Defecation Health Dictionary

(BPH) The benign buildup in the prostate of “warts” or epithelial neoplasias that can block or interrupt urination, and which are usually concurrent with moderate prostate enlargement. They cause a dull ache on urination, ejaculation, and/or defecation. The diagnosis is medical, since the same subjective conditions can result from cancer of the prostate. BPH is common in men over fifty and can be the result either of diminished production of complete testosterone or poor pelvic circulation. Alcohol, coffee, speed, and antihistamines can all aggravate the problem.... benign prostatic hypertrophy, or hyperplasia

A collection of pus in a cavity, consisting of spent white blood cells and dead invading micro-organisms. The body’s fight against localised infection may result in suppuration – the discharge of pus. An abscess may appear on any part of the body: ear, nose, throat, teeth, gums, or on the skin as a pimple, boil, stye. A ‘grumbling appendix’ is one form of abscess, caused by internal obstruction and irritation. Internal abscesses are usually accompanied by fever, with malaise and swollen glands under arms, groin or elsewhere. Septicaemia – a dangerous form of blood poisoning – may result where an abscess bursts and discharges purulent matter into the bloodstream.

Abscess of the rectum (anorectal, ischiorectal, perianal) can be exceedingly painful. Chiefly from E. Coli infection, it may be associated with piles, colitis, fissures or small tears in the mucosa from hard faeces. There may be throbbing pain on sitting or defecation. In all cases Echinacea should be given to sustain the immune system.

Alternatives: Abundant herb teas. Burdock leaves, Clivers, Comfrey leaves, Figwort, Gotu Kola, Ground Ivy, Horsetail, Marigold petals, Marshmallow leaves, Mullein, Plantain, Red Clover tops. 1 heaped teaspoon to each cup boiling water: drink half-1 cup thrice daily.

Mixture: Tinctures. Echinacea 30ml; Blue Flag 15ml; Bayberry 5ml; Hydrastis can 1ml; Liquorice 1ml. Dose: One 5ml teaspoon in water, honey or fruit juice thrice daily.

Tablets/capsules. Blue Flag, Echinacea, Poke root, Red Clover, Seaweed and Sarsaparilla, Garlic (or capsules): dosage as on bottle.

Powders. Formula. Echinacea 1; Marshmallow root 1; Goldenseal quarter. Dose: 500mg (one-third teaspoon, or two 00 capsules), thrice daily.

Ointments or poultices: Aloe Vera, Comfrey, Marshmallow and Slippery Elm.

Abscess of the breast. Internal mixture as above.

Abscess of the kidney. Mixture: tinctures. Equal parts: Echinacea, Bearberry, Valerian. Dose: 1-2 5ml teaspoons, thrice daily.

Topical. Ointments or poultices: Aloe Vera, Comfrey, Marshmallow and Slippery Elm.

Diet: Regular raw food days. Vitamin C (oranges, lemons, etc.). Fish oils, oily fish or other vitamin A- rich foods.

Supplements. Vitamins A, B and E. ... abscess

Varicose veins around the anus and low bowel due to poor local circulation. First degree haemorrhoids, remain inside the rectum, but may bleed. Second degree haemorrhoids, bleed and protrude beyond the anus but return after defecation. Third degree haemorrhoids, remain outside the anus and have to be pushed back manually. Blood is bright red.

Causes: constipation, sluggish liver, grumbling appendix, pregnancy, etc. Underlying cause must be treated. Pilewort and Stone root are key remedies.

Alternatives. Teas from any of the following: Butcher’s Broom, Balmony, Bilberry, Beth root, Bistort, Comfrey, Cranesbill, Figwort, Ground Ivy, Horsechestnut, Ladies Mantle, Nettles, Oak bark, Pilewort, Plantain, Silverweed, Stone root, Tormentil, Wild Yam, Witch Hazel, St John’s Wort.

Alternative formulae. Tea. (1) Equal parts, Yarrow, Witch Hazel leaves, German Chamomile. (2) Equal parts, Yarrow, Pilewort, Mullein. (3) Equal parts, Plantain, Figwort, Pilewort. 1-2 teaspoons to each cup boiling water; infuse 15 minutes. Half-1 cup thrice daily before meals.

Tablets/capsules. Pilewort. Cranesbill. Wild Yam. Blue Flag root.

Powders. Formula. Equal parts, Pilewort 1; Figwort 1; Stone root half. Dose: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon) thrice daily.

Tinctures. Formula. Butternut 1; Figwort 1; Cascara quarter. One 5ml teaspoon in water thrice daily. Alternative: Combine Hawthorn 2; Stone root 1. Dose: 30-60 drops in water thrice daily.

Enema. Strong infusion of Raspberry leaves: 2oz to 2 pints boiling water. Steep 20 minutes, strain. Improves with addition of 5 drops Tincture Myrrh.

Suppositories. 1 part Liquid Extract Witch Hazel or German Chamomile to 5 parts Cocoa butter. Ointments: Pilewort, Chickweed, Figwort, Aloe Vera, Horse Chestnut, Houseleek.

Psyllium seeds (light) (Ispaghula) increases bulk of the stools making them softer and easier to pass.

To alleviate itching and assist healing: insert into the anus fresh peeled Aloe Vera or Houseleek. Alternatives: make a paste of quarter of a teaspoon of any of the following powders with few drops of milk: Comfrey, Pilewort, Stone root and apply externally, holding in position with a binder.

Vitamin E capsules. Piles that had resisted all other forms of treatment rapidly cleared. Insert one capsule into rectum night and morning.

Diet: Low salt, low fat, high fibre.

Supplements. Vitamins A, B-complex, B6, C, and E. Calcium. Zinc.

Supportives. Sitz bath. Sponge anus with cold water. ... haemorrhoids

The most common cause of inflammation of the liver from a virus known as Hepatitis A. May be caught by eating shellfish contaminated by sewage or polluted water. Distinct from alcohol and drugs. The virus is ingested in the mouth, grown in the intestines and passes out of the body on defecation.

Treatment. Same as for acute infectious hepatitis. ... liver – hepatitis a

the terminal portion of the large intestine, which is surrounded by the muscles of defecation (anal sphincters). The canal ends on the surface at the anal orifice (see anus).... anal canal

n. the opening at the lower end of the alimentary canal, through which the faeces are discharged. It opens out from the *anal canal and is guarded by two sphincters. The anus is closed except during defecation. —anal adj.... anus

(external haemorrhoid) a painful swelling composed of blood that lies next to the anus. Typically it develops following an episode of straining during defecation or protracted coughing. Perianal haematomas are caused by the rupture of a small vein in the anus. They often heal spontaneously but occasionally rupture. Rarely this is followed by abscess formation. If severe pain continues, surgical removal may be undertaken. See also haemorrhoids.... perianal haematoma

(Pale). Spogel seeds. Psyllium seeds. Ispaghula husk BP. Plantago ovata. Dried ripe seeds. Keynote: constipation and bowel irritation.

Constituents: mucilage, triterpenes, alkaloids.

Action: gentle bulk laxative without irritation; antidiarrhoeal, demulcent, bacteriostatic. Increases stool output while decreasing transit time in healthy people. Anti-inflammatory.

Uses: Chronic constipation, particularly in the elderly. Irritable bowel syndrome, mucous colitis. Amoebic dysentery. (Indian traditional) To assist management of diverticular disease. To reduce incidence of bowel complaints. An alternative to constant use of purgatives that decrease sensitivity of alimentary mucous membranes. Useful in pregnancy. Hyperlipaemia. Lowers cholesterol level by eliminating excess bile salts. To assist slimming regime in obesity.

Preparations: Average dose: 3-5 grams (2 grams, children).

Seeds: 1-2 teaspoons once or twice daily, helped down with sips of water. (May be soaked overnight in warm water.) In the intestines seeds swell into a gelatinous mass many times their normal size thus ‘lubricating’ contents of the bowel for easy defecation. Isogel.

“Regulan” Ispaghula husk BP. Sachets containing 3-6 grams. Average dose: 1 sachet thrice daily. Psyllium seed husks, plus pectin, Vitamin C and Guar gum to cleanse the colon while leaving behind important nutrients. Aids detoxification and absorption of iron. Regulates blood sugar levels and nutrient absorption. (JAM. Nov 86, p.23) Poultice. With Slippery Elm for boils, abscesses, etc. ... ispaghula seeds

A cancerous tumour in the rectum. The cause is unknown, but dietary factors and genetic factors are thought to play a part. It is more common between ages 50 and 70.

Early symptoms are rectal bleeding during defecation and diarrhoea or constipation. Later, pain may occur. Left untreated, the cancer may eventually cause severe bleeding and pain and block the intestine. It may also spread to other organs.

The cancer may be detected by a rectal examination and confirmed with proctoscopy or sigmoidoscopy and biopsy.

Treatment is usually with surgery. For a tumour in the upper rectum, the affected area and the last part of the colon are removed and the 2 free ends of the intestine are sewn together. To promote healing, a temporary colostomy may be made. For a growth in the lower rectum, the entire rectum and anus are removed. Because there is no outlet for faeces, a permanent colostomy is created.

Radiotherapy and anticancer drugs may be used in addition to or instead of surgery.

Up to 40 per cent of people treated for rectal cancer live for 10 years or more.... rectum, cancer of

a break or rent of the mucosa of the anal canal, which commonly presents with anal pain during and immediately following defecation and the passage of bright red blood in the stools. Anal fissures may occur secondary to constipation and having to forcefully strain during the process of defecation or as a consequence of prolonged episodes of diarrhoea. Over time an anal fissure may fail to heal, leading to the development of a chronic fissure that is prone to perianal infection. Medical treatment includes stool softeners and topical smooth muscle relaxants (such as 2% diltiazem cream). Surgery for anal fissures refractory to medical treatment includes lateral sphincterotomy (cutting the muscle of the anal sphincter).... anal fissure

(IBS) a common functional bowel disorder characterized by recurrent abdominal pain, altered stool consistency, and variable frequency of defecation. The symptoms, which may differ from individual to individual, may be caused by abnormal contractions of the colon, heightened sensitivity to such stimuli as stretching or distension, stress, and changes in diet. A minority of people may develop symptoms following an episode of gastroenteritis (postinfectious irritable bowel syndrome). Tests may be needed to rule out organic disease. Treatment includes reassurance, dietary manipulation (see FODMAPS), the use of antispasmodics, antidiarrhoeal drugs or laxatives, and drugs that reduce the sensitivity of the bowel (such as low-dose amitriptyline).... irritable bowel syndrome

abnormal bulging down of the *perineum as a result of weakness of the pelvic floor muscles. It often accompanies problems with defecation and micturition.... perineal descent

n. an X-ray of the rectum taken after contrast material has been infused into it using a catheter. A defecating proctogram is a series of X-ray or MR images captured during defecation to highlight any abnormalities.... proctogram

n. the terminal part of the large *intestine, about 12 cm long, which runs from the sigmoid colon to the anal canal. Faeces are stored in the rectum before defecation. —rectal adj.... rectum

an uncommon anorectal condition that produces symptoms of anal pain, rectal bleeding, straining during defecation, and obstructed defecation (dyssynergic defecation). *Proctoscopy reveals one or more benign rectal lesions, which are thought to be due to abnormal straining during defecation leading to prolapse of the distal anterior rectal wall and internal anal *intussusception.... solitary rectal ulcer syndrome