Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels in the anal area. Everyone is born with these vessels. Symptoms may include pain, cracking, bleeding, “sweating” or leakage, itching, swelling, or sensitive bumps.

The colon is the large intestine of the digestive system. It is a long tube-about 5 feet long, 3 inches wide made of blood vessels, nerves, a tissue lining, and muscle. The colon absorbs water, certain electrolytes and vitamins, and moves solid wastes-stool & feces (“poop”) from the body. Sometimes, the lining of the colon can create tiny clumps of tissue, called “polyps”. Most polyps grow with control and order and do not become cancerous – benign polyps. Certain kinds of polyps can grow and develop out of control and create bizarre appearing cells – cancerous polyps. Cancerous polyps make larger masses of uncontrolled cell growth-colon cancer.

Here you can learn more about colon cancer and performing preventative screenings through our clinic.

Pregnancy, constipation, being overweight, prolonged standing, sitting or lifting, and a family history all contribute to the likelihood of developing hemorrhoids.

IBS is a chronic bowel syndrome. Changes in bowel function may cause diarrhea and/or constipation. Research tells us that the intestinal tract is extremely sensitive to certain types of stimulation in IBS patients. Gas forming foods, stress, and hormones may all aggravate the intestinal tract in IBS.

Therapy must be individualized for each patient, depending on symptoms.

A small split, crack, or tear in he anal lining is called a fissure. Only an anal examination by a physician can diagnose anal fissures. Painful bowel movements and bleeding are common symptoms. Primary causes that exacerbate fissures include constipation, diarrhea, chronic anal irritation, and childbirth.