Debunking The Myth Of Leaky Gut Syndrome
A proposed gastrointestinal disorder dubbed leaky gut syndrome is currently the topic of numerous debates throughout the medical and natural health communities. Some alternative medicine practitioners claim that leaky gut syndrome is a prevalent problem responsible for ill health in many people. However, most physicians maintain that there is not enough research to prove that it is a legitimate issue. In this article, we will answer some questions you may have about leaky gut syndrome and reveal some of the dangers of diagnosing and treating a condition for which there is no medical evidence.
How Colonoscopy Detects Anal Cancers
Anal cancer is usually a mass or ulcer that arises from the wall of the anal canal. The mass usually bleeds or causes anal pain and mass sensation .
During a routine colonoscopy screening, a colonoscopy can visualize the lesion, and if it is suspicious, your doctor may take a biopsy to confirm the condition.
Not only the anus, but colonoscopy can also visualize the rectum and the entire colon.
Another alternative is a blood on the outside of the stool is the most common sign of anal cancer. Rectal bleeding occurs in about 45% of cases of anal cancer.
Unfortunately, many people can miss cancers because they think the blood is due to piles.
So, it is extremely important to get a clinical examination if it is your first time to experience blood in the stool.
2- Anal Pain:
pain is also common with anal cancer but it is not a consistent finding in all patients with anal cancers.
Studies show that anal pain occurs in about 30% of cases of anal cancer.
3- A sense of mass inside the anus.
Diagnosing Inflammatory Bowel Disease In Adults
In inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, there is persistent inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. The condition causes symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloody stool, constipation, and an urgent need to have a bowel movement. The most common types of IBD are Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis.
Gastroenterologists at NYU Langone’s Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center are experts in the gastrointestinal tract and can recommend the appropriate diagnostic tests to determine the cause of your symptoms. There is no single definitive test to confirm the presence of IBD, so the condition is diagnosed based on a combination of tests, including endoscopy, biopsy, and imaging tests.
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The Difference Between Sigmoidoscopy And Colonoscopy
A sigmoidoscopy is an exam that focuses on the sigmoid part of the colon, the last section. During a colonoscopy, the entire length of the colon is screened for abnormalities, and a longer tube, or scope, is used.A study by the National Institutes of Health determined that flexible sigmoidoscopy is less invasive and has fewer side effects than colonoscopy. It requires less bowel preparation and poses a lower risk of bowel performation, which is an uncommon event but a minor risk with either of these procedures. The study also confirmed that flexible sigmoidoscopy is effective in colorectal cancer screening, reducing deaths and development of colon cancer.4
Colonoscopy Services In Texas
Whether to find the underlying cause of your gastrointestinal problem or for the sake of colon cancer prevention, you should not shy away from getting a colonoscopy. At Austin Gastroenterology, we do our best to help your colonoscopy be as smooth and relaxing as possible.
For an appointment, call us our north offices at 244-2273, central offices at 454-4588, or south offices at 488-4588. To set an appointment online, you may fill out this request form.
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Can Ibs Lead To Colon Cancer
IBS, with all its discomforts and inconveniences, doesnt cause damage to your digestive tract or lead to other health problems.
A 2010 trial found that when undergoing colonoscopy, people with IBS were no more likely to have structural abnormalities of the colon than healthy people.
They also found that people with IBS are at no greater risk of precancerous polyps or colon cancer.
Seek the advice of a doctor if you have any concerns about abdominal discomfort or changes in bowel habits. Symptoms of IBS can also indicate a variety of other conditions, including colon cancer.
Other signs that you should see a doctor right away include:
- persistent abdominal pain
- vomiting
- weight loss
Having IBS doesnt increase your risk of colon cancer, but that doesnt mean you should ignore symptoms. To be on the safe side, tell your doctor about new symptoms such as rectal bleeding, narrowed stool, or weight loss.
Talk to your doctor about colon cancer screening. For most people, colonoscopy screening should begin at age 50.
If you have a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors, your doctor may recommend earlier or more frequent screening.
Are Your Symptoms Ibs Or Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer shares some symptoms with a less serious, but much more common disease: irritable bowel syndrome . So how do you know if your symptoms are cancer, IBS or something else?
We talked to David Richards, M.D., about the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and colorectal cancer, and what action you should take if you are experiencing either.
What are the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome?
IBS can be hard to diagnose. Its not something a doctor can see, feel or detect under a microscope, and the symptoms come and go. The main symptoms of IBS are constipation, diarrhea or a combination of the two, accompanied by abdominal pain.
Someone with IBS may also experience one or more of the following:
- Abdominal bloating
- The feeling that you havent finished a bowel movement
- Relief of symptoms after a bowel movement
You can gauge whether these are IBS symptoms based on how long youve had them. The symptoms have to go back at least six months, with at least one day a week of pain in the last three months, Richards says.
What are the symptoms of colorectal cancer?
Diarrhea, constipation and abdominal pain are all symptoms of colorectal cancer. However, there are additional symptoms that are more concerning.
Sudden and unexplained weight loss, rectal bleeding or blood in the stool are all cause for concern, says Richards.
Other colorectal cancer symptoms include:
I would be especially concerned if these symptoms came on suddenly, says Richards.
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Dont Ignore Warning Signs
Symptoms should always be taken seriously, Dr. Vashi says, even among people who might otherwise write them off as part of their irritable bowel syndrome.
Some IBS patients, many times because of constipation, they have a little bleeding. They presume its just hemorrhoids, he says. Thats a big mistake. They should never ignore rectal bleeding. It doesnt matter if its from straining and constipation or not.
I see so many patients that have been having bleeding off and on for six months, eight months, a year, go to the doctor and the doctor says, Oh, its just hemorrhoids youre too young to have anything else. And then after almost a year, they would find some new symptoms and get a colonoscopy done and show they had rectal cancer.
Dr. Vashis take-home message?
Just because you have IBS, that doesnt mean you shouldnt still alert to the possibility of colon cancer, he says. The good news is that most of the patients with irritable bowel syndrome are seeking health care advice or seeing their primary care physicianand their gastroenterologistmore regularly, because thats how they got diagnosed.
How Is A Colonoscopy Done
A colonoscopy is usually carried out in hospital by a specially trained doctor or nurse. Unless you are already staying at hospital you will probably be seen as a day-case, meaning you do not need to stay overnight. Sedatives are sometimes used during the procedure so its important to have someone who can collect you from the hospital and to avoid driving for 24 hours after the procedure.
The procedure should take no more than an hour to carry out. You may receive a sedative or local anaesthetic before the test starts to make the examination more comfortable for you. This will be discussed with you before the examination.
You will be asked to lie on your left-hand side and the colonoscope will be carefully fed through your anus and all the way through your colon. It is long enough to also go into the end of the small intestine . A lubricant will be used to make this as easy as possible. As the colonoscope is passed through your colon you may need to move position or the doctor/nurse may press on your abdomen. This is to help the passage of the colonoscope and to get the clearest pictures possible.
During the procedure biopsies may be taken to be examined and polyps may be removed.
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Get Help For Your Stomach And Colon Problems
If you experience changes in your bowel habits, have abdominal cramping or notice blood in your stool, you should talk with your primary care doctor. They can diagnose and treat hundreds of conditions. If you need a colonoscopy, your doctor will share what you need to know about your procedure, including how to make colonoscopy prep easier. And if needed, your doctor will refer you to a gastroenterologist, a doctor who specializes in digestive heath.
Remember that your colon does a lot for you. The main thing, of course, is breaking down food so that it can pass out of your body. But it also plays an important role in your immune system and overall health. So, try to eat a colon-healthy diet and stay up to date on your cancer screenings.
For most people, a colonoscopy is needed just once every 10 years or so. And even though it may not be at the top of your fun list, one colonoscopy can give you peace of mind for years.
Can A Colonoscopy Detect Anus Cancer
A colonoscopy can detect anus cancer by visualizing the anal canal and the rectum. it can also take a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of anal cancer. However, less invasive methods such as physical examination, anoscopy, or rigid sigmoidoscopy are preferred .
Doctors dont routinely perform a colonoscopy to detect anal cancer. A physical examination or anoscopy is usually sufficient.
However, if you are performing a screening colonoscopy for colorectal cancers your doctor is supposed to inspect the anal canal as a part of colonoscopy to detect any anal cancers or lesions.
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Heres How I Incorporate Coconut Products Into My Daily Life
- I use 1 tablespoon of non-hydrogenated organic coconut oil in my daily shake/juice. Tastes insanely good and as weird as this sounds, gives a lovely mouth feel to the shake. Just make sure you get quality coconut oil that is not rancid and not filled with all kinds of crazy chemicals.
- Now and then I will have half a can of coconut milk in my shake instead of the oil . Probably 2 times a week. This is the taste of island holidays in food form!
- Since my gut is now in good health and able to handle oats these days, I will cook up some gluten-free oats with coconut milk on gym days. Of course, theres a lot of energy in this sort of concoction, so best to pair with commensurate training.
- Coconut oil is my go to cooking oil for many dishes, eg a mild Thai-style chicken & broccoli stir fry.
- You might even enjoy coconut kefir91 fermented coconut milk/yogurt.
IDEA #23
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What If The Test Results Are Negative
If you have the typical symptoms of IBS, and your doctor says, Your tests are negative it means that you dont have some other disease. Tests look for other things, not for IBS. At this point your doctor might also say something like, Based on your symptoms and exam, you have IBS. Your signs and symptoms fit the standard for diagnosing IBS. The next step is to learn all you can about IBS and work with your doctor on a treatment plan that fits you. IBS is a problem with the way a system works. There is no visible evidence that shows up on a test.
Thats not the same thing as nothing is wrong. People have painful headaches, but nothing shows up on tests. Its the same with IBS. What if you have a test result that is positive? It may be a minor problem. You may have something else along with your IBS, or you may have something else entirely. A doctor will help you sort this out.
Learn more about treatments for IBS
Adapted from IFFGD Publication #163 Current Approach to the Diagnosis of IBS by George F. Longstreth, MD, Chief of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Plan, San Diego, CA revised and updated by Douglas A. Drossman, MD, Co-Director UNC Center for Functional GI and Motility Disorders, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC.
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A Healthy Irritable Bowel Syndrome Diet
Irritable Bowel Syndrome has no known cure, but one of our medical experts can help you to relieve the conditions symptoms. There are some medications available to help, such as laxatives to relieve constipation or antispasmodics to control muscle contractionsbut usually, patients need to put out an effort to change their diet and lifestyles to achieve relief. For example, eating foods that are high in fat, such as fast food or other highly processed packaged foods, is known to worsen the symptoms of IBS. Affected individuals should also avoid dairy products, chocolate, caffeinated beverages, carbonated beverages, sugar free products and alcohol.
Eating foods that are high in fat, such as fast food or other highly processed packaged foods, is known to worsen the symptoms of IBS. Affected individuals should also avoid dairy products, chocolate, caffeinated beverages, carbonated beverages, sugar free products, and alcohol.
Mostly, substances that tend to lead to an irritable bowel varies from person to personso its important to keep track of what youre eating and discuss the possible irritants with your medical doctor. Certain foods are oftentimes associated with different symptoms, so the more you know about your own bodys reactions, the better you can work to avoid discomfort.
Reviewed 12/12/2011 by David M. Nolan, M.D.Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine, 2011Currently a Fellow of Gastroenterology, at UCI 2011-2014
Environment And Social Learning
Parental modelling and the reinforcement of illness behaviour can contribute to the causes of IBS. Having a mother with IBS has been shown to account for as much variance as having an identical set of genes as a co-twin who has IBS. This suggests that the contribution of social learning to IBS is at least as great as the contribution of heredity.
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Ibs Causes And Risk Factors
While several things are known to trigger IBS symptoms, experts don’t know what causes the condition.
Studies suggest that the colon gets hypersensitive, overreacting to mild stimulation. Instead of slow, rhythmic muscle movements, the bowel muscles spasm. That can cause diarrhea or constipation.
Another theory suggests it may involve chemicals made by the body, such as serotonin and gastrin, that control nerve signals between the brain and digestive tract.
Other researchers are studying to see if certain bacteria in the bowels can lead to the condition.
IBS affects between 25 million and 45 million Americans. Some things seem to make people more likely to have it than others:
Is It A Must To Perform A Colonoscopy To Detect Anal Cancers
Your doctor doesnt need to request a colonoscopy if he suspects anal cancer. Detection of anal cancer by local examination or by the use of less invasive tools such as anoscope or rigid proctosigmoidoscopy.
A colonoscopy may be required for the exclusion of other colorectal masses or tumors in certain cases.
Discuss the issue with your doctor for the best option.
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Ibs Vs Colon Cancer: Symptoms And Diagnosis
All those symptoms put together become a spectrum of symptoms we call irritable bowel syndrome, Dr. Vashi says. It may take a visit to the doctor and maybe some follow-up tests, including a colonoscopy, to determine whether its something more serious.
We always look for certain warning signs, Dr. Vashi says. For instance, if they start showing that theyre losing weight, which is not explained by any other reason, that would be a red flag. Or if theyre starting to see some blood in the stool.
These additional signs dont rule out IBS as the culprit, but they increase the possibility that something else may be going on. Other potential warning signs for colorectal cancerthe blanket term for colon cancer or rectal cancerinclude:
- Vomiting
- A feeling that the bowel is not fully emptied, or an urge to have bowel movements when not needed
- Stools that are narrower than usual
- Frequent gas pains
- Fatigue and weakness
- Anemia from blood loss
The rule of thumb with any kind of symptom related to your digestive tractwhether its abdominal pain, change in bowel habits, blood in the stool, loss of appetite, weight loss, difficulty in swallowing, severe heartburnif it doesnt go away within two weeks or so after starting , you should immediately seek help with your primary care doctor, Dr. Vashi says. Let the primary care doctor do the basic workup, do some blood work, maybe some X-rays, do a detailed history and then find out whether this is something significant or not.
How Do You Prepare For A Colonoscopy
Your colon must be completely empty for the colonoscopy to be thorough and safe. To prepare for the procedure you may have to follow a liquid diet for one to three days beforehand. A liquid diet means things like strained fruit juice, water, plain coffee, plain tea, or diet soda. Gelatin or Popsicles in any color but red may also be eaten.
You will also take one of several types of laxatives the night before the procedure. Also, you must arrange for someone to take you home afterward after the colonoscopy has finished – you will not be allowed to drive because of the sedatives. Your doctor may give you other special instructions. Inform your doctor of any medical conditions or medications that you take before the colonoscopy.
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