Colon polyps are growths that are typically found in the large intestine. Although the causes behind the occurrence of colon polyps are not known, this condition is usually seen to affect adults.
These colon polyps might turn into colon cancer over a period of time; the development of cancer can happen over a number of years.
Colon polyps are usually symptomless; hence it becomes difficult to diagnose the condition. They are commonly found as additional results of screening tests for colon cancers. Screening tests are conducted when there is a suspicion of a disease but it displays no significant symptoms. The symptoms can only be visible if the polyps are enlarged. Typical symptoms include:
Rectal bleeding.
Changes in bowel conditions such as diarrhoea and constipation.
Changes in urination patterns.
Change in appearance of stool.
As the presence of most polyps becomes evident only during colon cancer tests, it is recommended that regular tests for colon cancer be conducted for adults over the age of 50. Some of these tests include:
Colonoscopy: This is highly recommended for detecting colon polyps. A small tube used for viewing is inserted into the colon by the doctor.
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: It is similar to colonoscopy with the only difference being that the tube is smaller.
Computed Tomographic Colonography (CTC): Also known as virtual colonoscopy, various computer systems and X-rays are used to create a detailed picture of the colon so that the doctor can search for polyps.
The size of the colon polyps helps to identify if the polyp is cancerous or not. Chances of the polyp being cancerous are high if the size of the polyp is higher than 1 cm or 0.4 inches. Hyperplastic polyps (smaller polyps) do not become cancerous and hence, do not need to undergo a colonoscopy. Another form of polyp is the sessile polyp which is usually a flat growth without a stalk and grows on the inner wall of the colon. Similar to other polyps, these polyps can be found and removed using a colonoscopy or a sigmoidoscopy.

Causes and Symptoms of Colonic Polyps

Piles or haemorrhoids might cause severe bleeding in the anal region due to an abnormal enlargement of the rectal veins. The bleeding occurs as a result of a sudden increase of pressure in the rectal area.

The haemorrhoids, which tend to grow on the exterior part of the anus, are usually severely painful as compared to the internal haemorrhoids (which are invisible and grow on the insides of the rectal area).

What are the possible causes?
The major causes of haemorrhoids are genetic factors, pelvic tumours, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, lack of regular physical exercise, undiagnosed and chronic gastric disorders such as dysentery, diarrhoea or constipation and a significant increase in weight of the uterus during pregnancy.

Major Signs:
The signs and symptoms of this disease might include intense pain and irritation in the rectal area along with the presence of blood in the faeces and abnormal swelling of the affected area.

Homeopathy For Piles:

When it comes to alternative or complementary treatments for piles or hemorrhoids, Homeopathy offers the best treatment for piles. It is the best not only because the cure rate is exceptionally good but also because Homeopathic treatment for piles offers several more advantages. It is very economical when compared to any other alternative or complementary treatment for piles. At the same time, the homeopathic medicines do not have any side effects. This is one of the biggest advantages of Homeopathy over any other system of medicine. While you are under treatment of any other system of medicine, you run the risk of getting one or the other side effect while Homeopathic treatment for piles is absolutely safe. That is why I say that Homeopathy is the best when it comes to alternative or complementary treatment for piles or Hemorrhoids.

If taken in a prescribed dosage, homeopathy can be very effective to cure piles. The most beneficial homeopathic preparations for piles are:

Nux vomica: This homeopathic preparation is useful to cure piles that exhibit the symptoms of extreme irritability and intolerance towards cold weather. If the reasons behind piles include the consumption of spicy foods, excessive intake of alcohol and smoking, this particular remedy can work wonders. 
Hamamelis: This preparation is used to address such a condition if the symptoms exhibited include blood in the feces along with continuous discomfort and contusion (an area of injured tissues).
Ratanhia: This preparation provides an effective remedy for severely painful hemorrhoids (which cause complications during excretion) along with the symptoms of severe pain that persists even after several hours of excretion and a burning sensation in the concerned area.
Graphites:  This medicine works especially well for the fairer sex if the symptoms happen to include chronic constipation, skin eruptions in the rectal area and menstrual abnormal menstrual cycles. 
Aesculus HIppocastanum:  This homeopathic preparation provides an effective remedy for non-bleeding hemorrhoids that exhibit symptoms of severe back pain and pain in the anal regions.
Arsenic Album: This homeopathic offering eases the symptoms that worsen with any sort of movement. Severe bleeding of the hemorrhoids can also be treated with this medication. 

Role of Homeopathy in Hemorrhoids

A Gastroenterologist is a physician with dedicated training and unique experience in the management of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and liver. If you are planning to visit one, you most likely have a problem in one or many organs like esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon and rectum, pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts and liver. 

Visit your doctor to understand the severity of your condition and the course of treatment, as it is obvious that during this time you must be suffering from anxiety and you may not ask the questions arising in your mind. That is why you need to prepare in advance for your first visit with a gastroenterologist. Being an active partner in the doctor patient relationship is bound to have its benefits. Here are some handy tips:

1. Come mentally prepared: Don't let the anxiety get to you. If you need some extra help calming down, try yoga or meditation. You can simply go out on a walk alone to help you focus your thoughts. This is just like any other doctor visit. The good part is that you are taking the first step in easing your discomfort and starting treatment, so go with a positive mind.

2. Maintain a diary of symptoms: It is likely that you are experiencing discomfort from past few days or weeks before you finally realize the need to seek out a specialist. Try to remember as much as possible about the symptoms you experienced in a chronological order. Write down any over the counter medicines you've tried or anything unusual that you may have consumed in the past week. 

3. Take stock of your medical history: It is likely that your doctor may want to know about any historic conditions you've suffered that may or may not relate to your present condition. Many ask you to fill out forms during your first time patient registration which includes many minor details about your medical past. List down any allergies, especially food allergies you have. 

4. Take stock of your recent medical tests: Bring your latest blood tests and imaging tests (X-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs, and CT scans) with you for the doctor's visit. If you have a pre-existing condition like diabetes, thyroid or you suffer from other chronic conditions like increased uric acid, carry your most recent medical reports with you. 

5. Make a list of questions for the doctor: In most cases, the first visit is a crucial factor in determining whether you want to continue the course of treatment with a particular doctor. This comes out of your ability to trust the doctor, his knowledge and diagnosis and an overall comfort level that comes with how well he handles your questions. Start by making a list of questions you want to ask about your specific condition and course of treatment and see if you get satisfactory answers. 

6. Brace yourself: If you want to suggest a treatment option, make sure you read up all about it before you tell the doctor.

6 Tips For Your First Visit With A Gastroenterologist

Problems of the large intestine are very common and patients should usually consult gastroenterologists for the proper diagnosis and treatment

1. Bleeding per rectum: Bleeding through the anal canal or rectum is usually the most common problem of the patients. It can be due to following reasons: 

A. Piles also known as Hemorrhoids: Hemorrhoids are dilated venous channels of the anal canal. They occur due to long term constipation or chronic cough or due to less fibre intake in the diet. Sigmoidoscopy or proctoscopy is required for diagnosis. Treatment options include medicines and high fibre intake, Injection therapy(Sclerotherapy) for stopping bleeding from piles and Stapler hemorrhoidectomy if the piles are large.

B.  Polyps: Polyps are soft tissue growths seen in the large intestine. They are usually silent but can present with bleeding or anaemia. Polyps usually grow slowly in size and large polyps can turn into cancer of large intestine also known as colorectal carcinoma. Colonoscopy is required for the diagnosis. The gastroenterologists can diagnose the presence of polyps by colonoscopy. Smaller polyps can be removed by polypectomy by gastroenterologists without the need for open surgery. However large polyps or those polyps with suspicion of cancer require surgery.

C. Large intestine Ulcer: They can occur due to early cancer, SRUS, Infections or drugs. They require colonoscopy for the diagnosis. The gastroenterologists usually take Biopsy from the ulcer to know the cause of the ulcer. The mere taking of biopsy does not mean cancer and biopsy samples are seen in the microscope for better diagnosis.

D. Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn s disease: Ulcerative colitis is one form of Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The other IBD is known as Crohn s disease. Whereas ulcerative colitis involves only large intestine, Crohn s disease can involve any part of the gastrointestinal tract including small intestine. Ulcerative colitis and Crohn s disease present with Loose stools(diarrhea), bleeding , abdominal pain, weight loss, Anemia and Perianal fissures and  fistula. The diagnosis of IBD is challenging and involves blood tests, CT Scan abdomen, Colonoscopy with biopsy and clinical history. Management includes Medicines which control the inflammation such as Pentasa, Rowasa, Mesacol etc. Severe disease requires additional drugs such as Azathioprine and Anti TNF sich as Infliximab and Adalimumab. Occasional cases require surgery such as those with tight stricture of the intestine, severe dilatation of Large intestine (also known as Toxic megacolon), excessive bleeding, the disease not responding to medical management, or presence of cancer with IBD.

E. Anal fissures: Cut in the anal skin (fissure) causes severe pain in the anal area during passing motions. It is usually due to constipation or straining. It is usually treated by Gastroenterologists initially by medicines and ointments. If the pain continues Surgery is required named as Lateral internal sphincterotomy (LIS).

2. Loose motions or Diarrhea: Excessive passing of liquid motions is known as diarrhea or commonly lose motions. It is usually due to Infections caused by contaminated food and water. It is usually self-limiting. Severe cases with dehydration require admission for IV fluids and antibiotics for the infection. Loose motions for more than 6 to 8 weeks is known as chronic diarrhea. It is evaluated by blood tests and colonoscopy. Usual causes include tuberculosis, celiac disease, ulcerative colitis, microscopic colitis, Malabsorption such as chronic pancreatitis and small bowel bacterial overgrowth.

3. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): IBS is very common and at least 20 to 30 percent of Indian patients suffer from it. Symptoms include altered bowel habits such as diarrhoea or constipation, abdominal pain which is usually relieved or increased by defecation. Weight loss or bleeding is not the feature of IBS. Few simple blood tests are required and good medicines are now available for IBS. Few cases may require colonoscopy to rule out alternative causes of the symptoms.

Understanding colonoscopy: Colonoscope is a flexible tube with a camera at its tip to see the inside of the large and small intestine. Bowel preparation is required at least 8 hours before the procedure so that the inside of the large intestine can be seen clearly without the interference of stools.colonoscopy is an OPD based procedure where the patients are discharged the same day. A colonoscopy helps in evaluation symptoms of the large intestine such as loose stools, bleeding and abdominal pain.

In Detail About Colorectal Disorders!

Piles or haemorrhoids refer to a condition when the veins of the rectum or the anus get abnormally enlarged and causing significant bleeding and inflammation. Generally, there are two types of piles that are found in the human body. One is internal haemorrhoid which is generally painless and occurs in the inner layer of the anal region. The other is external haemorrhoid which occurs in the external layers of the rectum making it easily visible and extremely painful.

The causes of Haemorrhoids are obesity, a desk-bound lifestyle, untreated chronic gastric conditions like dysentery, diarrhoea, constipation, hereditary factors, pelvic tumours and significant increase in the weight of the uterus at the time of pregnancy.

The symptoms of piles include severe pain in the anal region followed by blood discharge with the faecal materials along with extreme irritability in the particular region and abnormal enlargement around the anal region.
In Ayurvedic treatments, piles are referred to as Arsha Shoola which means extreme painful conditions that resemble needle piercing. However, this intense sensation of pain can be eradicated by Ayurvedic treatments as it concentrates on the elimination of the symptoms. 

Some essential Ayurvedic remedies for piles are as follows:

Haemorrhoid is a medical condition that largely occurs due to a bad digestive system. A prescribed dosage of haritaki and jimikand might help in the overall improvement of your digestive system.
According to the Ayurvedic scriptures, piles can be treated, if you can maintain a healthy dietary regime that should include amalaki, papaya and jamrul, but not excessive starch-containing foods like potato and pumpkin.
A mixture containing radish and milk can be applied in the entrance of the anus twice a day to cure piles.
A juicy extract of mint leaves and ginger along with a pinch of lemon juice and honey can be consumed twice a day to get rid of piles.
If the bleeding is continuous a prescribed dosage of the herb nagakesara might provide adequate relief.

Piles - 5 Ways Ayurveda Can Treat It!

If you notice blood in the stool or the toilet bowl, it could be a case of rectal bleeding. There are many reasons why rectal bleeding can occur, the most common one being haemorrhoids. If the rectal bleeding is not significant then it is not a cause for concern. But if you lose a lot of blood then it can be a major problem.

What are the signs?

The most obvious one, in this case, is the presence of blood in your stool. But it's not just the presence of blood that is important here, the colour of the blood is also a very important indicator of what is wrong.

Black colour indicates that you are bleeding from the upper region of the small intestine

A bright red colour is an indication of the blood loss from the lower part of the gastrointestinal tract   rectum or colon

Dark red indicates that the bleeding is taking place at the initial region of the colon

Some other symptoms you may experience are  

Confusion

Pain in the rectum

Stomach cramps

A sensation of dizziness

Causes of rectal bleeding

Causes of rectal bleeding can be divided into mild and serious. 

Mild causes  

Constipation 

Small tears in the anal lining (anal fissures)

Haemorrhoids

Small growths of tissue in the rectum or colon

Serious causes  

Cancer of the colon and anus

Inflammatory bowel disease

An infection of the intestine such as salmonella

How is it treated?

If you lose a lot of blood, then it is a medical emergency. You should rush to the doctor if you experience the following   fainting, intense pain in the stomach, confusion, and rapid breathing.

The doctor will prescribe treatment based on the cause of your rectal bleeding. For example, if the cause is haemorrhoids then warm baths will help soothe the pain. If the haemorrhoids are large then invasive methods such as laser treatments and surgery are prescribed. 

Or if it is constipation then stool softeners are a good option. In addition, you may have to eat a high fibre diet and exercise regularly to normalize your bowel movements. 

Rectal bleeding can be a minor inconvenience or a major problem depending on the cause. So it is best to consult a doctor and seek immediate treatment.

Rectum Bleeding - How To Administer It?

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