Watery Diarrhea|Vomiting And Diarrhea|Toddler Diarrhea

PAPAYA (PAWPAW)

A papaya is 88.8% water. 8% carbohydrates, 0.61% protein, 0.14% fats. The most notable vitamin is vitamin C and it contain 18% vitamin A. The B vitamin are also present in small amounts. It also contain high folate. The papaya is rich in potassium and significant amounts of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and iron. It also contain 1.8% pectin a soluble vegetable fiber. Also present is an enzyme called pectin which aids the digestion of proteins. Papaya is very easy to digest and contributes to the digestion of other food. Papaya is considered a perfect breakfast. Papaya is recommended in the following cases.:-

1. Treatment of ulcer & heartburn:- Papaya helps neutralize excess gastric acid which makes it suitable for the treatment of gastro duodenal ulcer and heartburn.

2. Treatment of infection diarrhea:- the slightly green papaya is a anti bacterial in nature. It prevent the development of entropatheogen that causes intestinal infections.

3. Treatment of Skin disorder:- Papaya is a part of the suggested diet for those with skin diseases such as eczema, and acne because of its richness in provitamin A. also a paste of papaya seed is applicable for treating skin trouble like ringworm.

4. When the fresh leave of pawpaw, lemon grass and guava is cooked it can use in the treatment of Malaria.

5. Milky secretion of raw pawpaw leaves expels worms like tape worm from the digestive track. Dilute about 2 spoonful of the white secretion of pawpaw leaves in a glass of water. Take over empty stomach.

6. Treatment of liver Diseases:- Eating the black seed of pawpaw is good in the treatment of liver related diseases. It helps to detoxify the liver. Eating of pawpaw fruit is highly recommended for cases of hepatitis. The seed can granded and diluted in water

7. Corrects stomach and intestinal disorder:- Chewing a mouthful of the fresh green leaves of pawpaw once a day corrects habitual bleeding, piles and chronic diarrhea.

PINEAPPLE

Pineapple contains 11% carbohydrate. Their fat and protein content are insignificant. The prevalent vitamins in pineapple are C,B1 and B6. It is also a good source of folates. Among the mineral are manganese, copper, potassium, magnesium and iron. Pineapple also contain citric and malic acid which are responsible for its acidic taste. It also contains Bromelin which aid the breaking down of protein and facilitate digestion of other food particularly when the stomach is somehow weakened. Pineapple only ripens properly on the plant. If it is harvested early, it is very acidic and poor in nutrients. Pineapple is recommended in the following areas:-

1. Improves fertility:- Pineapple is one of the richest in manganese a trace element actively involved in the formation of reproductive cells, both males and females. It is therefore recommended for those suffering from infertility due to insufficient production of germinal cells, sperm in men and ova in women.

2. Treatment of stomach Cancer:- it has been shown that pineapple is a powerful inhibitor of the formation of nitrosamines. These carcinogenic substance are formed in the stomach as a chemical reaction between nitrites and certain proteins contained in food.

3. Aids food digestion and prevent intestine damage.

4. Obesity Control:- Pineapple or fresh pineapple juice consumed before meals appetite and constitutes a good complement to weight loss diet. It also facilities urine production.

5. Regulates blood pressure and protect the body against radical which damage the cells.

6. It enhances proper functioning of the kidney, it contains chlorine to which helps the functioning of the kidney.

7. Pineapple is an ideal desert, improving digestion. It also an excellent aperitif, preparing the stomach for a meal. Note that pineapple juice drunk slowly because of its acidity.

8. Pineapple also helps in case of scanty gastric juice which is manifested by slow digestion and a sense of heaviness in the stomach. Also in case whereby the stomach is unable to empty itself. In both cases, pineapple must be eaten fresh.

A papaya is 88.8% water. 8% carbohydrates, 0.61% protein, 0.14% fats. The most notable vitamin is vitamin C and it contain 18% vitamin A. The B vitamin are also present in small amounts. It also contain high folate. The papaya is rich in potassium and significant amounts of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and iron. It also contain 1.8% pectin a soluble vegetable fiber. Also present is an enzyme called pectin which aids the digestion of proteins. Papaya is very easy to digest and contributes to the digestion of other food. Papaya is considered a perfect breakfast.

Pineapple contains 11% carbohydrate. Their fat and protein content are insignificant. The prevalent vitamins in pineapple are C,B1 and B6. It is also a good source of folates. Among the mineral are manganese, copper, potassium, magnesium and iron. Pineapple also contain citric and malic acid which are responsible for its acidic taste. It also contains Bromelin which aid the breaking down of protein and facilitate digestion of other food particularly when the stomach is somehow weakened. Pineapple only ripens properly on the plant. If it is harvested early, it is very acidic and poor in nutrients.

There are several reasons why you may need to give your dog an enema and they include to help rehydrate dogs that are vomiting or have severe diarrhea, to administer medications to your dog or to relieve a dog that is suffering from constipation. It is important to only use an enema when you are sure what they condition is, using an enema can be problematic under some situations as it may mask the real problems so always have your dog checked by a vet if you have any concerns at all before giving an enema.

Depending on the size of your dog there are two different types of products that can be used to give an enema. For small and toy breeds a plastic syringe that holds approximately 2-3 tablespoons of liquid is all that is required but for medium to large breeds an enema bag with a rubber nozzle will be required. Remember that it is not just the volume of liquid introduced to the body at one time that is important; it is the routine introduction of liquids that helps, especially in cases of dehydration due to vomiting and diarrhea.

Start with 2-3 tablespoons of warm but not hot water for small dogs or up to one pint of warm but not hot water for larger breeds. To this water add a few drops of lemon juice and a few grains of sea salt and a pinch of potassium chloride to help with rehydration. If you are only trying to relieve constipation, the salt and potassium chloride will not be necessary. In most dehydration situations this process will need to be repeated every 4 hours, but only make up enough for a single use at a time.

Start by mixing the liquid and testing to make sure it is warm but not hot. Add the liquid to the syringe or enema bag, then lubricate the nozzle or end with vegetable oil. Since the dog will have a bowel movement within a few minutes of the procedure and their may be some leakage, this should be completed outdoors or in a bathtub or sink. A partner is essential to help you hold the dog facing away from you. Grasp the tail and gently lift, then insert the syringe or enema nozzle into the rectum until the end is completely inserted. Gently depress the plunger or squeeze the enema bag until all liquid is in the dog's rectum. Remove the nozzle and allow the dog to move about. In severely dehydrated dogs the liquid will actually be absorbed by the colon, which is exactly what you want to have happen.

Detox symptoms are said to be a sign that your body is cleansing but they are more likely to be a sign that your body is releasing toxins faster than you can get rid of them. A detox diet that is properly prepared for and supported with foods and nutrients that rev up the detox pathways should not result in many detox symptoms at all.  

The fear of detox symptoms can put people off or make them quit too soon. But it does not have to be like that if you prepare well and follow a good program.  Knowing what to expect and what do if you get some mild cleansing reactions can help you through the process more easily.

It's easy to confuse withdrawal symptoms with detox symptoms. Detox diets exclude coffee and regular tea. If you normally drink a lot then you could get a bad headache if you suddenly stop caffeine. The best plan is to take time to gradually reduce the number of cups you drink to avoid this rather than go cold turkey.

True detox symptoms are numerous and can include:

Fatigue  - a lot of energy goes into the detox process so you could feel more tired and listless than usual. Its' best to listen to your body and rest as much as possible so your body can put all its effort into detoxifying those poisons.

Feeling achy or flu like symptoms - once again rest and keep warm. Try some dry skin brushing to stimulate the lymph circulation. Add a couple of cups of Epsom Salts to a hot bath and soak in it for 20 minutes. Wrap yourself in a large cotton towel and lie down for a couple hours. Make sure you are drinking 6 - 8 glasses of pure water a day.

Bowel changes - the combination of changing your diet and the toxins from the liver being dumped through the bile into the digestive system can cause various bowel detox symptoms from loose stools and excessive gas to constipation and even cramps. It is essential to make sure the bowels are moving well before you attempt any detox program. Most detox diets include foods such as linseeds or fiber supplements that help normalize the bowels.  A bowl of very well cooked, watery brown rice can help mop up toxins in the bowel and stop diarrhea.

Skin eruptions, itches or rashes - the skin is one way the body gets rid of toxins.  Avoid blocking the pores with lotions or creams.  Try skin brushing with a natural bristle brush or have a sauna or steam bath to increase skin detox. Use a natural organic soap and a shower filter.  

Cravings and hunger - many detox diets exclude foods that people are commonly sensitive to or eat a lot of and it is common to start craving them. Drinking a green smoothie, fresh vegetable juice or eating a piece of fruit can help here. Once your body is fed good nutrition it will not crave anything. You can also go for a walk or do something to distract yourself like reading a book or calling a friend.

Emotional upset or depression - it can be a surprise if you are not prepared for it that a detox symptom could be feeling weepy or depressed.  Its not unusual to release old memories and feelings. Just let them out. If you get very upset try relax and  to do some deep breathing until it passes.

Remember that if you properly prepare for a detox diet and follow a plan that includes foods and supplements that are known to support liver detox you are unlikely to get any detox symptoms. If you do they will be mild and disappear in a day or two. You should soon feel brighter and more energized and you will think that it was all worthwhile.

Irritable bowel syndrome is a condition that is relatively prevalent among people aged 20 years and above. It is one of the most commonly diagnosed syndromes yet one of the issues that people tend not to talk about.

Irritable bowel syndrome is characterized by frequent cramping of the stomach, bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea and constipation. These cause a great deal of distress and discomfort but will never lead to more aggravated condition since it does not cause permanent harm on the sufferer. While there is a common pattern for most patients, still the symptoms vary from patients to patients.

Some may experience single symptoms, say constipation. Many people though report of having cramping or straining without any or minimal release of stool. These people experience mucus release along with their bowel too. Mucus is a fluid-form lubricant that helps moisten the digestive passages for easier release of digested materials.

Some patients, on the other hand, undergo diarrhea, which is characterized with frequent release of uncontrollable watery stools. But some endure alternate constipation and diarrhea. The ceasing of symptoms does not imply the stoppage of the syndrome all together though. Many people find it more difficult to deal with irritable bowel syndrome after a few months of subsided syndromes.

While many cases of this syndrome are regularly reported worldwide, there are still no known causes that would determine the proper treatments. Many researchers agree that this may have a relation on the colon or the large bowel that is especially reactive to specific stresses and food elements. Others argue that this is largely affected by the efficiency of the immune system.

Persons with this condition are known to have irregular motility or movement of the large colon. This is termed to as spasmodic but other patients display temporary cessation of intestinal movement.

IBS is frequently linked with bacterial infection found in the gastrointestinal tract. Researchers observed that people who have developed gastroenteritis have greater likelihood of also developing IBS. In addition, it is found that irritable bowel syndrome heightens once susceptibility over anxiety and stress which in return aggravate the condition. Similarly, many symptoms of IBS cause depression and anxiety.

Other patients projected links with irritable bowel syndrome and celiac disease, which is the inability of a person to digest gluten. Gluten is the substance found in wheat, barley, eye and flour that basically help in the coagulation of the bread. Patients of celiac disease have immune systems that respond to gluten by damaging the small intestine. The presence of celiac disease along with IBS can be checked through blood tests.

For female sufferers however, findings have suggested that many have worsened symptoms during their menstrual period. These are basically the commonly observed "supposed causes" of internal bowel movements. The scientific and the medical communities are continually working on resolving the causes so as to create feasible treatment options that would help ease out the condition.

Nevertheless, people have already practiced a number of things to help provide temporary treatment for irritable bowel syndrome. Many of which entail the avoidance towards foods that normally cause the symptoms to reappear. Many activities are also suggested to be avoided to limit the appearance of the symptoms. Such include large meals, caffeine from teas, colas and chocolates and abstention from alcohol and wheat-based products.

The deviated septum surgery is the surgical procedure done to straighten the nasal septum. In layman's terms, the septum is the wall that separates the nasal airways and a deviated nasal septum is an off-centered nose cartilage or crooked noses. This condition creates inequality of the nostrils. Though only a small percentage of humanity have perfectly centered septum, the deviation is invariably very slight that it's unnoticeable and relatively harmless.

However, a severely deviated nasal septum would result to a host of grave health issues. Deviated septum and sleep apnea as well as snoring have long been associated. An off-centered septum would result to bigger and smaller nostrils. Breathing might appear normal with the bigger airway, but it also not so with the other side. The deviated septum will press on the turbinate of the smaller nostril and stress the mucosa or the skin covering of the other side.

Left untreated, this could profoundly affect the overall quality of a person's life. This condition could lead to chronic nasal congestion due to rhinitis, sinusitis and even bronchitis. Headaches, nosebleeds, snoring, constant sneezing and other sleep apnea symptoms like breath gaps and pauses, gasping and choking while asleep and daytime sleepiness can also result from having a deviated septum.

The deviated septum surgery aims to address the condition by straightening the septum. This is an outpatient procedure, lasting for an hour or two, using either local or general anesthesia. Patients usually don't need to stay overnight in the hospital as doctors just need to assure that the risk of infection is cleared. In doing so, it will effectively reduce or eliminate the inherent symptoms of having a deviated septum and sleep apnea. However, undergoing the surgical procedure also has several side effects or complications.

1. Nasal obstructions - these results from failure to successfully set the septum correctly creating further obstruction.

2. Infection - This includes prolonged pain, swelling and bleeding. Infections also develop fever and chills. Contracting infection will ultimately prolong the healing and recovery period. Avoiding any kind of infection should be the top priority of the patient. This can easily be done by taking antibiotics prescribed before and after the surgery. Proper rest should also be observed so as not to put undue stress to wounds.

3. Bleeding - Although slight bleeding can be expected for the first day or two, it should only be in drips and do not soak up the packing. Excessive bleeding should be reported immediately.

4. Diarrhea and vomiting - This could be an offshoot from the anesthesia used in the deviated septum surgery. Patients can avoid vomiting and infecting the wounds thereof by fasting at least a day before the operation.

5. Headaches, dizziness - Unstable blood pressure could act up during the operation resulting to dizziness and headaches. Patients should avoid too much moving around and jerky movements. Proper rest should be observed.

6. Chronic nasal congestion

7. Altered sense of smell and taste

8. Numbness on the operated adjacent areas

A successful deviated septum surgery will afford the patient an easy and regular breathing whether awake or asleep. It also relieves the sleep apnea and other accompanying symptoms.

When it comes to keeping your canine companion healthy both inside and out, it's important for owners to know which parasites see your dog as the perfect host.

One of the lesser-known parasites that poses a danger to dogs is the whipworm. Whipworms, like most parasites, are resilient. In egg form, their hard shells allow them to survive outdoors in the soil for years in the time. In many ways, whipworms are like hookworms, but instead of ending in a hook shape, one end of this worm tapers to a narrow, whip-like point.

Unlike hookworms, whipworms can't enter the body through the skin. The only way for your dog to contract them is by eating the eggs. Whipworms exist throughout North America, and transmission is easy if your dog has any contact with other dogs. The long-lived eggs can show up in the soil, dog toys, discarded bones and water dishes. Once eaten, whipworms then grow to maturity inside your dog's digestive system.

When they reach maturity, the adult worms fasten themselves to the large intestine and the cecum, a transitional pouch between the large and small intestine. Here, these nasty little parasites slash and puncture the intestinal walls in order to feed. The female starts to lay her eggs, which the dog excretes through the feces.

Symptoms for whipworm resemble those for other worms, such as hookworm. Many dogs can carry a certain number of whipworms without showing distress, but past a certain point, your dog may begin to exhibit signs such as a dull coat, anemia, rapid weight loss, and a loose and bloody stool. He may also begin vomiting up a yellow-green substance. In very severe cases, the worms may begin to puncture the intestinal wall, to the degree that the intestine begins to stick to the body wall. In this case, you might see your dog licking and worrying his right flank.

When you take your dog to the vet, it may take some time to diagnose him with whipworm. Whipworms lay eggs only intermittently, and even when they're actively releasing eggs, any diarrhea in your dog can make the eggs hard to find. Typically, vets will perform four stool samples over four days before ruling out whipworm.

If your vet finds whipworm eggs, she'll administer a potent dewormer. But the dewormers are only effective against whipworms in their adult form. As a result, you'll probably need to re-treat your dog.

There are no simple, foolproof ways of removing whipworm eggs from the soil around your house. However, a contaminated environment can infect your dog over and over again. The best way to combat reinfestation is to make sure your dog's quarters are sunny and dry, since whipworm eggs require moisture. Try to place him in an area of fresh new gravel, pavement or soil.

When your Yorkshire terrier goes into heat, you will need to give her some special attention. She will display a change in temperament during this time and will not seem like the sweet and loving Yorkie you know and adore. Here are some tips on how to care for your dog while she is in heat.

• During the time your Yorkshire terrier is in heat, give her some extra care and attention. Especially if you have other pets, make sure that you spend some time every day alone with her, even if it is only for five or ten minutes.


• Your Yorkie will have some days when she doesn't feel well during this period. She may vomit or have diarrhea and may also feel more tired. Make sure that she does not receive any table food during this time. You may want to reduce the amount of food you give her and increase the amount of water. Also, make sure she has a quiet place to sleep that is away from any other animals, children or other distractions.


• Your dog may also exhibit aggressive behavior during this time, especially if there is a male dog that has not been neutered also living in your home. If she continues to be out of sorts, call or visit your veterinarian.


• If you do not plan on breeding your Yorkshire terrier, you may want to consider having her spayed once she is no longer in heat. Consult your veterinarian about the best time to have this procedure done.

These are some tips on how to care for your Yorkie while she is in heat. If you need more information on training and caring for your small dog I encourage you to find out more.

Arsenic has been a known substance for centuries and more so for being a lethal toxin present in items we use and consume on a daily basis. Arsenic poisoning symptoms can be difficult to detect since the symptoms are usually associated with other illnesses. Some of the early stage symptoms of arsenic poisoning include drowsiness, headaches or confusion, which all can be associated with a list of other illnesses. Since arsenic can be found in almost everything we use and consume, including our food and water, it is virtually impossible to avoid ingesting small quantities of arsenic.

Prolonged exposure and intake of arsenic can have lethal and irreversible side-effects on humans. People that work in industries closely associated with arsenic increase their risk of ingesting toxic levels of arsenic elevating the chances of long term illness and premature death.
Farmers or people that use pesticides frequently are at high risk with long term exposure. Miners or people that work in smelting or any of the metal industries often accumulate arsenic in their systems at levels many times higher then the general population. Many different forms of cancer are caused by long term exposure to arsenic including, liver cancer, lung cancer, skin cancer and cancer of the lymphatic system.

Arsenic poisoning symptoms as stated are difficult to detect given their commonality with symptoms of other illnesses. As the symptoms develop over time, they become more pronounced and severe. Changes in fingernail pigmentation, vomiting and diarrhea, hair loss, stomach pain, blood in the urine and convulsions, with most of the major organs eventually showing signs of disease from arsenic poisoning.

However, there are preventative measures that can be taken to prevent over exposure and detoxify our bodies and purge toxins and impurities from our system, including arsenic. Foods we eat are a source for arsenic removal, those that are sulfur based. These foods include onions, garlic, eggs, legumes and beans. Herbal teas are another great source for detoxification and removal of toxins. High in anti-oxidants, herbal teas such as holy thistle tea and green tea are excellent choices for removal of heavy metals in the body, including arsenic. Herbal teas not only remove toxins but also aid in cleansing the digestive tract of parasites and the impacted waste matter that is a source of food for these parasites.

Symptoms of arsenic poison can be difficult to detect and usually cannot be diagnosed without testing hair follicles for the toxin. Exposure to arsenic will reside in the hair follicles for years, making hair analysis the best source for detection. Arsenic exposure should be a concern for everyone as matter of general overall health with all seriousness. However, we should not live in fear since education and preventative measures can be taken to avoid arsenic poisoning symptoms, including awareness of our surroundings, diet and herbal remedies.

Just about everyone who has, or has had, a dog, has either thought or said that or something close to it. Over the years every dog I've had has thrown up at one time or another. For some it was a weekly thing and others hardlly ever. We had one dog, Shelly, who threw up only once, that we know of, in all the years we had her. Right on the new couch.

A dog vomiting is a pretty common occurrence. Most of the time it's caused by eating something they shouldn't have. As they walk around the yard, or even while you're out walking them their nose is to the ground and anything that looks interesting like a leaf, a pebble, paper or plastic wrappers, sticks, I could go on and on, they have to check it out and put it in their mouth. It can also be caused by overfeeding, which can also cause diarrhea. It is amazing the things dogs will eat.

Why Is My Dog Vomiting?

Diet Change - changes in their diet like new dog food

Eating Too Rapidly - What dog hasn't

Food Allergy - Food allergies in dogs usually show as itchy skin. If the GI tract is affected it is much more likely to cause diarrhea.

Obstructing objects - Anything that blocks the exit from the stomach to the intestines will eventually cause vomiting. Sticks, stones, too big a piece from their bones or rubber toys.

However, there are a many other causes that can be from either the gastrointestinal system itself or a disease somewhere else in the body.

What Else Could Be Causing Doggie To Throw Up?

Parasites - Young dogs and puppies that have large numbers of roundworms or hookworms may vomit. These puppies usually have as large potbelly.

Heat Stroke - Heat stroke is common in dogs if they are left out in the sun too long in the hot summer months.

Liver Disease - Your vet can check their blood enzymes. A high enzyme level could mean liver disease.

Motion Sickness - Many dogs get sick their first few times in a car, but after a while they usually get over it.

Pancreatitis - If their pancreas become inflammed that could cause frequent vomiting.

Middle and Inner Ear Disease - If they get an ear infection that gets to the inner ear, that can affect the organs of balance and can cause vomiting. Dogs will tilt or shake their heads or scratch their ear.

What Did They Throw Up?

- If what they threw up is high in mucus it indicates that the stomach or high intestine is inflamed.
- Undigested food can indicate food poisoning, anxiety, or simply over eating.
- Bile is often present when vomiting is caused by inflammatory bowel disease or pancreatitis.
- Flecks of bright blood could mean that they have an open sore in their stomach.
- If there is brown specs that look like coffee grounds, that could be dried blood which could mean the problem is farther down the intestine.
- Strong digestive odors suggests intestinal blockage.
- Garbage type things like paper wrappers, food containers, bits of aluminum foil, etc. then this is probably from eating crap that will be easy to manage.

Many objects that initially cause vomiting are eventually passed in the stool. I've seen a full size superball in the poop of a Lab. Throwing up can empty the stomach of things that could be the cause like spoiled food, leaves etc.

How To Treat Your Dogs Vomiting

Vomiting is a symptom, it is not a disease. So the cause will determine the treatment. If the dog is only vomiting occasionally, and otherwise normal then treatment is probably not necessary. Some dogs with sensitive stomachs will vomit once or twice a month regardless of any treatment, and if they are otherwise normal then treatment probably isn't necessary.

For acute vomiting cases, the first thing is to not feed them for 24 hrs. but keep plenty of water available. After that time, only give them small portions of a very bland food, such as chicken and boiled rice, for a few days. Instead of a big meal, give them little meals several times a day.

Dehydration is a concern for any animal that is vomiting. If your dog is contiually throwing up, and can't even hold down water, you should take them to the vet immediately. This could be a severe problem, like an obstruction, that could possibly need surgery. If they can hold down water and are only vomiting occasionally, then you can try the home remedies of smaller meals of the bland diet.

Though treating the symptom itself will often improve their comfort, if you believe the problem may be serious it is better to be safe than sorry and get your dog to your veteranarian for the correct diagnosis of the underlying cause.

What is this condition?

Rectal polyps are masses of tissue that erupt through the mucous membrane of the colon and rectum and protrude into the digestive tract. Types of polyps include common polypoid adenomas, villous adenomas, hereditary polyposis, focal polypoid hyperplasia, and juvenile polyps (hamartomas). Most rectal polyps are benign. However, villous and hereditary polyps are likely to become malignant.

What causes it?

Formation of polyps results from unrestrained cell growth in the upper layer of the intestinal wall. Predisposing factors include heredity, age, infection, and diet. Men over age 55 are the most likely to develop villous adenomas. Women between ages 45 and 60 develop common polypoid adenomas. The incidence of rectal polyps rises in both sexes after age 70. Juvenile polyps occur most frequently among children under age 10.

What are its symptoms?

Because rectal polyps don't generally cause symptoms, they're usually discovered incidentally during a digital exam or a colonoscopic exam. Rectal bleeding is a common sign, and can vary according to the lesion's location in the colon or rectum. High rectal polyps leave a streak of blood on stools. Low rectal polyps bleed more freely. Villous adenomas may grow large and cause painful bowel movements, bur, because they are soft, they rarely cause an obstruction. Hereditary polyposis can cause diarrhea, bloody stools, and secondary anemia. In people with this type, a change in bowel habits with abdominal pain usually signals rectosigmoid cancer.

Juvenile polyps are large, inflammatory lesions, often without an epithelial covering, and focal polypoid hyperplasia produces small grainy growths.

How is it diagnosed?

To get a firm diagnosis of rectal polyps, the doctor will identify them by looking through a colonoscope or similar instrument and by analyzing a biopsy specimen. A barium enema test can help identify polyps that are located high in the colon. Supportive lab findings include traces of blood in the stools, blood studies showing low hemoglobin and hematocrit (with anemia) and, possibly, electrolyte imbalances in people with villous adenomas.

How is it treated?

Treatment varies according to the type and size of the polyps and their location in the colon or rectum. Common polypoid adenomas less than 1/2 inch (1 centimeter) in diameter require removal, frequently by fulguration (destruction by high-frequency electricity). For common polypoid adenomas over 1½ inches (4 centimeters) in diameter and all invasive villous adenomas, the surgeon will remove part of the intestine.

Focal polypoid hyperplasia can be removed by biopsy. Depending on digestive tract involvement, hereditary polyps require total removal of the affected section. Juvenile polyps are prone to shearing off on their own. If that doesn't happen, removal with a snare during colonoscopy is the treatment of choice.