All Blood Tests

Celiac disease, also known as gluten sensitive enteropathy is very common but frequently missed. It’s an autoimmune disease of intestinal damage due to gluten in people who are genetically predisposed. Classic Celiac disease is diagnosed by abnormal blood tests and an abnormal appearing intestine on biopsy and symptoms that resolve with a gluten free diet.

Several blood tests exist for Celiac disease. They have varying degrees of accuracy. Some are more sensitive, meaning they will be positive in milder forms of the disease but aren’t specific, meaning a positive test might not indicate Celiac disease. Others are felt to be very specific, meaning that when they’re positive, it is almost certain you have the disease.

The most specific tests are tests for Celiac disease endomysial antibodies (EMA) and tissue transglutaminase antibody (tTG) tests. These two tests are IgA based tests and can be negative if you are deficient in the immunoglobin IgA, which occurs in 10-20% of people with Celiac. When either EMA or tTG are positive Celiac disease is very likely and usually the intestine biopsy is positive. Recent studies indicate that the tTG may only be positive in 40% of true Celiacs when mild degrees of intestine damage are present on biopsy. Seronegative Celiac, meaning the blood tests are negative but the biopsy is positive, may occur in up to 20% of Celiacs.

Antibodies for gliadin (AGA), the toxic fraction of gluten are considered very sensitive but not specific for Celiac disease. Newer assays for AGA antibodies for gluten that has undergone a chemical change called deamidation appear to be more specific for Celiac disease (Gliadin II, Inova) than the older gliadin tests. They also may be as or more valid than EMA and tTG antibody tests but aren’t yet widely available.

The most distressing problem for people with lesser forms of gluten intolerance who have blood tests and/or biopsies that are normal or borderline yet respond to a gluten free diet is either not being taken seriously or knowing for sure if they are sensitive to gluten. For these individuals stool antibody testing for antigliadin and tTG have been helpful. Such stool testing has been performed in research labs and published in a few studies but are only recently available through the commercial lab, Enterolab. Founded by a former Baylor research gastroenterologist, Dr Ken Fine, the lab tests are available to people online without a doctors order but are not generally covered by insurance. Dr. Fine, who patented the test, has yet to publish the results of his findings in a peer reviewed journal so his tests are not widely accepted. However, his unpublished data and the clinical experience of some of us who have used his test have indicated the lab tests are very sensitive for signs of gluten sensitivity. He reports that they are 100% sensitive for Celiac disease and highly sensitive for gluten sensitivity of lesser degrees. In the presence of symptoms, that reverse on a gluten-free diet, abnormal stool antibody levels can be found in most people before blood tests or biopsies become abnormal.

Small intestine biopsies during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy are considered the “gold standard” for the diagnosis of Celiac disease. However, recent studies have demonstrated that some people with gluten sensitivity, especially relatives of Celiacs with little or no symptoms, have changes from gluten injury to the intestine that can not be seen with normal microscope examination. They can only be seen with special stains not routinely done or with a research electron microscope. The special stains are known as immunohistochemistry stains. They stain specialized white blood cells called lymphocytes in the intestinal lining tips or villi. When these lymphocytes are increased it is known as intraepithelial lymphocytosis or increased IELs and it is the earliest sign of gluten induced injury or irritation. Electron microscopy also reveals very early ultrastructural changes in some individuals when blood tests and standard biopsy examination are normal. When people who have these changes are offered the option of a gluten-free diet they usually responded favorably. In contrast, those who continue to eat gluten often later developed classic Celiac disease.

What these studies suggest is that a “normal small intestine biopsy” may exclude Celiac disease as defined by strict criteria but it’s not a gold standard for detecting gluten sensitivity. This truth is appreciated by many individuals who have respond to a gluten-free diet they start based on their symptoms, family history, suggestive blood test or stool antibody test(s).

Another source of confusion is in the genetics of Celiac and gluten sensitivity. Testing for specific blood type patterns on white blood cells known as HLA DQ2 and DQ8 is increasingly being employed to determine if a person carries either of the two gene pattern present in 95-98% of Celiacs and predisposing them to the development of Celiac disease. Some use the absence of these two patterns as a way of excluding the possibility of Celiac disease and the need for testing or gluten-free diet. However, there are rare reports of documented Celiac disease in people who are DQ2 and DQ8 negative. Furthermore, recent studies indicate other DQ patterns may be associated with gluten sensitivity though unlikely to predispose to classic Celiac disease.

Testing for all the DQ patterns is advocated by Dr. Fine, based on his experience with stool antibody test results. He reports that other DQ types are associated with elevated levels of gliadin and tTG in the stool and symptoms that respond to a gluten-free diet. According to his unpublished data, all the DQ types except DQ4 are associated with a risk of intolerance to gluten. Therefore, testing for all the DQ types allows a person to determine if they carry one of the two high risk gene types for Celiac disease or any of the other “minor DQ” genes Fine has found associated with gluten sensitivity.

Enterolab’s stool testing for gliadin antibodies and tissue transglutaminase antibodies, though not widely accepted, have gained favor in the lay public’s opinion as an option for determining sensitivity to gluten either despite negative blood tests and/or biopsies or in place of the more invasive tests. Most doctors still recommend the accepted blood tests and small bowel biopsy for confirmation of Celiac. Though the reports in the lay community are overwhelmingly positive they haven’t been subjected to peer review in the medical community pending Dr. Fine publishing his data or other scientists reproducing his results.

However, doctors open to the broader problem of gluten sensitivity are reporting these tests helpful in many patients suspected of gluten intolerance. Specifically when someone has symptoms consistent with gluten sensitivity but has negative or inconclusive blood tests and/or biopsies these tests may be very helpful though some are not certain how to interpret the lab tests. The national Celiac organizations are uncertain about how to comment on their application without published research though a recent article in the British Medical Journal did show stool tests highly specific for Celiac. Dr. Fine has publicly commented that his unpublished data demonstrates those with abnormal stool tests indicating gluten sensitivity overwhelmingly respond favorably to a gluten free diet with improvement of symptoms and general quality of life.

Another problem is that there are not universally agreed upon definitions for gluten sensitivity or intolerance. This becomes especially difficult for those who don’t meet strict criteria for Celiac disease yet may have abnormal tests and/or symptoms that respond to a gluten-free diet. Those individuals become confused when they attempt to find information but don’t have a formal diagnosis of Celiac disease. Consensus in the medical community on definitions and more research in this area is greatly needed.

The few doctors who appreciate the spectrum of gluten intolerance or sensitivity are outnumbered by the medical majority that continue to insist on strict criteria for diagnosis for Celiac disease before recommending a gluten-free diet. Doctors either unfamiliar with the limitations of the tests as documented by Celiac research or who insist on the strict criteria for Celiac being the only indication for recommending a gluten free diet unfortunately may confuse or frustrate gluten sensitive individuals. Some of these people then seek answers on the internet or from alternative practitioners. Many have their diagnosis missed, challenged, dismissed, or are misinformed. As a result they fail to benefit from the health benefits of a gluten-free diet because they are advised that it is not required based on normal blood tests and/or normal biopsies. In the meantime, Celiac disease and gluten sensitivity continue to be undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.

Early pregnancy test is essential to confirm pregnancy, the most beautiful and important moment in a woman’s life. Whenever a woman wants to know whether she is pregnant or not, she is able to use the pregnancy test kits that are easily available in the markets at the chemist shops. The missing of one’s monthly periods is generally the first indication of pregnancy and should be followed by an early pregnancy test. In case of a second or subsequent pregnancies, a woman generally comes to know that she is pregnant within a short period even without the help of an early pregnancy test.

Early Detection Pregnancy Tests

Early detection pregnancy tests facilitate access to important and basic information to the would be mothers. These tests can be done easily at home with the help of a urine sample which tells us about the quantity of the Telltale hormone- human chorionic gonadotrophin or HCG in our body. The HCG gets diluted during early stages of pregnancy and can be measured through a urine sample taken for conducting the early pregnancy test.

The results of a home pregnancy test kit are 99% reliable, but only if the test has been conducted properly. After a pregnancy is confirmed with the pregnancy test kit, it’s better to take an appointment with a doctor for taking proper advice. The doctors generally suggest a series of blood tests to confirm further details about the pregnancy.

Delivery Date

At this stage, pregnancy test routine is performed to know the due date or delivery date. Normally a pregnancy lasts for an average of 266 days from the date of conception. The doctors add 280 days to the date of first day of the last menstrual period to know about the due date or the delivery date. The actual delivery date can, however, be two weeks before or after the due date, calculated by the doctor.

Ultrasound is again an important yardstick to monitor the development of the fetus and can be performed at regular intervals to monitor the different stages of pregnancy. This test can also reveal the gender of the baby. Proper diet, regular exercises and appropriate checkup is required to ensure that the mother and the baby both remain healthy during the tenure of the pregnancy. Since pregnancy is an important part in women’s life, proper monitoring is required to ensure its safe completion. Risks during pregnancy can be reduced by conducting the early pregnancy test and using the home pregnancy test kit besides taking proper medical care.

Early pregnancy test is required for the confirmation of the pregnancy after feeling various pregnancy symptoms Be certain to get more information on various pregnancy tests on Pregnancy Period

Cocaine is a very harmful drug which causes many physical and mental effects to the human body. Cocaine is obtained from the coca plant in the crystalline form. It is a very addictive stimulant which takes control over the body’s nervous system. Cocaine occurs in various forms by reacting it many other substances. The most harmful and addictive of them all are cocaine sulfate, freebase, and crack cocaine. In this article I would like to aware all the general public about the most harmful crack cocaine.

What Is Crack Cocaine?

Crack is a form of cocaine which makes a cracking sound on heating. Crack addiction is one of society’s biggest problems today. Persons addicted to crack cocaine will do almost anything to get the drug. It has reached all levels of our society; rich, poor, and everyone in between. Crack is the most active and potent form of cocaine. It’s about 80-100% pure, far stronger and effective than regular cocaine. It’s found in solid block structure or crystals.

Why Is Crack Such A Harmful Drug?

After inhaling crack cocaine, the harmful chemicals are rapidly absorbed by the lungs. The lungs pass those chemicals in the blood stream and then it is swiftly carried to the brain. Crack is one of the most powerful, addictive illicit drug which causes physical and mental health of the inhaler. Researchers suggest that it also leads towards certain psychological disorders. Crack in large amount is smoked rather than sniffed. Consumptions of cocaine in large quantity can lead to nervous disorders, coma or even death. Crack consumer’s rapid rush gives him 5-7 min pleasure but after that he’s left with depression.

Street Names Of Crack:

Out of dozens of street terms for crack in use today, the most common are:

o  Base

o  beat

o  candy

o  crack

o  crunch and munch

o  kryptonite

o  raw

o  scrabble

o  sugar block

o  topo (Spanish)

o  troop

Effects Of Crack:

Crack cocaine casts a very long lasting effect to the human body but it also has few short term effects. Crack reduces the man’s life. Crack leads to depression, fatigue and edginess. People who use it often don’t sleep properly. Their heart beat also increases. The drug makes them feel angry, hostile and anxious-even when they aren’t high. Cocaine increases the chances of likelihood in the user and he might experience heart attack, stroke, respiratory failure, any of which can result in sudden death. Smoking crack can also cause severe chest pain and bleeding.

Physical And Mental Effects

Short-Term Effects:

o  Loss of appetite

o  Increased heart rate

o  High blood pressure and body temperature

o  Nausea

o  Anxiety and depression

o  Constricted peripheral blood vessels

o  Dilated pupils

o  Excessive doses (even one time) may lead to sudden death

Long-Term Effects:

o  Liver, kidney and lung damage

o  Problems during breathing

o  Severe tooth decay

o  Malnutrition, Weight loss

o  Sexual dysfunction and damage to the genitals (for both men and women)

o  Severe depression

o  addiction (even after just one use)

o  mood disturbance

o  Sweating

Treatment Of Crack Addiction

When crack becomes habitual then it’s very difficult for the addict to leave it. Scientists have come across many treatments but they were unsuccessful. Scientists recommend that by under-estimating them and insulting them, crack can be treated. Other options leave to severe punishments and force them to leave it.

If you want to leave a simple, happy and healthy life then I request to all of you to be aware from today so that you don’t need to lament afterwards.

When we reach a certain age (usually 50) physicians suggest that we all be tested for colon cancer. Colon cancer has become one of the most deadly cancers and because of this we need to be on careful watch for it. There are several tests that are used to look for colon cancer and none of them are pleasant. However, all of them will have their benefits. We have provided information on the different treatments and what you can expect from each one. Your personal physician will suggest which one is best for your body.

Colonoscopy – During a colonoscopy your physician will insert a flexible tube called the colonoscope up into your anus. Your physician will watch the progress of the camera on a video monitor as it makes its way through your rectum and into your colon. In case you were wondering this test is as unpleasant as it sounds. The good news is you’ll be sedated during the procedure. One excellent benefit of this test is that if the physician finds any pre-cancerous polyps they can remove them. This procedure is usually covered by insurance – but can cost $800-$1,200 without it.

Virtual Colonoscopy – This test allows doctors to look inside the colon and rectum without having to stick something inside of you. They use the virtual colonoscopy to look for cancer, polyps, and other abnormalities that could be lurking inside the colon or rectum. This test uses a computer program to create a 3D picture of the large intestine through the use of x-ray images. This test can cost $500-$900.

Barium Enema – During test the physician will fill your colon with barium sulfate. As you hold the liquid inside of you they will take x-rays as you move in different directions. This provides them with many x-rays with a two-dimensional view of your rectum and colon. This procedure can cost $250-$500.

Sigmoidoscopy – This particular test is very similar to the colonoscopy. The difference is that it lets the doctor check the lower part of the colon. This particular test is more inexpensive for most people and usually only costs $150-$300 for those who don’t have insurance.

Stool Testing – There are two different types of stool tests. There’s the stool DNA test and the occult blood test. Each one of these types of tests can be performed right in your doctor’s office or at your home.

- Stool DNA testing is current method of stool testing. This test will look for traces of DNA material that is discarded by colorectal tumors or polyps. It’s the most sensitive and most expensive stool procedure that can cost around $80.

- Fecal occult blood tests search for hidden blood in your stool through the use of a chemical reaction. The most common fecal occult blood test is EZ Detect that can cost around $10. The Colon Health Make certain to check can cost around $35.

Whenever a woman gets pregnant, her body produces a hormone called Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) hormone. This hormone can be detected in the urine and blood of a pregnant woman. hCG is produced by the embryo when it get implanted on the uterus wall. Implantation usually occurs 6 to 10 days after conception. As the embryo grows, the amount of hCG increases and it doubles every 2 to 3 days. This hormone keeps the estrogen and progesterone in proper balance until the placenta develops adequately. The level of hCG peaks at 10 to 12 weeks of pregnancy and then it starts to decrease.

A home pregnancy test detects the level of hCG in the urine. However, not all home pregnancy tests are equal. The more sensitive the test, the earlier your pregnancy will be detected. A sensitive test will be able to give you accurate results as early as 6 to 8 days after conception, and this is long before you miss your first period.

If you are using a home pregnancy test to check whether you are pregnant, make sure you do not use diluted urine samples. This means you shouldn’t drink a lot of water for the test. Instead, you have to make an effort to collect a urine sample that contains the highest amount of hCG hormone and this is possible with the first urine in the morning. If you cannot collect the first morning urine, then it is better to wait for a minimum period of 4 to 5 hours before using your urine for the pregnancy test.

Many of the short-term dangers of alcohol are obvious to anyone who has experience drinking or being around drinkers. When people are drinking, they experience lower inhibitions, which can lead to their making regrettable decisions. They could fall or hurt themselves in other ways, pass out or suffer from gaps in their memories. All of this is apparent; what is not so obvious is the long term impact that alcohol can have on our relationships, health and lives.

Let’s focus on physical health first. The organs that are most vulnerable to damage caused by alcohol are the ones responsible for digesting and breaking down beverages: the stomach, liver and pancreas. The mucous membrane lining the stomach can be damaged by repeated exposure to toxic chemicals such as alcohol, eventually leading to a disease called gastritis. Gastritis can be a painful problem, and can even lead to bleeding in the stomach.

One of the liver’s jobs is to protect the body by breaking down dangerous chemicals. Heavy drinkers can suffer from a condition known as fatty liver, caused when parts of the liver begin breaking down. The initial symptoms include nausea, loss of appetite, weight loss and fever. If the person stops drinking when these symptoms occur, their liver can still recover. If they continue drinking, the problem may worsen into an incurable disorder known as liver cirrhosis. This is caused when cells in the liver begin to break down and die after repeated exposure to toxins. The dead cells are replaced by scar tissue, preventing the liver from functioning correctly.

The pancreas has many important jobs, including releasing chemicals necessary for digestion. A heavy drinker is exposing their pancreas to many damaging chemicals. Over time, this can create pancreatic inflammation. This will affect the body’s ability to adequately absorb nutrients, leading to malnutrition and all of its related health problems.

Heavy drinking over a long period of time does not only affect our health. It can affect our emotional and mental functioning. In extreme cases, chronic alcoholics can develop Korsakoff syndrome, a type of brain damage caused by drug abuse and a steady lack of Vitamin B. People with this syndrome usually suffer from severe short term and long term memory loss. Treatment is possible if the patient quits drinking, but the disorder is not curable.

Over the years, consistent abuse of alcohol can also affect our personal and social lives. It can become more difficult to find a way to deal with stress or difficulty without drinking. The bad behavior often associated with heavy drinking can damage our relationships with friends and loved ones. Of course, there can also be serious legal consequences, such as DWI or ‘drunk and disorderly’ charges.

Living with diverticulitis starts with recognizing when to call the physician. Contact your health care provider immediately if you have been diagnosed with diverticulitis, or suspect you have it, and have anal bleeding along with signs of shock such as

o  Lightheadedness, restlessness, confusion, or signs of fear

o  Shallow or rapid breathing

o  Moist, cool skin and perhaps profuse sweating

o  A feeling of being weak

o  Excessive thirst

o  Nausea and/or vomiting

o  Abnormal increase in heart rate or an abnormal decrease in blood pressure

o  A change in consciousness, the person does not respond, has a loss of consciousness, or changes in behavior

o  Facial pallor and/or lips or ear lobes may be blue.

Shock occurs when someone has lost too much blood. If you notice any of these signs call 911 immediately.

You should also call your health care provider if you are experiencing fever or chills, nausea and vomiting, have unusual changes in your bowel movement or abdominal swelling, if you have blood in your stools, or if you experience pain which worsens when you move or when you urinate. Also call and schedule an appointment if you have an abnormal vaginal discharge and you have diverticulitis or suspect that you do.

Other signs which signal immediate need for medical attention in an individual with diverticulitis is if they have severe pain in the abdomen that gets progressively worse, or pain that gets worse when the individual coughs. Other danger signs which need immediate medical attention include passing a stool which is mostly blood, stool that’s maroon-colored liquid, clots of blood in the stool or a bowel movement which looks black or tarlike, or if you experience shoulder pain, have cramping in your abdomen that does not get better, or pass gas or stool from your urethra while urinating.

During the initial diagnosis and follow up care a personal with diverticulitis will have to endure many medical appointments and tests including complete blood count (CBC), a urinalysis, an abdominal x-ray, a digital rectal exam, and a fecal occult blood test.

Depending on the symptoms presented, your health care specialist may also order these kinds of tests –

A computed tomography (CT) scans, a barium enema x-ray, a flexible sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy, as well as an upper gastrointestinal (UGI) series, an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, a technetium-labeled red blood cell bleeding scan, or an angiogram.

When a personal with diverticulitis is receiving initial treatment, they may have to take antibiotics and pain relievers, and have a change in diet that starts with clear liquids or a bland diet followed by learning how to raise fiber content in the diet gradually.

Person with diverticulitis might have to be hospitalized if the symptoms of diverticulitis worsen, if they are unable to eat or drink, or if they need antibiotics in a vein (intravenous, or IV). Surgery is often needed when sections of the colon have been destroyed, or if there are any complications from diverticulitis such as peritonitis or a sum blockage.

Ongoing treatment is usually necessary for the individual with diverticulitis such as regulating the diet to gradually increase the fiber, get plenty of fluids daily, and have regular physician appointments to monitor the condition.

To help prevent diverticulitis attacks, be careful to eat a diet high in fiber, low in fat and red meat, drink plenty of water each day, and to exercise regularly.

More and more women are now using EPT, early pregnancy test, to find out whether or not they are pregnant. These tests are home pregnancy kits that can tell you whether or not you are pregnant even before you miss your first period. There are strips and midstream tests that measure the amount of hormones in your urine. The main hormone in your urine that will tell you if you are pregnant is called HCD (human chorionic gonadotropin) and the placenta starts secreting this hormone quite soon after you conceive. When you are pregnant, the levels of this hormone increase dramatically and by using EPT, you will know within a few days.

EPT are the most sensitive of all home pregnancy tests. With even the smallest amount of HCD in your body, these strips will pick it up. The most sensitive these types of tests are, the earlier you will be able to know if you are pregnant ?as soon as 6 ?8 days after conception. You do have to follow the instructions that come with your early pregnancy test in order to get accurate results. There are two types of these types of tests, so even if you have used them before, you should read the directions carefully.

To use test strips, you have to pee in a cup. Then you put the strip into the urine, making sure you have the arrow on the strip pointing towards the sample. There is a market line on the strip, that is the maximum line. You ought not insert the strip into the urine past this line. Wait for 3 seconds and then take out the strip and lay it flat on a clean and non-absorbent surface. This means you should not place the strip on a paper towel because the towel will absorb the urine giving you an inaccurate result. Watch the strip to see if colourful bands appear. Depending on how far along you are in your pregnancy, this could take as little as 40 seconds, but you get the best results if you wait at least 5 minutes.

If you are using a midstream test strip, you will have to pee on the strip. Hold the strip in the flow of the urine for about six seconds. You have to make sure the absorbent tip of the strip is facing down. Seal the absorbent strip in the container provided until you see a rose colored band in the window area. This will let you know that the test is complete. If you do not see this band appearing after the length of time, then you are not pregnant.

EPT have an accuracy rate of 99%. Most of the inaccuracies that have been reported were due to not following the instructions properly. Using the test strips when you first go the bathroom is the morning is the recommended time to get the best results because this is the time when the HCG levels are at their highest. You can also get a result if you wait several hours, but most experts will tell you that you will likely not get a positive result if you wait until in the evening or before you go to bed in the very early days of your pregnancy.

How the Drug Works

Glucose does not normally appear in the urine, but when too much glucose builds up in the blood, the excess spills over from the kidney into the urine where it can be detected by specially designed plastic test strips and reagent tablets containing chemicals which detect glucose in urine. Color changes occur according to the amount of sugar present.

Regular monitoring of glucose levels aids in the control of diabetes. It will help determine medication, exercise and dietary needs and help decrease complications (eg, kidney and eye problems) and problems during pregnancy.

Ketones appear in the urine when the body breaks down body fats to use as a source of energy or food. This can occur in fasting person, outof-control diabetics and individuals on starvation diets. Proteins in the urine may be an early sign of kidney disease.

Uses

To detect glucose in urine.

To aid diabetics in monitoring medication programs, diet and exercise programs.

To help prevent the development of complications and problems during pregnancy.

Avoid contact with skin, mucous membranes or clothing. If contact occurs, flush the affected area with large amounts of water. If test strips, tape, or tablets are eaten or rubbed in the eyes, contact your doctor or local poison control center immediately. If eaten, do not induce vomiting; instead, drink large amounts of water or milk. If contact with the eyes occurs, flush with water for 15 minutes. Be certain to get prompt medical attention.

Specimen Collection and Handling: Collect fresh urine in a clean, dry container and test as soon as possible. (An alternate method is to pass the test strips directly through the urine stream). If testing cannot be done within an hour after collection, refrigerate. Let it return to room temperature before testing. Prolonged exposure of unpreserved urine to room temperature (59

Colon cancer often exhibits the same symptoms as other colon conditions. Crohn’s illness, IBS, ulcerative colitis, diverticulosis, and peptic ulcer disease show the same symptoms of colon cancer –  red or dark blood in stools, changes in bowel habits, narrow stools, diarrhea or constipation, unexplainable weight loss, abdominal pain, cramps, bloating, and anemia. In order to observe your symptoms better, it’s also important to read up on other colon illnesses.

The disease can be present for a lot of years before symptoms of colon cancer even show. For this reason the best thing to do to watch out for colon cancer is to undergo regular screenings, preferably those that entail fecal blood testing and colonoscopy.

Signs of colon cancer vary according to where the tumor is located. Because the right colon is spacious, tumors in the right colon can grow to large sizes before they even cause symptoms of colon cancer. As tumors tend to bleed, cancers on the right colon cause iron deficiency anemia because of the slow, unnoticed loss of blood over a long period of time. It’s all the more unnoticeable because the stool travels through the colon longer, so no matter what blood is in the stool dries up and even becomes invisible. Iron deficiency anemia, in turn, results in fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath for patients.

On the contrary, the left colon is narrower than the right colon. Cancers of the left colon are more likely to cause partial or complete bowel obstruction. This type of cancer causes the following symptoms of colon cancer –  diarrhea, constipation, narrow stools, abdominal pains, cramps, and bloating. If there’s bright red blood in the stool, this can also mean that there’s a cancerous growth near the end of the left colon or the rectum.

Go and see your doctor if you develop any of the following symptoms of colon cancer mentioned above. However, don’t panic just yet. As mentioned, some of the symptoms can be indicative of another colon disease altogether. For example, while blood in your stool may be one of the symptoms of colon cancer, it may also come from hemorrhoids or minor tears in your anus. If you are constipated then of not drinking enough water and not taking in sufficient fiber, tough stools may scratch your rectal wall.

Also, certain foods, such as beets and red licorice, can cause  your stools to turn red, while iron supplements and some anti-diarrhea medications often make stools black. However, it is still a good idea to visit your physician at any sign of blood or other changes in your stools and bowel movement. After all, early detection based on symptoms of colon cancer usually result in complete cures.

Below is a complete list of the top symptoms of colon cancer. It’ll do no harm to visit your physician as soon as you feel two or more of the following –

o  Major change in your toilet habits, whether you move your bowels more or less

o  Blood in your fecal matter, bright red or dried

o  Stools that are thinner than usual

o  Unexplainable dramatic weight loss

o  Stomach pains, cramping or bloating

o  Unexplainable fatigue

o  Make certain to always feeling like you ought to move your bowels

o  Constant nausea and vomiting

o  Iron deficiency anemia

o  Abdominal pain, that is a rare symptom of colon cancer, and may exhibit itself as mere tenderness in the abdomen.