Many people suffer in silence that have hemorrhoids because they are too embarrassed to see a  doctor. Social taboos are associated with this part of our body and we are conditioned to keep any problems with bathroom habits to ourselves. The fear of being ridiculed for having hemorrhoids is enough to keep this condition in our own personal closet forever.  Yet, if you suspect that you have hemorrhoids, you do need to get a diagnosis from your doctor. Remember that doctors are not there to embarrass you, and they routinely perform these examinations all the time.  There are many other conditions that could be causing your symptoms, such as rectal cancer or anal fissures.  Your life is too valuable to gamble with, so always go to your doctor to make sure what you are dealing with is a hemorrhoid. It is one thing to be embarrassed, and quite another thing to have a different disease which could be life-threatening.

Even though you may feel uneasy, seeing a doctor is the right choice!

The doctor will be able to visually identify prolapsed and external hemorrhoids, and then, will examine the interior of the rectum. If you have  internal hemorrhoids they usually can be felt by a digital rectal exam. With this exam, the doctor will insert a gloved lubricated finger into the rectum where they can feel any abnormalities. If the doctor needs to examine the inside of  the rectum visually, they will use an anoscope. An anoscope is a hollow lighted tube useful for viewing internal hemorrhoids.

To rule out any other causes of gastro-intestinal bleeding, the doctor may have you return for a more complete examine of the rectum and colon. A sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy are diagnostic procedures that involve the use of lighted, flexible tubes inserted through the rectum. These two exams would not be done on your first visit, unless you have gone through the pre-op care required beforehand. Your digestive system would need to be cleansed of all fecal matter for these exams. A sigmoidoscopy can exam half the colon for abnormalities, and it is usually done in the doctor’s office.  In contrast, a colonoscopy exams the whole length of the colon, and is performed in a hospital or outpatient surgical setting.

written by Joy Seeman

© Hemorrhoid Information Center 2009

What is Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative Colitis is one of the most prevalent Irritable Bowel Syndromes (or IBSs) diagnosed today amongst adults in the United States.  The disorder occurs when the lining of the colon becomes compromised due to persistent inflammation, thus breaking down the cells in the colon wall and thereby forming lesions or sores in the anus, also known as ulcers.

Who Does Ulcerative Colitis effect

Ulcerative Colitis affects individuals differently, depending on a variety of considerations, including the status of one’s health, in addition to their family history and hereditary factors.  Because cases are not identical regarding exact causes and symptoms, no two treatments are identical.  However, because causal similarities are consistent amongst sufferers, in addition to the presence of fairly predictable symptoms, remedy options tend to follow certain trends.  Typically drug treatment options are the first measures advised.  Three drugs that are frequently prescribed to help alleviate symptoms are a) Aminosalicylates, b) Corticosteroids, and c) Immunomodulators.  Compounds that include what are called 5-aminosalicylates help to reduce symptoms of inflammation.  An example of a 5-aminosalicylate is a drug composed of two agents, respectively Sulfasalazine and sulfapyridine.  Because one or more of these chemicals is known to induce unpleasant side-effects such as nausea, diarrhea, heartburn, vomiting, indigestion and migraines, 5-ASA compounds will often be augmented with other agents such as olsalazine or balsalazide, which carry fewer side-effects.  5-ASAs can be administered rectally, through an enema or suppositories, or taken orally.  In mild or moderate cases the condition is often first combated with one or more combinations of these of substances.

Ulcerative Colitis and Steroids

Ulcerative Colitis treatment also responds favorably to the use of Corticosteroids (or steroids), of which hydrocortisone and prednisone are two examples.  These agents also possess anti-inflammatory properties, and are frequently turned to for relief when individuals with moderate to severe colitis do not respond favorable to 5-ASAs.  Like 5-ASAs, corticosteroids can be taken orally or employed rectally, but can also be administered intravenously.  Side-effects from using steroids can be severe, and may include changes in skin composition resulting in acne, weight gain, in women the development of facial hair, reduction of bone mass, and a heightened vulnerability to infection.  In rarer cases diabetes can develop, which is why the use corticosteroids must be closely supervised by a doctor.  Immunomodulators, of which azathioprine is an example, lessen inflammation by acting on the immune system.  Immunomodulators such as azathioprine and 6-mercapto-purine (or, 6-MP) can be administered in cases where individuals have not responded to either 5-ASAs or to corticosteroids.  Drawbacks of taking Immunomodulators include complications regarding hepatitis, a heightened risk for developing infections, a heightened risk of succumbing to pancreatitis, and also the fact that benefits derived from the drug can take six to nine months to develop.  In addition to these treatment options, one’s physician can also prescribe medications to address issues of infection or nausea, in addition to medications that combat symptoms of diarrhea or pain.

Ulcerative Colitis in very severe and rare cases may require hospitalization.  In the event an individual experiences copious bleeding or diarrhea that is intense enough to generate dehydration, it might become necessary to rehydrate the body of its fluids or undergo transfusion treatment to address the loss of blood.  In these cases dietary needs may necessitate intravenous feeding for a period of time during recovery, administering specific medications or even surgery.  It has been estimated that approximately one quarter to forty percent of individuals suffering from severe and prolonged Ulcerative Colitis will eventually have to undergo surgery to have their colons removed.  If this becomes a necessity it is the result of massive hemorrhaging, rupturing of the colon itself, or in cases where the risk of cancer is either high or malignant polyps have already developed.  There are two procedures that are performed in such cases: an Ileostomy and an Ileoanal Anastomosis.  Respectively, an ileostomy involves making a small incision in the abdomen, through which a small section of the intestine, or ileum, is drawn.  In this way solid waste bypasses the rectum and is eliminated instead into a small pouch to which the section of intestine is fastened, where the stool then collects and can be emptied as necessary.  In contrast to the ileostomy, ileoanal anastomosis provides for the individual to maintain normalized bowel movements.  This procedure involves removal of the colon, while leaving intact the rectal muscles.  The surgeon creates a small pouch with material from the ileum in rectum in which waste is stored, and in this way allows for normal elimination of stool from the body.  Not every surgical procedure or medication regiment is appropriate for every person.  The procedure or drug therapy regiment one opts for should take into account what stage the disease is in, the severity of its symptoms, the individual’s genetic make-up, hereditary factors, and the general state of their health.  If faced with this decision one should acquire as much information as possible by consulting their physicians to best ensure they have explored and decided upon the appropriate treatment course to effectively resolve their specific case of Ulcerative Colitis.

David Gilbert received his BA from U.C.L.A. He is currently doing graduate work in psychology at California Graduate Institute, in Los Angeles, CA. Throughout his career in the mental health field he has worked clinically with several populations, and also contributed to academic works whose topics address both health and mental health issues.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome – H.I.C ©

Diabetes can produce a lot of serious medical complications, and some of these short-term complications include hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. Both medical conditions are dangerous and are caused by abnormal glucose levels in the blood. Glucose is an important ingredient for normal body functioning. They are the body’s main source of energy, and controlling proper levels is essential for a healthy body.

People with diabetes have a problem maintaining normal levels of glucose. When glucose levels are abnormally high, they are said to be suffering from hyperglycemia. However, diabetics may also suffer from low-blood glucose levels, or what is termed as hypoglycemia.

What is Hypoglycemia?

A few hours after taking your insulin, you feel weak, dizzy and your skin feels cool and clammy. You might also feel lightheaded and short of breath even after a few minutes of walking. If you are a diabetic and you feel these symptoms, then you might be suffering from a medical condition called hypoglycemia.

Also called low-blood sugar, hypoglycemia is a medical condition wherein a person is found to be suffering from abnormally low levels of glucose in the body. Glucose is the product of carbohydrates; the higher the amount of carbohydrates found in food, the greater the amount of glucose in your blood. The amount and type of food taken directly affects blood glucose levels. This is especially true for diabetics who have a hard time maintaining proper levels because of insufficient amounts of insulin

People who have hypoglycemia have low-blood glucose levels and as a result suffer from fatigue and hunger. Glucose is needed by the body for energy and fatigue sets in when there are not enough sources of energy. Hunger is the body’s natural reaction when energy levels are low, and food is eaten to compensate for the body’s energy needs.

Glucose

Glucose is like fuel which powers the cells of your body. Without it, cells starve and eventually weaken the body. Carbohydrates are the main source of glucose, and they come from a wide variety of foods like fruits, vegetables, sugars and grains. Depending on what type or amount of food eaten, the levels of carbohydrates directly affect the amount of glucose found in the body.

Are you at risk?

Hypoglycemia is not only found in people with diabetes, this is also a symptom of other digestive and metabolic disorders. This condition is commonly found in people with diabetes and could easily be treated or managed. Knowing the early signs of hypoglycemia is important to avoid its many complications and long-term effects.

People with poor-eating habits and unhealthy diets are also prone to episodes of hypoglycemia. When the body is starved of its energy requirements, this causes hypoglycemic episodes. Patients who secrete abnormally high amounts of insulin also cause glucose levels to drop. This depletes reserve levels of glucose leaving them with inadequate sources of energy. Tumors in the pancreas where insulin is produce may also cause high secretion of insulin to be released in the bloodstream.

What happens if I have low-blood sugar levels?

Of all the major organs in the body, the brain is most susceptible to low-glucose levels. Glucose is the brain’s only source of energy and long-term effects of low-glucose levels may cause permanent brain defects. The brain depends exclusively on this sugar and cannot produce its own glucose. When blood-sugar levels fall below normal, the senses also drop.

When blood-sugar levels drop below 50-60 mg/dl patients may experience most of these symptoms:

• Irritability
• Intense hunger
• Cold clammy skin
• Severe sweating
• Weakness
• Rapid heart beat
• Low blood pressure
• Confusion
• Tremors
• Blurring of vision

It can lead to drowsiness, coma and seizures if you do not do something to raise your blood sugar.

Management and Immediate Treatment of Hypoglycemia

Emergency treatment of hypoglycemia includes restoring normal glucose levels in patients. This could be done by consuming four teaspoons of sugar which could be readily absorbed by the body. Patients are also advised to drink half a can of any juice or soda. Sports drinks like Gatorade could also be a good source of emergency sugars and can help restore glucose levels faster.

Eating cookies or other sweet pastries does not help in cases of hypoglycemia. These takes a long time before the body can convert the sugar and fats into glucose. Bouts of hypoglycemia require quick and immediate supplies of glucose.

When the episode has been controlled, a long-acting carbohydrate such as a sandwich is recommended.  This will maintain the body’s normal blood sugar levels.

In emergency cases where for some reason you can’t take anything by mouth, injection with glucagon is advised. If a glucagon injection is not available, patient should be immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for an intravenous administration of glucose.

When you have diabetes, you should always carry an identification bracelet or information in your wallet informing people about your condition. When you feel the early symptoms of hypoglycemia, it is recommended that you immediately consume emergency sources of glucose. Carrying a glucose source with you at all times can save your life. Diabetics are advised to manage their diet and medication in preparation for physical activity in order to avoid episodes of hypoglycemia.

Regular visits to a doctor are highly recommended, so that changes to diet and insulin adjustments can be made if you are experiencing recurrent hypoglycemia.

written by, Ronald Uy, RN

© Hemorrhoid Information Center 2009

Sources:

Hypoglycemia. Retrieved December 11, 2009 from MedicineNet.com: http://www.medicinenet.com/hypoglycemia/article.htm

Hypoglycemia. Retrieved December 13, 2009 from MedlinePlus: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/hypoglycemia.html

Hypoglycemia. Retrieved December 13, 2009 from MayoClinic.com: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hypoglycemia/DS00198

What Is Your Stool Telling You about your health? Nobody likes to talk about bowel movements. As a Clinical Nutritionist in practice for over 15 years I was taught many years ago that your stool can be an invaluable source of information about what may be going on in the body. It’s a standard question in my Initial Consultation with every client and I usually have to come right out and ask as most people leave that section of the health history form blank. It’s not the easiest subject to bring up and I wasn’t crazy about asking my clients in the early years but I quickly learned how important it is diagnostically. Many poor health conditions stem from poor elimination in some way.

Since checking out your stool is a free and easy way for a person to figure out what may be going on with their digestive health – and most people do take a peek and probably are wondering what it means when for example they have greasy yellowish stools, I decided to write an article about stools and your health.

First of all, for healthy digestion and elimination a person should have a bowel movement 1-3 times a day. Yes, a day. I’ve had clients come to me and say that they have “normal” digestion and that they go 2 times a week regularly. That is not normal under any circumstances. It’s constipation. Some people say they go every hour and that isn’t normal either, it’s diarrhea. Ideally a person should have a bowel movement shortly after each meal. Normal transit time is about 12 hours. Most Americans don’t eliminate as often as they should.

A healthy bowel movement should be light to medium brown, shaped like a small banana but without the curve, light enough to float and not drop to the bottom of the toilet bowl, it should be formed (not liquid or runny) and easy to pass with no pain or straining. If this sounds like your stools, you are doing well. If not, maybe you recognize some of the issues below.

• Stools that are too large can be a sign of lactose or casein intolerance. Both casein and lactose are found in dairy products like cheese and milk and can cause digestive pain and symptoms in many people.
• Stools that are hard and pebble like can be a sign of poor liver and gallbladder function and or a lack of digestive enzymes. Both large and hard stools as well as diarrhea can lead to straining and possibly hemorrhoids.
• Thin stringy or flattened looking stools can be a sign of a polyp or other obstruction that causes a narrowing of the elimination pathway. This is also present with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (I.B.S.) and spastic colon.
• Stools that are greasy, fatty and messy and leave a film or grease in the toilet can be a sign of pancreas dysfunction, pancreatitis or an inability to absorb the nutrients in your foods.
• Pale, grayish or light yellow colored stools can indicate liver and gallbladder problems.
• Dark black stools could mean bleeding in the digestive track. Stools with blood or mucous can be sign of ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, hemorrhoids or even colon cancer.

See your physician right away it there’s blood in your stool. While some of these issues are diet related and can be discussed with an experienced Nutritionist, many of these are serious health concerns and you should see a doctor as soon as possible.

A healthy stool should not be extremely strong and foul smelling. The worse it smells the higher degree of bowel toxicity is present. Poor diet alone can cause odor problems but other health issues can contribute. The odor may signal a lack of the healthy bacteria like acidophilus and bifidobacterium (also called probiotics) your gut needs to stay balanced and to assist in the digestion and assimilation of the foods you eat, or you may have an overgrowth of unhealthy yeast or bacteria such as Candida Albicans. If you are having an issue with serious odor or chronic diarrhea or constipation a stool test from a specialty lab like Genova Diagnostics can give you a credible report of what is going on in your gut. Your Physician or Nutritionist should be able to get the testing done and interpret the results for you. Either way – take a look at what’s going on, and if you have one of the on the list go see a health specialist and get it checked out.

If you would like me to perform your stool test follow the directions below. Until next time…best of health to all, Juli !!!

E-mail me at jknutrition@earthlink.net or juli@julikeene.com letting me know you are interested in testing. I will e-mail you a health history and symptom assessment to help determine which test would be most helpful for you.

I will have you pay by check or credit card using Paypal. See each test for prices.

I will have the test kit and instructions sent directly to you.

When you receive the test kit, you will follow instructions to collect the stool sample/s.  You will FedEx it to the lab via the pre paid envelope. Be sure to keep your testing box as it will be sent back to the lab with the samples inside of it. Write your name and Juli Keene on the test kit box somewhere on the top of the outside.

The lab will analyze your stool specimens and send the results to the office. The results are sent to me and we will schedule your 30- minute phone or e-mail consult with Juli Keene, CN to review the results and your options. You will receive a copy of test results and a printed summary of your consultation.

The testing takes about 14-21 business days from the day the lab receives your sample kit for us to receive the results and contact you for a consultation.

The complete costs are listed next to each test. Cost includes the test kit, lab services, a printed copy of lab results and interpretation, and a 30- minute review of findings with Juli Keene, Licensed Clinical Nutritionist and a printed summary of our consult and your plan.

Juli Keene B.Sc, CN is not a physician.  She does not diagnose or treat disease. This information is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional and is not intended to provide medical advice.  For medical advice, always seek a physician. This information is intended solely as a sharing of knowledge and information based upon the experience and research of Juli Keene, CN and Nutrition Solutions

by Juli Keene, B.S.c, CN,
Licensed Clinical Nutritionist

julikeene@earthlink.net

Juli Keene, B.S.c, CN

© Hemorrhoid Information Center  2009