Where is the large intestine and how it hurts

The human gastrointestinal tract, part of which is represented by the large intestine, is distinguished by a variety of departments and features of their functioning. Moreover, it is the digestive system, due to regular contact with various stimuli, that is most susceptible to the development of various pathologies. However, it is rather difficult to establish what exactly caused the ailment. To identify dysfunction in each part of the intestine, a specific research technique is used. This significantly reduces the effectiveness of diagnosing digestive disorders. Often, patients also do not pay attention to discomfort in the abdominal cavity, which leads to late detection of intestinal diseases. To avoid the development of complications, you should seek medical help when the first symptoms of pathology appear.

Intestinal physiology

The large intestine is a large, hollow organ in the digestive tract. It performs many important functions, while constantly in contact with food masses. As a result, the colon is constantly exposed to various harmful factors that can cause deterioration in its functioning. Diseases of this part of the digestive system, according to medical statistics, are most common today.

The large intestine is the last section of the gastrointestinal tract. The length of this section ranges from 1.1 to 2-2.7 meters, and the diameter reaches 5-6 cm. It is much wider than the small intestine, about 2.5 times. The lumen of the large intestine narrows closer to the exit from the rectum, which ends with a sphincter, allowing for normal voluntary defecation.

Features of the structure of the walls of the large intestine

The colon walls are made up of four layers:

• mucous;
• submucosal;
• muscular;
• serosa.

All these parts of the intestinal wall ensure the normal functioning of the organ and its peristalsis. Normally, a large amount of mucus is produced in the large intestine, which promotes the movement of the chyme through the digestive tract.

Attention! Chyme is a lump formed by food masses, desquamated epithelial cells, acids and enzymes. Chyme is formed in the stomach, changing its consistency as it moves along the gastrointestinal tract.

Bowel functions

The large intestine provides the completion of the movement of the chyme along the digestive tract. It communicates with the external environment, which determines the specifics of its functions:

1. Excretory. The main function of the large intestine. It is aimed at removing various pathogens and unprocessed substances from the body. This process should take place regularly and not fail, otherwise, due to the abundance of toxins in the digestive tract, poisoning of the body develops. It is in the large intestine that the fecal mass is finally formed, which is then excreted from the rectum. The excretory function is stimulated by the next meal. After a person eats food, his brain receives a signal that enhances intestinal motility and accelerates the movement of the chyme towards the anus.

1. Digestive. Most of the nutrients are absorbed in the small intestine, but some the components of chyme enter the body from the colon: salts, amino acids, fatty acids, monosaccharides, etc.
2. Protective. The large intestine contains about three kilograms of beneficial microflora, which not only ensures normal digestion, but also contributes to the functioning of the immune system. Violation of the bacterial balance leads to a decrease in the protective function of the body, increased susceptibility to infectious diseases, etc.
3. Suction. It is in this section of the digestive system that the bulk of the liquid is removed from the feces - more than 50%, which prevents dehydration of the body. Due to this, the feces acquire a characteristic consistency and shape.

The large intestine has common functions, while each of its departments also performs its own tasks, due to the peculiarities of physiology.

Colon sections

The large intestine has a rather complex structure and consists of several sections:

• the cecum, which has an appendage - the appendix;
• colon: ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon, sigmoid colon;
• rectum.

Attention! The lumens of all parts of the large intestine contain a large number of various microorganisms. They form the normal intestinal microflora. Bacteria break down various components of the chyme and provide vitamins and enzymes. Optimal functioning of all parts of the intestine is the key to complete digestion.

Cecum

The large intestine begins with the blind section, which is localized in the right iliac region. Its shape resembles a sac, delimited by two sphincters: the ileocecal valve separates the small intestine, and the Gerlach valve prevents digestion from entering the appendix.

Attention! The appendix is ​​an appendage of the cecum. Its diameter does not exceed 0.6 cm, and its length varies from 2.7 to 12-13 cm.

It is the cecum that is the site for the development of the greatest number of various diseases of the large intestine. This is due to both morphological and physiological characteristics of this department. Pain in diseases of the cecum is localized in the right umbilical region or above the ilium.

Colon

The bulk of the large intestine is the colon. Its length reaches 1.7 meters, and its diameter is about 5-7 cm. The colon is separated from the blind fragment of the intestine by the Buzi valve.

There are four divisions in the structure of the colon:

• ascending intestine;
• transverse;
• descending;
• sigma.

The ascending department is not involved in the main process of food digestion, but ensures the absorption of fluid from the chyme. It is in this fragment of the digestive tract that up to 30-50% of water is removed from the feces. The ascending gut is a continuation of the caecum, while its length varies from 11 to 20 cm. This area is located at the back wall of the abdominal cavity on the right. If any pathology affects the ascending intestine, then the pain syndrome is localized in the area from the ilium to the hypochondrium.

The ascending section passes into the transverse one, starting in the hypochondrium on the right. The length of this fragment can be from 40 to 50 cm. In the transverse intestine, fluid is also absorbed from the chyme, as well as the production of an enzyme necessary for the formation of feces. In addition, it is in this department that pathogenic microorganisms are inactivated. With the defeat of the transverse section, discomfort occurs in the zone 2-4 cm above the navel.

The descending intestine is about 20 cm long and is located downward from the left hypochondrium. This part of the intestine is involved in the breakdown of fiber and contributes to the further formation of feces. In the left iliac fossa, the descending section passes into the sigmoid one. Sigma is up to 55 cm long. Due to the peculiarities of the topography of pain in the course of various pathologies of this organ, it can be localized both in the abdominal region on the left, and radiate to the lower back or the sacrum region.

Rectum

The rectum is the terminal, that is, the final, section of both the large intestine and the entire digestive tract. This part of the digestive tract is characterized by the specific structure and functioning.

The rectum is located in the pelvic cavity. Its length does not exceed 15-16 cm, and the distal end ends with a sphincter, which communicates with the external environment.

Attention! In this part of the intestine, the final formation and accumulation of feces occurs immediately before defecation. Due to the peculiarities of physiology, it is the rectum that is most susceptible to various mechanical damage: scratches, cracks, irritation.

Pain in violation of the rectum is localized in the perineum and anus, can radiate to the pubic region and genitals.

Video - Three tests for bowel disease

Pain syndrome with lesions of the large intestine

Many different diseases can provoke pain in the large intestine. A number of factors lead to the development of such violations:

• sedentary lifestyle;
• eating disorders, including frequent overeating or adherence to a strict diet;
• abuse of spicy, fatty, smoked food;
• disruption of the digestive system in patients due to elderly or senile age;
• chronic constipation;
• hypotension, accompanied by disturbances of peristalsis;
• constant use of pharmacological drugs.

These factors can cause disturbances in the work of both the entire digestive tract, and separately the large intestine. At the same time, it is usually quite difficult to establish the cause of the onset of pain syndrome, and it is almost impossible on your own. In general, dysfunctions of the digestive system can be divided into two main groups:

• inflammatory nature: colitis, diverticulitis, Crohn's disease, etc.;
• non-inflammatory disorders: atonic constipation, tumor processes, endometriosis, etc.

Colon disease can significantly impair a patient's quality of life. In order to prevent the development of complications, it is necessary to pay attention in a timely manner to the appearance of alarming signs of pathology.

Ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory lesion of the tissues of the large intestine. The disease has a chronic course and is characterized by fairly frequent relapses. To date, it has not been possible to accurately determine the cause of the development of the pathology, but it is attributed to disorders of autoimmune origin.

Attention! Most often, colitis is detected in people of two age groups: patients 25-45 years old and patients over 55-60 years old.

There are three categories of the course of the disease:

• acute colitis;
• chronic with periodic exacerbations;
• chronic continuous, in which remission is not observed for 6 months or more.

The clinical picture of ulcerative colitis is generally synonymous with other diseases of the large intestine and is manifested by the following symptoms:

1. Intense, long-lasting abdominal pain. Their localization largely depends on which part of the colon was affected by the pathological process.
2. Diarrhea or constipation. In this case, bloody inclusions may be noted in the feces.
3. Signs of intoxication of the body: nausea, cephalalgia, dizziness, drowsiness and lethargy.

Attention! Lack of therapy for colitis can lead to perforation of the intestinal wall and, as a result, massive intestinal bleeding. This condition is life-threatening for the patient.

Colitis therapy should be carried out in a comprehensive manner, taking into account the severity and form of the disease. With a radical lesion of the intestine, the patient is shown hospitalization.

Ulcerative colitis therapy

Drug name	Image	pharmachologic effect
Mesalazine		Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agent
5-ASK		Anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective action
Prednisolone		Anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive effect
Cyclosporine		Immunosuppressive agent

Crohn's disease

Crohn's disease is also an inflammatory disease. Pathology is manifested by the development of granulomatosis.

Attention! Granulomatosis is the formation of granulomas, that is, nodular neoplasms. Similar growths can occur on the skin, mucous membranes, vascular walls, etc.

Unlike nonspecific colitis, Crohn's disease can affect not only the walls of the large intestine, but also tissues of the small intestine, stomach and esophagus. Depending on the severity of the pathological process, the number of foci of inflammation varies from one to several dozen.

Modern medicine has not yet established the cause of the development of this disease. It has been determined that drugs with antibiotic action have a positive effect, therefore, the bacterial origin of the pathology is assumed.

Allocate an acute and recurrent form of the development of the disease. Chronic course is observed only in patients with impaired immune system or severe dysfunction of the digestive tract.

The disease manifests itself in a variety of symptoms:

• intense sharp or cutting pain localized in the area of ​​inflammation;
• the appearance of skin rashes;
• rapid decrease in the patient's body weight;
• bloating;
• violation of the stool;
• pain during bowel movements, the appearance of fistulas around the anus.

In Crohn's disease, patients are shown adherence to a diet with a high protein content and the exclusion of milk and dairy products. In addition, medication is an obligatory part of therapy.

Crohn's disease therapy

Drug name	Image	pharmachologic effect
Sulfasalazine		Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial effect
Budenofalk		Decongestant, antihistaminic action - corticosteroid
Azathioprine		Immunosuppressive drug
Imodium		Antidiarrheal agent
Acetaminophen		Anesthetic effect

Diverticular disease

Diverticular disease manifests itself in two characteristic conditions:

• diverticulosis is a pathological process in which numerous small protrusions are formed on the walls of the large intestine, which are called diverticula;
• diverticulitis - inflammation of diverticula as a result of infection.

A similar pathology occurs as a result of excessive pressure on the intestinal wall of its contents. Due to the weakness of the intestinal tissues, sagging and protrusions are formed, which may not cause any inconvenience to the patient for a long period of time. The main clinical symptoms develop only in case of infection of the diverticulum.

Attention! The main reason for the development of diverticular disease is constipation. Constipation puts a constant strain on the large intestine. It was revealed that the vast majority of patients with diverticulosis consume an insufficient amount of vegetable fiber and suffer from regular stool disorders.

Diverticulitis is manifested by the following symptoms:

• intense pain;
• nausea;
• persistent defecation disorders;
• bad breath;
• feces with undigested food.

It is worth noting the peculiarity of the specificity of pain syndrome with diverticulitis:

• pain syndrome is localized in the lower third of the abdomen on the left;
• pain can persist for 4-7 days or more;
• on palpation, the pain increases sharply.

Drug treatment of diverticulitis includes several groups of drugs for a complex effect on the pathological process.

Diverticular disease therapy

Drug name	Image	pharmachologic effect
Cefoxitin		Antibacterial action
Portalak syrup		Laxative prebiotic
Domperidone		Stimulation of the motility of the digestive tract
No-shpa		Antispasmodic effect
Tylenol		Anesthetic action

In the absence of the effect of conservative therapy, the patient needs surgery.

Malignant neoplasms

Colon neoplasms can be both malignant and benign. At the same time, the first group of tumors is characterized by slow growth and does not cause a pronounced deterioration in the patient's quality of life.

Carcinomas develop more aggressively, which leads to the appearance of a characteristic clinical picture of cancer:

• attacks of vomiting, admixture of feces in vomit;
• loss of appetite leading to cachexia;
• lethargy, drowsiness, weakness;
• subfebrile fever;
• stool disorders;
• melena - black feces mixed with blood;
• cutting and tearing pains in the area of ​​tumor formation.

The thick section of the digestive tract is an important part of the digestive system. Pain in this part of the gastrointestinal tract may indicate the development of serious pathologies and require urgent consultation with a specialist.