Gas and bloating are common symptoms that can be caused by a variety of conditions. One potential cause is polyps in the colon. Polyps are abnormal growths that form on the lining of the colon and rectum. While most polyps are benign (non-cancerous), some types can eventually develop into colon cancer if not removed.
What are Colon Polyps?
Colon polyps are growths that form on the inner lining of the large intestine (colon) and rectum. The two main types of polyps are:
- Adenomatous polyps (adenomas): These polyps are benign but can eventually turn cancerous if not removed. Adenomas are the most common type of polyps.
- Hyperplastic polyps: These polyps are typically benign with little risk of turning cancerous.
Polyps start off as small clumps of cells that slowly grow over time. They vary in size and shape, ranging from the size of a pea to several inches across. Some people develop just one polyp, while others can have multiple polyps in their colon.
What Causes Colon Polyps?
The exact cause of most colon polyps is unknown, but certain factors are believed to increase risk:
- Age: Polyps become more common as people get older. Most cases occur in those over age 50.
- Family history: Having a parent, sibling or child with polyps increases your risk.
- Genetics: Certain inherited gene mutations can predispose people to colon polyps.
- Lifestyle factors: Smoking, a diet high in fat and processed meats, obesity, and lack of exercise may increase risk.
- Chronic inflammation: Inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are linked to higher polyp risk.
Symptoms of Colon Polyps
The vast majority of colon polyps do not cause any signs or symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include:
- Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Sensation of incomplete evacuation after a bowel movement
- Narrowing of the stool
Larger polyps are more likely to cause these symptoms than smaller ones. But keep in mind that many other conditions can also lead to similar symptoms, not just polyps.
Can Polyps Cause Gas and Bloating?
While not a typical symptom, some people with colon polyps may experience increased gas, flatulence or bloating. Here are some reasons why polyps can potentially lead to gas and abdominal distension:
- Partial blockage: Larger polyps can sometimes partially obstruct or block the passageway within the colon. This can slow down digestion, leading to gas buildup and bloating.
- Altered motility: The presence of polyps may affect normal contractions of the colon, resulting in abnormal motility patterns that can cause gas pain.
- Excess mucus: Some polyps overproduce mucus, which bacteria then digest causing excess gas production.
- Overgrowth of bacteria: Changes to the colon environment allow gas-producing bacteria to proliferate.
However, gas and bloating symptoms are rarely caused by polyps alone. More commonly, these symptoms are due to conditions that often occur alongside polyps, such as:
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
- Food intolerances like lactose intolerance
- Changes to the gut microbiome
Polyps themselves do not directly create gas. But their presence can lead to secondary conditions and factors that in turn cause gas to build up.
Diagnosing Polyps
If you have symptoms like abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, bleeding or anemia, see your doctor. They will ask about your symptoms and medical history. Be sure to mention any family history of colon polyps or cancer.
Your doctor can check for polyps using one of these screening tests:
- Colonoscopy: This test lets the doctor use a scope to visually inspect the entire length of the colon and rectum. Any polyps found can be removed during the procedure.
- CT colonography: This imaging test uses X-rays to create cross-sectional images of the colon to check for polyps.
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy: The doctor inserts a short scope to check the rectum and lower colon for polyps.
- Fecal occult blood test: Sample of stool is checked for microscopic amounts of blood, which may indicate polyps.
A colonoscopy remains the gold standard test as it allows the doctor to biopsy or remove any polyps discovered. Guidelines generally recommend colon cancer screening starting at age 45 using either a colonoscopy or stool-based test.
Treating Colon Polyps
If colon polyps are detected, treatment options may include:
- Polypectomy: Removing polyps via colonoscopy. This is done by passing a wire loop through the colonoscope to cut the polyp off at its stalk.
- Surgery: For larger polyps not removable by colonoscopy, surgery may be required to cut out that section of the colon.
- Hot biopsy: Burning off tiny polyps using a hot biopsy forceps passed through the colonoscope.
- Monitoring: Hyperplastic polyps may just be monitored with follow-up colonoscopies.
Removing polyps can often provide symptom relief in addition to reducing colon cancer risk. Your doctor will recommend appropriate follow-up testing based on your polyp type, size and number removed.
Preventing Colon Polyps
While some risk factors for colon polyps cannot be changed, certain lifestyle measures may help lower your chances of developing polyps:
- Eat a diet high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
- Limit red and processed meats.
- Maintain a healthy body weight.
- Quit smoking cigarettes.
- Exercise regularly.
- Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all.
- Take medications like aspirin that may prevent polyp formation.
Getting screened regularly for colon polyps and colon cancer is also very important, even if you have no symptoms or family history. Screening allows polyps to be found and removed early before they turn cancerous.
When to See a Doctor
Make an appointment to see your doctor if you experience any persistent changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding/stools, or symptoms of anemia like fatigue. While these symptoms have many possible explanations, colon polyps are one potential cause that your doctor can evaluate.
Do not try to self-diagnose or treat yourself based on information online. Your doctor can properly examine you, make a diagnosis, and recommend appropriate treatment as needed. They may order stool tests, blood work, imaging, or a colonoscopy if colon polyps are suspected.
Conclusion
Colon polyps only rarely lead directly to gas, bloating or increased flatulence. These symptoms are more commonly linked to secondary factors like IBS, SIBO or motility issues caused by polyps in the colon. While polyps often do not cause symptoms initially, larger ones may sometimes cause abdominal pain, changes in stool caliber or consistency, bleeding and bowel obstruction.
If you have any unexplained digestive issues or other concerning symptoms, see your doctor promptly. Getting evaluated can catch problems like polyps early. With the right screening and treatment, colon polyps can be removed before turning into colon cancer.