Bowel cancer, or colorectal cancer, is the general term for cancer that begins in the colon or the rectum. According to the American Cancer Society, most bowel cancer starts as polyps on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Being aware of bowel cancer and its symptoms will go a long way in increasing the chances of survival and early detection. [Read more…]
Stress & It’s Effects On Your Digestive System
Do you find yourself too stressed to eat? Or do you overeat when stressed?
The gut is often called the “second brain” of the body. When we are stressed, it not only affects our minds but our bodies. One of the most common side effects of stress in our lives are changes to our digestive system. [Read more…]
Know The Difference: Structural Versus Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
It’s a common occurrence: A patient comes in complaining of GI distress. Perhaps they or their child are experiencing heartburn, constipation, and abdominal pain or bloating. Upon diagnosis, you find no evidence of a disease or disorder that could cause these very real symptoms. In fact, the patient’s tests all come back normal.
Understandably, the patient may be confused. Surely their symptoms are a sign of something more serious? Explaining to them the difference between a functional and structural gastrointestinal disorder can help put them at ease and answer any questions they may have. [Read more…]
What Is A Colorectal Specialist?
A colorectal specialist is a doctor who specialized in disorders and diseases of the colon, rectum, and anus. In the past, these doctors were called proctologists but the term has fallen out of use. [Read more…]
Improving Digestive Health For A Healthier Life
Good digestive health is essential for overall health: It helps us absorb nutrients and expel waste from our bodies, leading to better health. If you find your digestive health isn’t as good as it used to be or simply want to keep it in tip-top shape, following these simple lifestyle changes can help improve your digestive health: [Read more…]
Recognizing the Symptoms of Digestive Disorders & Diseases
Vomiting; constipation; belly pain; blood in the stool; indigestion. Any of these symptoms can send patients running to you for a diagnosis, worried about something serious. Are they experiencing something as benign as an anal fissure or something more worrisome like Crohn’s Disease?
Recognizing the symptoms of digestive disorders and diseases will go a long way in reassuring your patients and providing them with a diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. [Read more…]
Living with Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome is a very common intestinal disorder that causes excess gas, stomach pain, diarrhea, and constipation. For patients suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), symptoms can disrupt their everyday lives at inconvenient times. If left untreated, IBS can promote other problems like the formation of hemorrhoids.
For many patients, IBS is merely an annoyance from time to time but for others, disabling. Here is how you can help patients learn how to live with IBS, including ways they can manage the condition: [Read more…]
Diagnosing Gastritis In Patients
Gastritis, or the inflammation of the stomach lining, is a condition that can be acute (occurs suddenly and lasts for a short time) or chronic (develops slowly and is long lasting). This condition occurs when the protective layer of mucus in the stomach breaks down, and gastritis can be erosive (the stomach lining wears away, causing ulcers) or non-erosive (inflammation without erosion). [Read more…]
Indigestion…Or Something Else?
Indigestion, also called dyspepsia, is a term that is used to describe discomfort and pain in the upper abdomen that can include symptoms like:
- Feeling full
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Burning sensation in the stomach
- Growling stomach
Indigestion is a common enough condition that most people ignore it or take over-the-counter medications like antacids to relieve symptoms. Indigestion can be a condition in and of itself or a symptom of a larger problem. [Read more…]
Understanding Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease of the colon, or large intestine, in which the lining of your colon becomes inflamed and leads to the development of small open sores known as ulcers. The inflammation associated with ulcerative colitis can cause individuals to experience pain and discomfort in their abdominal region, as well as more urgent, frequent emptying of their bowels. At this time, nearly 700,000 Americans suffer from ulcerative colitis, and the disease is a major known risk factor of colon cancer.
This bowel disease is thought to be the cause of an abnormal response triggered by your immune system in your intestines. In the event of ulcerative colitis, your immune system detects a series of foreign invaders such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses, and becomes activated — leading to chronic inflammation and ulceration. The cause of the condtion is largely unknown at this time, and tends to commonly affect individuals between 15 and 30 years of age.
Many tend to confuse the symptoms of ulcerative colitis with Crohn’s disease; however, Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, whereas ulcerative colitis is restricted to just the colon, and affects only the lining of the colon.
Symptoms Of Ulcerative Colitis
The symptoms of ulcerative colitis can occur off and on, and individuals may experience flare-ups after having experienced no side effects or symptoms for an extended period of time. The sporadic side effects sometimes makes it difficult for doctors to diagnose and prescribe treatments for the condition.
Most individuals who suffer from ulcerative colitis will experience drastic weight loss as a result of loss of appetite, as well as fatigue and low energy levels.
Other common symptoms of ulcerative colitis include:
- More urgent, frequent, and loose bowel movements
- Painful bowel movements
- Intense bouts of diarrhea accompanied by abdominal pain
- Bloody stools
- Intense abdominal cramps
- Fever
- Dehydration
- Joint pain
Diagnosing & Treating Ulcerative Colitis
Talk to your doctor if you suspect that you might be suffering from ulcerative colitis. Your physician will perform a series of tests to determine whether you need treatment, and may require that you undergo blood tests and x-rays, provide stool samples, and have either a colonoscopy or proctosigmoidocopy.
If your doctor finds that you have ulcerative colitis, you may be prescribed drug therapy and be required to alter your diet. In most cases, you may be prescribed one or more medications that can reduce inflammation in your bowels, such as sulfa drugs, corticosteroids, immunosuppressive agents, and antibiotics.
Consult with your health care provider if you are experiencing any symptoms related to ulcerative colitis. Undergoing treatment for this condition can significantly reduce your risk for colon cancer.
