Anal fissures are tears in the lining of the anal canal. Common symptoms include anal pain, especially with bowel movements, and bleeding. Treatment can include stool softeners, Sitz baths, topical medications, or minor surgery.
Read moreAnal fissures are tears in the lining of the anal canal. Common symptoms include anal pain, especially with bowel movements, and bleeding. Treatment can include stool softeners, Sitz baths, topical medications, or minor surgery.
Read moreC. diff is a bacterial infection of the large intestine that causes diarrhea, and sometimes colitis (inflammation of the lining of the large intestine). This bacteria is found in the environment. Patients most commonly develop an infection after taking a course of antibiotics, or after being exposed
Read moreColorectal cancer is a cancer of the large intestine and rectum. It is the third most common cancer in the United States. These cancers typically form from smaller polyps which are abnormal growths on the lining of the colon. Common symptoms include a change in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, abdominal
Read moreColon polyps are growths that occur on the lining of the large intestine (colon and rectum). They typically do not cause symptoms, although larger polyps can bleed or cause a change in bowel habits. Some polyps have the potential to turn into colon cancer, which is why they are completely removed at
Read moreCrohn's disease causes inflammation of part of the digestive tract. Any area can be affected but most commonly occurs at the end of the small intestine and the right side of the large intestine. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, diarrhea, blood in the stool, fatigue, and weight loss. Crohn's disease
Read moreDiverticula are pockets or sacs that form in the lining of the intestine. Risk factors for forming these pockets include age, obesity, smoking, and a low-fiber diet. Diverticulitis occurs when these pockets become inflamed or infected. Symptoms include abdominal pain and fever. Antibiotics are typically
Read moreHemorrhoids are dilated blood vessels in the anal canal and rectum and are very common. Risk factors for forming hemorrhoids include pregnancy, constipation and diarrhea, and straining with bowel movements. They can be asymptomatic, or cause anal itching, bleeding, or anal soreness. Treatment options
Read moreIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a very common chronic condition characterized by abdominal pain and abnormal stools. Unlike Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, there is no inflammation of the digestive tract. The exact cause of IBS is unknown, but some people develop it after an infection of the
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