Descending bowel is caused by a combination of pressure in the abdominal cavity and muscle weakness stomach. This condition occurs when the intestine presses on the weak muscle or connective tissue around it, then descends into the body where it shouldn't.
The descending intestine is also known as a hernia. Although it can happen to anyone, this condition is more common in men over the age of 40. It can be characterized by a bulge that can appear in the pubic bone, groin, belly button, or scrotum. It can also be accompanied by a burning, stinging, or painful sensation.
Various Causes of Descending Intestines
Bowel descent can occur quickly, but it can also occur gradually and slowly, depending on the cause. Although the main cause of bowel obstruction is not clearly known, there are several factors that may increase the risk of developing bowel disease, including:
- Often do strenuous activities.
- Chronic coughing or sneezing that can put pressure on the intestines.
- Diarrhea or constipation.
- Excessive straining during bowel movements or urination.
- Congenital anatomical abnormalities of the abdominal cavity.
- Injuries that damage the supporting tissues of the intestine.
In addition, there are several other factors that increase the pressure in the abdominal cavity and weaken the strength of the abdominal muscles, causing the intestine to descend. Among these are pregnancy, lifting heavy objects, the aging process, obesity, poor nutrition, and smoking. It is important to understand what can cause bowel movements to occur, so that they can be avoided.
How to Prevent Descending Intestines
Intestinal descent is mostly not preventable, especially in infants and children, which is usually caused by congenital abnormalities. However, there are various ways to relieve symptoms or prevent bowel obstruction in adults by adopting a healthy lifestyle, such as:
- Losing weight if you are overweight or are overweight causes greater abdominal pressure and increases the risk of prolapsed bowel. It is recommended to discuss with your doctor first to determine what diet and exercise is right for you.
- Not losing weight drastically or quickly. Fast diet programs are thought to reduce the intake of protein and vitamins needed for muscle strength. As a result, the abdominal muscles become weak.
- Eat foods high in fiber, such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, to prevent constipation and straining during bowel movements. Straining makes the pressure in the stomach increase.
- Drink lots of water.
- Learn how to lift heavy objects properly, or avoid lifting heavy objects altogether. If you have to lift something heavy, bend your knees, not your waist, and don't push.
- Quit smoking. Smoking can cause a cough that can increase the risk of developing a descending bowel or make the hernia worse
Handling of the descending bowel is carried out according to the type and location of the descending bowel or hernia that occurs. Generally, the descending bowel cannot improve without surgery, but that does not mean that all conditions of the colon that are not operated on will get worse soon. In certain circumstances, the risks of having surgery outweigh the benefits. In these circumstances, surgery may not be recommended.
Therefore, if you or a family member suffers from bowel obstruction or experiences symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor for proper and safe treatment.