GI Health

GI Health

Helpful Information on Gastrointestinal Health

Hemorrhoids are sometimes related to a variety of gastrointestinal health problems. Learn more about these important health issues.

Your GI health is critical – and it’s important to stay informed. While hemorrhoids are typically a minor concern and can be treated easily, many of their symptoms are similar to those of more serious health issues.

Read on to learn about the some of the most common GI issues, as well as their symptoms. As always, we recommend you talk to a doctor about your specific concerns – after all, it’s best to be confident about your health.

Anal Fissures

About Anal Fissure Symptoms and Treatments:

Everyone from children to adults can get anal fissures, and they can be very painful. While usually harmless and treatable, an anal fissure can also be a sign of other health issues.


If you have – or think you have – an anal fissure, you should understand the symptoms and causes, and talk with your doctor.

Common Symptoms

  • Blood in stool

    The most common symptom for anal fissures is a slight tinge of blood that may be present in the stool, or may be noticed following a bowel movement. Many sufferers grow concerned that they may actually have occult blood in their stools, but this blood is generally bright red in appearance and is generated outside of the colorectal tract. Note that blood in the stool can have other causes as well.

  • Pain

    Even though an anal fissure may be quite small in overall size, it can produce significant amounts of pain. You may experience a very sharp pain when attempting a bowel movement, which is often severe. Many patients describe this as “like passing razor blades.” You may also experience twinges when moving or performing vigorous activity.


    Itching is another common symptom of anal fissures, and can be quite irritating. Itching is usually more intense if you have severe fissures, or if you are suffering from several at once. This is commonly treated with over-the-counter medication, but make sure you are not masking the symptoms of a more serious disorder.


    If you have noticed prolonged symptoms like these, you may have an anal fissure that is not healing. Anal fissure treatment can be a simple process to put an end to your symptoms. Although these symptoms are considered minor when compared to other health issues, they should not be ignored. Contact a physician to determine the best course of treatment.


    However, if you are experiencing constant pain, an increase in rectal bleeding, or are concerned that an underlying health problem may be present, it is a good idea to book a screening at a clinic. This screening can determine whether or not your anal fissures are a natural result of overstraining, or if you may have a more serious condition. The screening process is generally quite quick and normally painless.


    Before you go, document your symptoms to assist your health professional in determining the severity of the anal fissures and whether or not this is a reoccurring health issue.


    Screening for colorectal cancer and other bowel diseases is very important, especially once you reach age 35. It’s not uncommon to experience anal fissures on an infrequent basis, but if you notice increasing recurrence, you should schedule a screening to determine the exact cause of the problem.

Colon Cancer

What You Need to Know About Colon Cancer:

Colorectal cancer is the third most common form of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Because colon cancer progresses very slowly, it may go undetected for several years – and because of low detection rates, it is responsible for thousands of deaths every year. Many symptoms of colon cancer are often interpreted as other conditions, making colon cancer screening critical for accurate diagnosis.

While scary, colon cancer can best be treated when detected early, and in cases where patients have pre-cancerous polyps, the detection and removal of these lesions can effectively PREVENT the development of cancer – which is why we believe it’s critical to always visit your doctor with any colorectal health concerns.

Detecting Colorectal Cancer

The most effective means of detecting colorectal cancer in its early stages is through colonoscopy. These tests will help your doctor determine whether or not you are suffering from the disease, or if you have changes which, if left alone could develop into a cancer. If it is caught in the early stages, the prognosis is very good for treatment.


If you age 50 or older, you are at an increased risk. You should have a colonoscopy at least once every 10 years, with examinations more frequently in certain circumstances.


If you have a family history of colon or other forms of cancer, more frequent scopes may be recommended.


Certain patients with rectal bleeding or other colorectal symptoms should have colonoscopy in order to help rule out precancerous or cancerous lesions as the cause of these symptoms. You should talk with your doctor to see if you are a candidate for colonoscopy and a colorectal screening.

About Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is typically felt to develop within certain types of polyps which commonly develop in the colon and rectum. If left unchecked, these polyps can develop into cancers which can become quite large before they can be detected, and which may spread to lymph nodes, the liver, and to other structures. Since the symptoms early on in the disease are minimal, many patients don’t know they are affected until the disease has progressed substantially. A screening colonoscopy can often find these lesions at an early stage, increasing the likelihood of a successful treatment, or find suspicious polyps before they have developed into cancer. The removal of these polyps can then effectively prevent the development of cancer!


You can increase your chances of early detection by watching for these important warning signs:

  • Blood in stool

    This symptom often goes undetected, especially if the blood is dark. This blood may be traced to a tumor in the colon or rectum, and may vary from being bright red to a very dark maroon color that is almost black. It is very important to monitor the color and consistency of your stool.

  • Constipation or changes in bowel activity

    Constipation that occurs with regularity, such as more than three times a week, is an indication that there may be a blockage in the bowel. Narrowing of the stool is another warning sign. Any sudden change in bowel habits that cannot be attributed to diet or exercise modification should be evaluated.

  • Anemia

    This is frequently the result of a tumor that is bleeding into the intestinal tract. It may cause weakness or dizziness and is quite common. Unexplained anemia that cannot be traced to another source should be investigated.

Sometimes patients mistake the signs of colon cancer for hemorrhoids, or vice-versa. That’s why accurate diagnosis is essential.

Blood in Stool/Rectal Bleeding

What You Need to Know About Rectal Bleeding:

Blood in the stool is a common problem, most often caused by anal fissures or hemorrhoids. When this occurs, the blood is typical bright red in color and easily noticed. After you have a bowel movement, you might see blood on your toilet paper, in the toilet bowl or on the stool itself.

Blood in stool is a common health issue, but it can also indicate the presence of a more serious medical condition. If you have rectal bleeding, you should seek medical attention. Here are some other things to watch for.

Profuse Bright Red Blood

If you have a lot of blood in your stool, this can be a sign of a very serious condition. Common cause of profuse blood in the stool include:


  • Colitis
  • Diverticulitis
  • Colon cancer
  • Polyp or tumor inside the digestive tract
  • Irritation of the intestinal lining


If you notice blood in your stool of this variety, it is vital to seek medical help. Anemia can occur or it may be a sign of a serious health problem.

Occult Bleeding

In some cases, the amount of blood being passed in the colon is quite small, making it difficult to recognize. This “occult” bleeding, often requires a testing of the stool for its identification and may be a sign of a more serious medical condition. This type of bleeding may be due to colorectal polyps or cancers, and if found, your doctor may suggest a colonoscopy in order to obtain additional information and to rule out the presence of a malignancy or a pre-malignant lesion.

In order to spot lesser amounts of blood, it is recommended that patients monitor their bowel movements so that they become familiar with the usual color and consistency. This can be a life-saving method that helps with early detection of cancer.

The American Cancer Society has issued new guidelines for colon cancer screening, and if you have experienced blood in your stool it is important to schedule a screening. Those over age 50 should have a screening done every 10 years, while those in a high-risk category will need more frequent screenings or screenings beginning at a younger age. Colon cancer is treatable, especially when it is caught in the early stages.

IBS & IBD

Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Inflammatory Bowel Disease

If you notice blood in your stool of this variety, it is vital to seek medical help. Anemia can occur or it may be a sign of a serious health problem.

Occult Bleeding

In some cases, the amount of blood being passed in the colon is quite small, making it difficult to recognize. This “occult” bleeding, often requires a testing of the stool for its identification and may be a sign of a more serious medical condition. This type of bleeding may be due to colorectal polyps or cancers, and if found, your doctor may suggest a colonoscopy in order to obtain additional information and to rule out the presence of a malignancy or a pre-malignant lesion.

In order to spot lesser amounts of blood, it is recommended that patients monitor their bowel movements so that they become familiar with the usual color and consistency. This can be a life-saving method that helps with early detection of cancer.

The American Cancer Society has issued new guidelines for colon cancer screening, and if you have experienced blood in your stool it is important to schedule a screening. Those over age 50 should have a screening done every 10 years, while those in a high-risk category will need more frequent screenings or screenings beginning at a younger age. Colon cancer is treatable, especially when it is caught in the early stages.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Inflammatory Bowel Disease

IBS and IBD are two similar yet different gastrointestinal disorders that can cause major problems for sufferers. IBS, or irritable bowel syndrome, is a condition that affects 15% of the entire population. IBD, or inflammatory bowel disease, is a more serious disorder that includes both ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, and causes inflammation and ulceration (sores) in the small and large intestines.

About IBS

In the past, IBS was referred to as a spastic colon, and there are many symptoms that can be attributed to the disease. While it may not be lethal in and of itself, IBS may be a sign that there is an underlying health condition. Women most frequently experience IBS, but men can also be affected by this condition.

Symptoms include:

  • Intense gas pain

    This pain may be varied in how it presents, but it is normally relieved after a bowel movement. Pain levels differ from patient to patient, so you could experience anything from intense gas pain to ulcer-type pain.

  • Bowel movement disruption

    Sufferers of IBS frequently note that they experience periods of diarrhea, followed by periods of constipation. This begins a cycle that is quite disruptive and can be very draining on the individual. Bowel movements may be more frequent than three in one day, or may be as infrequent as three in a week.

  • Change in stool’s appearance

    IBS sufferers frequently note that the appearance of their stools changes during a flare-up of the disease. They may notice hard pellet-like bowel movements, or they may be thin and watery.

In addition to these common complaints, there are numerous secondary symptoms of IBS that include heart palpitations, fatigue, an unpleasant taste in the mouth and headache or backache. Both primary and secondary symptoms may flare up during stressful situations or during a woman’s menstrual period.

About IBD

Crohn’s Disease, one of the disorders that make up IBD, is an autoimmune disorder, which means your body’s immune system attacks healthy body tissue. It results in chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, causing the intestinal wall to become thick.

Ulcerative colitis, on the other hand, affects the lining of the rectum and can also expand to affect the colon’s lining as well. Its cause is unknown, but may also be related to an immune disorder.

Common symptoms of IBD include:

  • Aching, sore joints
  • Skin and mouth sores
  • Red, inflamed eyes
  • Rectal bleeding, weight loss and fever
  • Abdominal pain, often in the lower-right part of the abdomen
  • Diarrhea
  • Poor growth in children


If you are receiving treatment for either IBS or IBD and your symptoms are getting worse, or you are developing severe abdominal pain or unexplained weight loss, you should seek medical attention.

If you have IBS or IBD, you should also receive frequent colorectal cancer screenings (colonoscopy). Many of these symptoms are similar to those of colon cancer, a very serious form of cancer that is best treated in its earliest stages. Survival rates for those who receive frequent screenings therefore tend to be much higher.

Chronic Constipation

Common Causes of Chronic Constipation

Constipation causes frequent problems for millions of people, yet many never realize their body is having a problem. However, the human body is a finely tuned machine and it does not take much to throw off its delicate balance.

Infrequent constipation can be caused by dietary changes or a lack of activity, or as a side effect to medications. However, chronic constipation – that is, a stool frequency of less than three times per week on a regular basis – may be a sign that there is a serious problem occurring in your colon. In some cases, people endure chronic constipation for years, only to discover that it was a side effect of a more serious health issue.

The most obvious side effect of constipation is the inability to have a regular bowel movement. If this condition persists for more than three days, it is important to consult a physician to determine what may be causing the problem. Ignoring constipation will not make it go away, and can lead to a more serious bowel obstruction.

Symptoms of Constipation

Many times, people write off constipation symptoms as harmless. However, sometimes these symptoms can point to a more serious problem. Here are some key things to look for:

  • Dry bowel movements

    Dry movements are usually indicative that something is going wrong in your intestinal tract. The colon is not absorbing enough water to make bowel movements easier and obstructions can occur.

  • Vomiting and nausea

    Many constipation sufferers notice that they are frequently nauseous during a bout. This can have many causes, but it may be serious. If you experience chronic vomiting, that is likely cause for concern. This can also lead to dehydration, which further upsets the intestinal tract.

  • Abdominal swelling

    Don’t confuse this with bloating, which is another common side effect of constipation. Swelling is quite painful and may indicate that there is a serious blockage in the intestinal tract. If you have experienced acute abdominal swelling and have not had a bowel movement recently, you should seek medical assistance.

Constipation can have lots of underlying causes, many of them minor. However, in some cases, chronic constipation may point to a more serious health problem, such as colon cancer. Frequent colon cancer screenings are the best way to detect this cancer in its early stages, while it is still easy to treat.

Anal Itching

Anal Itching (Pruritus Ani)

Anal itching can be a real pain in the you-know-what. Fortunately, most of the causes of anal itching are pretty harmless and can be treated with little difficulty; however, sometimes anal itching can be a sign of a more serious condition.

Below, we’ve outlined some of the possible causes of anal itching:

  • Dry skin

    Sometimes, the skin in and around the anus can become dry, causing persistent itching. Dry skin in this area can be treated with an over-the-counter moisturizer.

  • Chemical irritants

    Certain people can be sensitive to the chemicals in some laundry detergents, personal lubricants, perfumes, and other personal hygiene products—especially those that are scented or colored. Switching brands until you find one that doesn’t cause anal itching will usually take care of the problem.

  • Excessive moisture

    Sweating and moist stools can cause the anus to itch. Often “baby wipes”, “diaper wipes” and similar products will be so moist that they will actually contribute to this problem. Proper wiping after passing a stool or an application of baby powder periodically throughout the day can eliminate anal itching due to moisture.

  • Loose stools

    Frequent diarrhea due to incontinence, improper diet, or abuse of laxatives can cause anal itching. Eating a proper diet can help abate anal itching due to diarrhea.

  • Skin disorders

    Skin disorders such as psoriasis and eczema can affect the anal region and cause itching. You should consult a doctor before attempting to treat anal itching due to one of these common skin issues.

  • Hemorrhoids

    Hemorrhoids are a common cause of anal itching. Hemorrhoids are covered with a lining that secretes mucus, and when they prolapse (bulge into the lower rectum and anal canal), the mucus will be deposited on the skin, which may cause severe itching.. Hemorrhoids should be treated by a hemorrhoids doctor; they’ll be able educate you on treatment options.

  • Anal fissure

    Anal fissure is a tear in the anus caused by forcing hard stools during a movement. These tears, when minor, can cause anal itching, and when more severe, can cause extreme pain and bleeding from the anus. Fissures can be treated with both over-the-counter and prescription medicines, depending on severity. Consult a doctor to find the best treatment.

  • Food irritations

    Anal itching can be caused by certain foods as they are expelled from the body during a bowel movement. Peppers or other spicy foods, hot sauces, citrus fruits, chocolate, and alcohol can be causes of anal itching. Avoid these foods if you consistently experience itching after consumption.

  • Infections

    Sexually transmitted diseases and parasites are notorious for flaring up around the anus and causing anal itching. Consult a doctor if you believe you are experiencing anal itching caused by an STD or parasite.

  • Anal Tumors

    On rare occasion, both benign and cancerous tumors can grow in the anal region, causing itching in the area. A doctor will be able to distinguish between common hemorrhoids and tumors of the anus.

To learn more about what might be causing your case of anal itching, find a doctor in your area and make an appointment. The friendly and knowledgeable physicians in our network will be able to provide you with further information on the causes of anal itching and help you choose the treatment that is right for you.

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