Understanding Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Irritable bowel syndrome affects millions of Americans, causing chronic abdominal discomfort and disrupting daily life. As IBS specialists, we help patients understand this complex condition and find effective relief through comprehensive treatment approaches.
Common IBS symptoms include cramping and abdominal pain that improves after bowel movements, bloating and gas that worsens throughout the day, diarrhea, constipation, or alternating between both, mucus in stool, and urgent need to have bowel movements. These symptoms vary in intensity and can be triggered by certain foods, stress, hormonal changes, or other factors unique to each patient.
While the exact cause of IBS isn't fully understood, research suggests it involves abnormal gut motility, heightened sensitivity to pain in the digestive tract, gut-brain connection disruptions, changes in gut bacteria, and inflammation in the intestines. Our specialists conduct thorough evaluations to rule out other conditions and identify your specific triggers.
Treatment for IBS is personalized and may include dietary modifications like the low-FODMAP diet to identify trigger foods, medications to manage diarrhea, constipation, or pain, probiotics to improve gut health, stress management through cognitive behavioral therapy or relaxation techniques, and regular exercise to improve digestive function. Our team works with you to develop a comprehensive plan that addresses all aspects of your condition and helps you regain control of your digestive health.
When Should You Get a Colonoscopy? Screening Guidelines and What to Expect
Colonoscopy is one of the most effective tools for preventing colon cancer, yet many people delay this potentially life-saving procedure due to anxiety or misconceptions. As experienced colonoscopy doctors in NYC, we want you to understand why screening is important and what to expect during the procedure.
Current guidelines recommend that adults at average risk begin regular colonoscopy screening at age 45. However, you should start earlier if you have a family history of colon cancer or polyps, personal history of inflammatory bowel disease, genetic syndromes that increase cancer risk, or symptoms like rectal bleeding, unexplained weight loss, or persistent changes in bowel habits.
During a colonoscopy, your gastroenterologist uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera to examine your entire colon. The procedure allows us to detect and remove polyps before they become cancerous, diagnose the cause of symptoms like bleeding or pain, screen for colon cancer and precancerous changes, and evaluate inflammatory bowel disease. Most patients receive sedation and experience no discomfort during the procedure.
Preparation is the most challenging part of colonoscopy, involving a clear liquid diet the day before and taking a bowel preparation solution to cleanse your colon. While not pleasant, proper preparation is essential for accurate examination. The procedure itself typically takes 30-60 minutes, and most patients can return to normal activities the next day. Don't let fear prevent you from getting this important screening—colonoscopy saves lives by detecting problems early when they're most treatable.
Hemorrhoid Treatment Options: From Conservative Care to Procedures
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lower rectum and anus that affect nearly half of adults by age 50. While they're common, hemorrhoids can cause significant discomfort, pain, and embarrassment. Our hemorrhoid treatment specialists offer comprehensive solutions ranging from lifestyle modifications to advanced minimally invasive procedures.
Hemorrhoids develop due to increased pressure in the rectal veins from straining during bowel movements, chronic constipation or diarrhea, pregnancy and childbirth, prolonged sitting, especially on the toilet, obesity, and aging. Internal hemorrhoids form inside the rectum and may cause painless bleeding, while external hemorrhoids develop under the skin around the anus and can be painful, especially if a blood clot forms.
Conservative treatment often provides relief for mild to moderate hemorrhoids. We recommend increasing fiber intake to 25-30 grams daily, drinking plenty of water, using over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams or suppositories, taking warm sitz baths several times daily, avoiding prolonged sitting and straining, and exercising regularly to prevent constipation. These measures resolve symptoms in many cases without the need for procedures.
When conservative treatment isn't sufficient, we offer several effective office-based procedures including rubber band ligation to cut off blood supply to internal hemorrhoids, infrared coagulation using heat to shrink hemorrhoid tissue, sclerotherapy injections to shrink hemorrhoids, and for severe cases, surgical hemorrhoidectomy. Most procedures are performed in our office with minimal discomfort and quick recovery. Don't suffer in silence—effective hemorrhoid treatment can dramatically improve your quality of life and comfort.
