Early Detection Saves Lives Before you can fully understand early symptoms of colon cancer, it is important to understand where exactly it occurs within your body. A colon refers to the final part of the digestive system; specifically, it is part of the large intestine. The purpose of a colon is to help prepare your digested foods for excretion. It stores your waste as it waits to vacate your body and plays a very minor part in extracting nutrients in the final stages of digestion. What is Colon Cancer? As the name suggests, colon cancer is a cancer that starts in the colon. Cancer occurs when cells, instead of replicating at a regular rate, begin to divide rapidly, causing tumors to form, and disrupting healthy bodily functions. As cancers progress, the growing cells can travel to other regions of the body. [youmaylike] What are Polyps? Polyps are growths that can grow within the colon. Having polyp growth does not mean you will get colon cancer. While not all polyps are cancerous, almost all malignant tumors in the colon start as polyps. Upon examination, your doctor will be able to give you more information on what your options are. Generally, a physician will perform a colonoscopy to remove it. Once removed, a pathologist can examine the tissue to determine whether or not the sample is dangerous and if further actions need to be taken. Symptoms of Polyps Polyps are not something you can see. To know something is not quite right, you will have to monitor your regular bodily functions. The most commonly reported symptoms related to polyp formation are: Rectal bleeding: If you notice that your rectum is bleeding, this could be due to polyp formation. It is important to recognize that this is also a common symptom of other problems such as hemorrhoids or anal tears. If it happens persistently, you should consider visiting your doctor for an internal examination. Abdominal pain: When polyps are rather big, they can obstruct the bowel. In doing so, it can cause problems that manifest as cramps or other abdominal pain. Irregular-colored stools: Even if you cannot notice it directly, rectal bleeding can influence the color of the stool. You may notice some small red stripes in mild cases. In more serious cases, heavy bleeding may cause your poop to appear black. Before you start to worry, make sure these color changes are not simply due to a change in diet, medication, or supplement use. Anemia: If polyps continue to bleed for a prolonged time, they may cause the development of an iron deficiency. Anemia can manifest in several ways, including fatigue, shortness of breath, feeling dizzy, fainting, or having abnormally pale skin. Common Early Symptoms of Colon Cancer Polyps themselves are, again, not a direct indication of colon cancer. While cancer can develop from a polyp, there are other symptoms which separate the benign and malignant development. Symptoms of colon cancer are different for everyone, but the most commonly reported signs are: Changes in bowel movements: Particularly, you want to pay attention to the consistency of your stools. If it looks different or you develop constipation or diarrhea for an extended time, talk to your doctor. Rectal bleeding: You might pass bloody stools. Abdominal pain: Any type of discomfort, such as cramps or gas, should be monitored. Fatigue: Feeling weak or consistently tired despite adequate rest can be a sign of many medical problems. Weight loss: Unexplained weight loss may be a sign of a lack of nutrition due to a malfunctioning digestive tract. Essentially, if your intestines are not able to properly absorb nutrients from food, you will not get enough nutrition from the food you eat. The “feeling” of a full bowel: Sometimes, even after passing a bowel movement to the highest extent possible, some patients report feeling like their bowel is not “empty”. While this is a normal sensation to experience from time to time, it can be a sign of an underlying colon problem. When to See a Doctor If you notice any of these symptoms mentioned above consistently, you should schedule an appointment with a licensed physician. Even if your abnormalities are not cancerous, they can be a sign of another serious medical condition that should be addressed. The earlier you recognize a problem, the better chance you have of getting access to effective medical intervention.
Cold and Flu Remedies to Help Symptoms
Feeling congested when you have a cold or the flu can make you feel miserable. Between the body aches, coughing and sneezing, you might not feel like yourself for a week or so. A great option is Fluzone Quadrivalent, Flublok Quadrivalent and Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent, they are vaccines indicated for active immunization against disease caused by influenza A subtype viruses and type B viruses contained in the vaccine. Fluzone Quadrivalent is approved for use in persons six months and older.
10 Signs of the Flu
- Fever.
- Fatigue.
- Cough.
- Sore throat.
- Body aches.
- Headache.
- Chills.
- Runny or stuffy nose.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Diarrhea.
Consider the following cold and flu remedies to help alleviate your symptoms.
Antiviral Medication
Prescription antiviral medication is available to treat the flu. It is not prescribed for a cold. Common medications include Tamiflu and Relenza. Antiviral medications do not cure the flu, but they may help you get over the flu faster, and symptoms may be milder.
The drugs work by preventing the flu virus from continuing to multiply. Antiviral flu medications must be taken within the first 48 hours of developing flu symptoms to be effective.
Antiviral flu medications can have side effects, such as nausea, vomiting and headache. Although they may be prescribed to anyone, antiviral drugs might be needed most for people who are at high risk of developing complications, such as the elderly or people with lung disease.
Zinc
Zinc lozenges may help decrease the duration of a cold. Although research is mixed on their effectiveness, the theory is it might help prevent the rhinovirus from multiplying.
One study published in the journal JRSM involved seven clinical studies with 575 participants. The study indicated that participants who took 75 milligrams of zinc daily decreased the duration of their cold symptoms by 33%.
Zinc is available as a lozenge, syrup or tablet. It can have side effects, such as nausea and stomach pains. As with any supplement, talk with your doctor before taking zinc.
Decongestants
Decongestants help reduce common nasal stuffiness, which is typical with a cold and can also occur with the flu. Some decongestants are combined with other medications, such as a pain reliever or an antihistamine.
Side effects can include increased heart rate, nervousness and problems sleeping. Decongestants are typically not recommended for people who have heart problems, uncontrolled hypertension or are pregnant.
Honey
Honey is thought to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties, which might help fight viruses and bacteria. Honey may also be soothing for a sore throat and might help reduce coughing.
According to the Mayo Clinic, a few studies indicate honey was as effective at suppressing a cough as some over-the-counter cough medications. Take a teaspoon of honey or add it to warm tea to soothe coughing or a sore throat.
However, do not give honey to children under the age of one. It’s possible for honey to contain botulism spores. Adults and older kids who ingest botulism spores have a developed immune system that prevents them from getting sick. However an infant’s immune system is not as mature, and they are at a higher risk of contracting botulism after ingesting spores.
Gargling with Salt Water
Gargling with salt water may decrease a sore throat, which is a typical cold and flu symptom. Salt water may reduce inflammation and help loosen mucus from the throat. Plus, there are virtually no side effects of gargling with salt water. So even if it does not provide a lot of relief, it won’t hurt.
To do a saltwater gargle, dissolve about a half teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water. Gargle three or four times a day.
Nasal Irrigation
Nasal irrigation involves rinsing out the nasal passages to remove mucus. It can help decrease congestion and may make it easier to breathe.
Nasal irrigation is done using a neti pot, bulb syringe or squeeze bottle. It should only be performed using saline. Over-the-counter, premixed packets of saline are available at most drug stores. Do not use tap water since it can introduce bacteria into the nasal cavity and lead to a serious infection.
To do nasal irrigation, tilt your head to one side while leaning over a sink. Use the neti pot, bulb syringe or squeeze bottle to pour the saline into the nostril. Let the solution pour out of the other side of the nose. Repeat on the opposite side.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
Over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can reduce fever, aches and pains that may occur with the flu or a cold. Acetaminophen is considered an analgesic, which is a pain reliever.
Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are available over the counter and also in larger dosages by prescription. Both types of medication can have side effects, including nausea, stomach pain and headaches.
Combining some of the remedies above may work best to get the most relief from a cold or the flu. But use caution when taking medications. Even over-the-counter medications may be contraindicated for certain people depending on their medical history.
In Conclusion
When it comes to the common cold and the flu, there is good news and bad news. The bad news is there is no cure. The good news is most people feel better within a week or two.
In most cases, cold or flu symptoms will gradually get better over a week or two. If symptoms persist longer or become severe, it’s best to see a doctor to prevent complications.