
Symptoms of a colon stricture may include significant weight loss.

Treatment for colon strictures is usually dependent on the severity and cause of one’s symptoms. Dietary changes, such as increasing or decreasing one’s fiber intake, and home remedies to alleviate discomfort, such as using a heating pad or soaking in a tub of warm water, are often recommended. When over-the-counter (OTC) analgesic medications are ineffective, prescription-strength antidiarrheals, immunosuppressants, and anti-inflammatory drugs may be given. Antibiotic medications are routinely given to eliminate infection. Surgery may be performed to excise diseased or dying colonic tissue and abscesses; in some cases, severe colonic strictures can necessitate the removal of the entire colon.

Discussion Comments

Phaedrus
I know some people who are prone to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) whenever they become stressed out and start eating unhealthy foods. Their digestive system will go haywire for a few hours and they'll feel miserable, but it generally goes away with some OTC medications and a break from eating.

However, I met someone last year who had Chrohn's disease, and for her the problem was not dietary at all. She was extremely careful with her food choices, and she also tried to avoid stressful situations. Every so often, her disease would flare up and the result was a colon stricture. She told me the pain was almost unbearable at times, and she has had to spend time in the hospital for emergency treatments.

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    • Treatment for a colon stricture may include surgery.
      By: andrea86g
      Treatment for a colon stricture may include surgery.
    • Treatment for a colon stricture may include medication.
      By: nikesidoroff
      Treatment for a colon stricture may include medication.
    • A blood panel may be conducted to determine the cause of a colon stricture.
      By: Sherry Young
      A blood panel may be conducted to determine the cause of a colon stricture.
    • Symptoms of a colon stricture may include significant weight loss.
      By: milanmarkovic78
      Symptoms of a colon stricture may include significant weight loss.
    • Fever may accompany a colon stricture.
      By: jinga80
      Fever may accompany a colon stricture.
    • Soaking in a warm bath may help alleviate pain associated with a colon stricture.
      By: Tyler Olson
      Soaking in a warm bath may help alleviate pain associated with a colon stricture.
    • Abdominal discomfort may be a sign of a colon stricture.
      By: ruigsantos
      Abdominal discomfort may be a sign of a colon stricture.
    • Autoimmune diseases can cause colon strictures.
      By: CLIPAREA.com
      Autoimmune diseases can cause colon strictures.
    • Abdominal X-rays are usually used to check for colon strictures.
      By: alkerk
      Abdominal X-rays are usually used to check for colon strictures.
    • Ulcerative colitis causes the large intestine to have difficulty absorbing water, which can lead to dehydration.
      By: koszivu
      Ulcerative colitis causes the large intestine to have difficulty absorbing water, which can lead to dehydration.