APPENDICITIS
Inflammation of appendix is known as appendicitis. Appendix is a small, worm-like appendage, projecting from cecum of ascending colon. It is situated on the lower right side of the abdomen. Appendix does not have any function in human beings. But, it can create major problems when diseased. Appendicitis can develop at any age. However, it is very common between 10 and 30 years of age.
Causes
The cause for appendicitis is not
known. It may occur by bacterial or viral infection. It also occurs during
blockage of connection between appendix and large intestine by feces, foreign
body or tumor.
Features
1. Main symptom of appendicitis is the
pain, which starts around the umbilicus and then spreads to the
lower right side of the abdomen. It becomes
severe within 6 to 12 hours
2. Nausea
3. Vomiting
4. Constipation or diarrhea
5. Difficulty in
passing gas
6. Low fever
7. Abdominal swelling
8. Loss of appetite.
If not treated immediately, the
appendix may rupture and the inflammation will spread to the whole
body,
leading to severe complications,
sometimes even death. Therefore, the treatment of appendicitis is considered as
an emergency. Usual standard treatment for appendicitis is appendectomy (surgical removal of
appendix).
ULCERATIVE COLITIS
Ulcerative colitis is
an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), characterized by the inflammation and
ulcerative aberrations
in the wall of the large intestine. It is also known as colitis or proctitis. Rectum and lower part
of the
colon are commonly affected. Sometimes, the entire colon is affected.
Ulcerative colitis can occur at any
age. More commonly, it affects people in the age group of 15 to 30
years. Rarely it
affects 50 to 70 years old people.
Cause
Exact cause for
ulcerative colitis is not known. However, it is believed that the interaction between
the immune system
and viral or bacterial infection causes this disease.
Features
1. Abdominal pain
2. Diarrhea with blood in the stools
3. Early fatigue
4. Loss of appetite and weight
5. Arthritis and osteoporosis
6. Eye inflammation
7. Liver diseases like hepatitis,
cirrhosis, etc.
8. Skin rashes
9. Anemia.
FUNCTIONS OF LARGE INTESTINE
1. ABSORPTIVE
FUNCTION
Large intestine plays an important
role in the absorption of various substances such as:
i. Water
ii. Electrolytes
iii. Organic substances like glucose
iv. Alcohol
v. Drugs like anesthetic agents,
sedatives and steroids.
2. FORMATION OF FECES
After the absorption of nutrients,
water and other substances, the unwanted substances in the large
intestine form feces. This is excreted
out.
3. EXCRETORY FUNCTION
Large intestine excretes heavy metals
like mercury, lead, bismuth and arsenic through feces.
4. SECRETORY FUNCTION
Large intestine secretes mucin and
inorganic substances like chlorides and bicarbonates.
5. SYNTHETIC FUNCTION
Bacterial flora of
large intestine synthesizes folic acid, vitamin B12 and vitamin K. By this function,
large
intestine contributes in erythropoietic
activity and
blood
clotting mechanism.
FUNCTIONS OF LARGE
INTESTINAL JUICE
Neutralization of
Acids
Strong acids formed by bacterial
action in large intestine are neutralized by the alkaline nature of
large intestinal
juice. The alkalinity of this juice is mainly due to the presence of large
quantity of bicarbonate.
Lubrication Activity
Mucin present in the secretion of
large intestine lubricates the mucosa of large intestine and the bowel
contents, so that, the movement of
bowel is facilitated. Mucin also protects the mucus membrane of
large intestine by preventing the
damage caused by mechanical injury or chemical substances.
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