DR NICKI EXPLAINS

EPISODE 1: Bowels and what to do if there is blood in your poo

In this episode of Dr Nicki Explains...

Key Points Discussed:

- Rectal Bleeding**: Its commonality in general practice and its potential link to serious conditions.

- Heamorrhoids (Piles)**: The most frequent cause of rectal bleeding.

Treatment includes sitting on ice rings, laxatives, rubber band ligation, injections, infrared coagulation or surgery as a last resort.

- Anal Fissures**: Tears in the anus due to constipation leading to sharp pain and bleeding.

Management involves avoiding straining during bowel movements and using GTN ointment to promote healing.

- Diverticulitis**: Inflammation from small pouches forming in the intestines often due to straining or low fibre diets.

Symptoms can include abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits.

- Intussusception**: A condition mostly affecting young children where part of the intestine telescopes into another causing obstruction.

Presents with colic-like abdominal pain; it's an emergency situation requiring prompt treatment.

- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)**: Includes Crohn’s disease & ulcerative colitis which can cause blood & mucus in stool among other symptoms.

Treatments range from dietary changes to medication like biologicals that target specific proteins involved in inflammation.

Personal Story: Ben's Experience

Ben discusses his journey from noticing increased frequency and looseness in his bowels to discovering fresh blood within his stools – eventually being diagnosed with rectal cancer following a colonoscopy prompted by positive results from home testing kits.

Takeaways:

1. Not all instances of rectal bleeding indicate cancer but should be taken seriously as they could signify underlying health issues.

2. Lifestyle factors such as diet play a crucial role in digestive health; high-fibre diets may prevent diverticula formation while reducing red meat intake is beneficial too.

3. Screening tests for colorectal cancer are becoming more accessible starting at age 50 rather than previously at age 60.

Resources for this episode include:

https://www.bowelresearchuk.org

https://www.macmillan.org.uk

https://www.gutscharity.org.uk

https://www.cancerresearchuk.org

The podcast emphasises that it does not replace professional medical advice; if you have troubling symptoms consult your doctor immediately.

Thank you for tuning into Doctor Nicki Explains where we make medicine understandable! Stay informed about your health and always seek proper guidance when needed!

**Disclaimer:** This podcast may contains graphic descriptions which might not be suitable for younger audiences or those sensitive towards medical discussions.

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