Today, with new approaches to care and a better understanding of causes, digestive diseases are more treatable and preventable than ever. Of course, the earlier disorders are detected and treated the better, so see your physician regularly and visit a gastroenterologist for a diagnostic procedure such as a colonoscopy when required.
Colon cancer -- Colon cancer is 90 percent preventable and the best weapon is early detection through screening. A colonoscopy can detect precancerous polyps before they become malignant and they can be removed during the procedure. Anyone 50 or older or with a family history of colon cancer should consider a colonoscopy. Contact your gastroenterologist to learn more.
There are other steps you can take to reduce your risk of colon cancer as well. Eating a balanced diet that is high in fiber, exercising, maintaining a healthy weight and not smoking are all steps you can take to reduce your risk. Treatment options for colon cancer depend on the cancer stage, but they include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and targeted therapy (a type of treatment that uses drugs or other substances to identify and attack specific cancer cells without harming normal cells).
Hemorrhoids -- Hemorrhoids are a very common problem, especially as people grow older. Much the same as colon cancer, you reduce your chances of suffering from hemorrhoids by eating a healthy, high fiber diet (which helps to prevent constipation) keeping an active lifestyle (avoid sitting for long periods) and maintaining a healthy weight. Hemorrhoids can be treated through over-the-counter creams or applying witch hazel for relief of the itching. Using baby wipes helps to prevent further irritation and avoid rubbing or scratching the anal area. Medical treatment includes hemorrhoid banding, also known as rubber band ligation, a procedure in which the hemorrhoid is tied off at its base with rubber bands, cutting off the blood flow to the hemorrhoid. Surgery to remove the hemorrhoids is also an option.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease -- Since the cause of inflammatory bowel disease is largely unknown, there aren’t really any steps for prevention, although an improved diet can help relieve symptoms. For most people, medications control symptoms and promote healing. Medications may include pills, suppositories, enemas, infusions or injections. Surgery is usually needed only if medications fail to improve symptoms or if there are changes in the colon that could lead to cancer or if serious complications occur. In cases like this surgery can be performed by experienced colorectal surgeons who are trained for minimally invasive surgery for digestive disorders.
Acid Reflux Disease -- Improved dietary habits can ease the occurrence of acid reflux. This can include maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding large meals or late night snacks, staying away from very spicy foods or avoiding tobacco, caffeine and alcohol. Medicines for acid reflux include proton pump inhibitors (such as lansoprazole and omeprazole) and H2 blockers (such as cimetidine and famotidine). Many of these medicines are available in both prescription and nonprescription forms.
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