If you have a polyp in your intestines, you will have this reminder when you go to the toilet, don't wait until it gets worse to react
"Every time I go to the toilet, I feel like I'm going through a little war. Mr. Zhang's remarks may have confused and worried many people. Medically, symptoms like Mr. Zhang's can be an early warning of intestinal polyps. Although polyps may not sound as scary, they can be a precursor to colorectal cancer. Therefore, it is important to understand the signals of intestinal polyps and take appropriate measures.
Intestinal polyps are small lumps in the intestinal wall that are benign most of the time, but some of them are at risk of progressing into cancer if left unmanaged. Symptoms are often subtle, so many people don't realize the problem until the condition is severe.
If you notice blood in your poop when you go to the toilet, this may be the most immediate warning. The blood may appear bright red or dark red mixed with the stool, but this should not be overlooked. The presence of blood may mean that the polyp has reached a large size or that the surface is damaged.
Another sign that should not be ignored is a change in bowel habits. If your bowel movements become frequent or intermittent for no apparent reason, or if your bowel movements are unusually shaped, such as becoming unusually elongated, these may be signs that polyps are affecting the normal function of your bowels.
Discomfort is also one of the symptoms that polyps can bring. Some people may experience a dull pain in the abdomen or a constant feeling of bloating, which is usually related to structural changes in the inside of the intestine, which may be local inflammation caused by polyps or enlarged intestinal lumen obstruction.
Although these symptoms may also be caused by other intestinal problems such as inflammatory bowel disease, hemorrhoids, etc., if these symptoms persist, it is best to consult a doctor for a colonoscopy. Colonoscopy is the gold standard for examining the inside of the intestine, allowing for visual observation of the size, shape and number of polyps and timely detection of problems.
The management and treatment of intestinal polyps is multifaceted. For small, asymptomatic polyps, your doctor may recommend regular monitoring to see if they have a tendency to grow or change. For large or large polyps, especially those at potential risk of deterioration, your doctor may recommend removal.
Lifestyle modifications are essential to prevent polyps from forming or to reduce the risk of them getting worse. Increasing your intake of dietary fiber, reducing your consumption of red and processed meat, and maintaining regular physical activity can all help maintain gut health. In addition, smoking cessation and alcohol restriction are also effective ways to prevent polyp formation.
A common misconception is that many people believe that only older people develop intestinal polyps. In fact, intestinal polyps are not limited to the elderly population. Young people may also be at increased risk due to genetic predisposition, dietary habits or other environmental factors. Especially young people with a family history should pay attention to these physical signals as early as possible.
How can awareness be raised among families on this issue? If someone in the family has ever been diagnosed with polyps or bowel cancer, then this topic should be discussed openly and should not be considered a taboo. This can help family members become aware of their possible risks and prompt them to take action, such as regular check-ups.
Next, for any family members who have concerns, it is advisable to start with smaller changes, such as adjusting their diet. Increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables and cutting back on foods that are heavy in fat and high in sugar can not only help prevent the formation of polyps, but also improve overall digestive health. These seemingly simple steps can actually have a long-term positive impact on maintaining gut health.
Another important aspect of gut health is staying well hydrated. Water not only helps the movement of food through the digestive system, but also helps to soften stool and reduce pressure and damage to the intestinal wall, which is very beneficial in preventing the formation of polyps.
Don't underestimate the importance of regular physical activity. Moderate exercise can speed up bowel movements and help the gut better process waste, while also boosting overall metabolism and immunity, which are key elements in maintaining gut health.
With these practical tips, everyone can take positive steps to take care of their gut health, and that care is something that can be easily achieved in their daily lives. So, the next time you or your family are talking about health, you may want to include gut health in the conversation, which will not only increase everyone's health awareness, but may also avoid serious health problems in the future.
