Author: justchunty

Diverticulitis is a complication that can affect people with diverticulosis, small pockets on the inside of their colon. If one of the pockets becomes injured or infected, it can cause inflammation inside. If you have a sharp pain in your lower left abdominal quadrant, it might be diverticulitis.

What is diverticulitis?

Diverticulitis is inflammation in your diverticula, which are small pockets that can develop on the inside of your colon. Having diverticula is called diverticulosis. It’s common as you get older, and most people never have any problems with it. But if one of your diverticula becomes inflamed, it can cause acute pain and other symptoms. It might mean that it has an infection, which needs medical attention.

How common is diverticulitis?

Although diverticulosis is common, diverticulitis is an uncommon complication. It affects about 4% of people with diverticulosis. Once you’ve had it, you have a 20% chance of getting it again.

Are there different types of diverticulitis?

Healthcare providers classify diverticulitis as acute or chronic and as complicated or uncomplicated.

Acute/chronic

Diverticulitis begins as an acute problem, which means that it comes on suddenly and goes away shortly with treatment. But some people have recurring (repeat) episodes of diverticulitis, and some people develop chronic inflammation. There are different theories about why this happens. It may be because an acute episode didn’t heal completely, or it may be related to another chronic condition in your colon.

Complicated/uncomplicated

Most of the time, diverticulitis is uncomplicated, which means that inflammation and possible infection are the extents of the problem. It heals easily with the right treatment. Diverticulitis becomes complicated when the inflammation begins to cause secondary problems. For example, severe acute inflammation may cause a diverticulum (singular of diverticula) to rupture. Chronic inflammation may cause scarring.

What are the symptoms of diverticulitis?

Symptoms may include:

• Abdominal pain, often severe.
• Distended abdomen or palpable colon (you can feel it with your hand).
• Fever.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Rectal bleeding.
• Constipation or, less commonly, diarrhea.

What does a diverticulitis attack or flare-up feel like?

Whether you’re having an acute diverticulitis attack or a flare-up of chronic diverticulitis, the pain will be similar. An acute attack may come on more suddenly, while a chronic flare-up may build up over a few days. You should be able to locate it in the precise spot where your diverticulum has become inflamed. It may feel sharp and penetrating or have a burning quality. The pain is usually moderate to severe.

Where is diverticulitis pain located?

In people of European descent, diverticula most often occur in the last part of the colon, called the sigmoid colon. This segment begins on your lower left side and tilts slightly to the right to meet your rectum. For this reason, most people feel diverticulitis pain in the lower left quadrant of their abdomen. Occasionally, lower abdominal pain may also spread to your pelvis or radiate to your back.

However, in people of Asian descent, it’s more common to have diverticulosis in the first part of the colon, which is in your upper right quadrant. Diverticulitis here might cause upper abdominal pain.

What causes diverticulitis?

Inflammation in your diverticula often involves a tear in the lining and infection, though it’s not always clear which came first. On one hand, diverticula make great hiding places for bacteria to set up camp and multiply. This might happen if, for example, some poop gets stuck in one of them. A bacterial infection might trigger inflammation, and inflammation might cause a diverticulum to swell and tear.

On the other hand, if a diverticulum tears for another reason, it can easily become infected by normal levels of bacteria living in your colon. It might tear if hard poop stretches it while passing through, or if it’s been affected by general colitis (inflammation in your colon). Some studies have suggested that cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in your colon might be a significant factor in triggering diverticulitis.

Is diverticulitis hereditary?

Diverticulitis seems to occur incidentally (by chance). But genetics might be partly involved in getting diverticulosis. Although you aren’t born with diverticulosis, you’re more likely to develop it in a certain part of your colon if you’re of European or Asian descent. It’s also possible that genetics could influence your likelihood of developing chronic inflammation. More research is needed on this subject.

What are the possible complications of diverticulitis?

Diverticulitis is uncomplicated 80% of the time. But severe or persistent diverticulitis can lead to complications such as:

• Gastrointestinal bleeding: Bleeding from diverticula can be severe and lead to anemia.
• Intestinal obstruction: Severe swelling might cause your colon to temporarily narrow. Chronic swelling might cause scarring (stricture), which can cause more permanent narrowing.
• Fistulas. An inflamed and eroded colon wall might fuse to another body canal (such as your small intestine, bladder or vagina), creating an inappropriate tunnel between the two.
• Bladder inflammation: Diverticulitis that’s close to your bladder may irritate it. A fistula to your bladder may also spread an infection there.
• Abscess: An abscess is a pocket of infected pus that may need to be drained. If it ruptures, it can infect your peritoneal cavity (peritonitis). This is an emergency.
• Gastrointestinal perforation: If a diverticulum becomes swollen enough to rupture (tear), it could allow intestinal bacteria to leak into your peritoneal cavity. Peritonitis can lead to sepsis.

What are the signs of complicated diverticulitis?

You might’ve developed complications if you notice:

• Fresh blood in your poop.
• Paleness in your face or you feel weak.
• You feel like you need to pee often or irritation when you pee.
• Your abdomen is rigid and sensitive to touch.

How is diverticulitis diagnosed?

If you and your healthcare provider already know that you have diverticulosis, they might recognize your symptoms as possible diverticulitis. But people often don’t know, and the symptoms of diverticulitis can resemble many other conditions. Your healthcare provider may begin with some routine tests to rule out other causes, such as a blood test (comprehensive metabolic panel), stool test or urine test.

When your provider suspects diverticulitis, they’ll look for it on imaging tests. A CT scan works well: it’s quick and can show the extent of the inflammation as well as any related complications. In some cases, your provider might need to look inside your colon with a lighted scope to investigate further. This is called a colonoscopy. They might be able to treat some complications during the colonoscopy.

Can diverticulitis go away on its own?

If it’s mild and uncomplicated, it can go away on its own. But you should still go to a healthcare provider to have it evaluated. They might need to give you antibiotics for an infection, and some people might need prescription pain medications. Your provider will also tell you how to care for yourself at home while you’re recovering. It takes about a week. They’ll want you to keep in touch during this time.

How do you treat diverticulitis at home?

If your healthcare provider has given you the go-ahead, you can treat diverticulitis at home with:

• A liquid diet. Avoiding solid foods gives your bowels a chance to rest and recover from the disease. Your provider can give you more specific instructions on what to eat and when.
• Prescription antibiotics. You may not need them, but if you do, your provider will give you some to take home with you. The type will depend on the kind of infection you have.
• Acetaminophen. For over-the-counter (OTC) pain relief, it’s best to stick to acetaminophen (Tylenol®). Other common pain relievers could increase your risk of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding.

Drugs to avoid with diverticulitis

Healthcare providers suggest that you avoid NSAIDs when you have diverticulitis, as they can increase your risk of bleeding. NSAID stands for “nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.” These include:

• Aspirin (Bayer® or St. Joseph®).
• Ibuprofen (Motrin® or Advil®).
• Naproxen sodium (Aleve®).

What happens if diverticulitis goes untreated?

You may not need treatment if you have a mild and uncomplicated case. But it’s important to see a healthcare provider about diverticulitis. If you don’t, you may end up with a more severe and complicated case. Certain infections may need to be treated with antibiotics or antivirals to go away. Inflammation that doesn’t go away may begin to cause secondary problems. Pain may also worsen.

How do you get diverticulitis to go away?

If conservative at-home treatment hasn’t worked, or if you have severe, chronic or complicated diverticulitis, you may need to stay in the hospital for treatment. Treatment may include:

• IV medication. Your provider may give you antibiotics or antivirals through an IV line so that the medicine goes directly to your bloodstream. They may also give you pain relief this way. Some people may need strong analgesics, such as opioids.
• Blood transfusion. If you’ve lost a lot of blood from a bleeding diverticulum, you may need an emergency blood transfusion to replace it.
• Endoscopic procedures. Your provider might use a colonoscope or sigmoidoscope — different types of endoscopes that examine your colon — to treat minor complications. For example, they can often stop active bleeding, drain an abscess or open up a narrowed section of your bowel using tools passed through the endoscope.
• Surgery. Some people may need surgery to treat an abscess, persistent bleed, perforation (tear) or fistula. In rare cases of chronic diverticulitis, some people may need to have the problematic section of their bowel removed (colectomy). This might involve a temporary colostomy.

What can I expect if I have this condition?

Only a small percentage of people will have complicated diverticulitis, and only a small percentage of those will need surgery. In most cases, even complicated diverticulitis resolves quickly and completely with treatment. Diverticulitis shouldn’t affect your overall life expectancy. Only in the unlikely event of a bowel perforation or a ruptured abscess would you be at risk of life-threatening complications.

Can I prevent diverticulitis from occurring or returning?

Healthcare providers don’t know enough about why diverticulitis happens or why it returns to know definitively how to prevent it. But they suspect that general bowel wellness can help. Eating more plants and fewer animal fats, drinking enough water and getting some regular exercise can help keep your bowel movements healthy. For some people, they might recommend fiber supplements or probiotics.

Are there any dietary restrictions with diverticulosis or diverticulitis?

In the past, people with diverticulosis were told to avoid seeds and nuts, in case one might get stuck in a diverticulum and cause diverticulitis. This risk is considered mostly a myth today. Seeds and nuts are great sources of fiber and plant-based protein, and they tend to appear in healthy meals. It’s much better for your bowels to maintain a healthy diet overall than to worry about the rare chance of a seed going awry.

What should I do if diverticulitis keeps coming back?

If diet and lifestyle improvements haven’t prevented diverticulitis from recurring, there might be other factors involved that put you more at risk. People with weakened immune systems are more prone to frequent infections and slower to recover. People with autoimmune diseases are more likely to have chronic inflammation. Even the balance of different bacteria living in your gut may affect your gut immunity.

Healthcare providers don’t always know why diverticulitis continues to return in some people. But if it’s returned more than once, and if it’s brought complications at least once, they might suggest an elective bowel resection to resolve it. That means removing the small section of your colon that’s causing the trouble. If it’s not an emergency, you can probably do this as a one-step surgery without a colostomy.

A note from QBan Health Care Services

Diverticulitis is an uncommon complication of diverticulosis. Diverticulitis that causes its own complications is even less common. But if it happens to you, you might need urgent care. See a healthcare provider right away for symptoms of diverticulitis. They’ll figure out what kind of treatment you need and whether you can treat it safely at home, or if you need to stay in the hospital for treatment.

Diverticulosis is a common condition that can develop in your colon, especially as you get older. It means that little pouches form in the inside lining of your colon. They usually don’t cause any problems. But rarely, they may bleed or develop an infection (diverticulitis).

What is diverticulosis?

Diverticulosis is the condition of having small pouches or pockets in the inside walls of your intestines. They develop when the inside lining of your intestines pushes into weak spots in the outer wall. This usually happens gradually over time. As you’re digesting food and food waste makes its way through your intestines each day, it pushes against the weak spots until they eventually begin to cave in.

The term, “diverticulosis,” comes from the word “divert,” indicating that the path through your intestines is diverging into these side pockets. Several pouches are called “diverticula,” and one pouch is called a “diverticulum”. They most commonly occur in your large intestine (colon), which is more likely to have denser food waste pushing against the weak spots, especially towards the end (your sigmoid colon).

What is the difference: diverticulosis vs. diverticulitis?

Diverticulosis is the condition of having diverticula. Diverticulitis means that there’s inflammation in at least one of your diverticula. This usually means there’s a bacterial infection inside it. Diverticula by themselves may not cause you any trouble, but they can make great breeding grounds for bacteria to hide out and multiply. If you get diverticulitis, it can cause you pain and other symptoms of illness.

Is diverticulosis a serious condition?

Having diverticulosis alone isn’t necessarily a problem. Most people never experience any symptoms or complications from it. It can become serious under rare circumstances. For example, if you develop an infection and it goes untreated for too long, it can lead to complications like sepsis. If you’re one of a small number of people who have frequent bleeding from their diverticula, you could risk serious blood loss.

How common is diverticulosis?

It’s common in the Western world, especially as you get older. In the U.S., 30% of people over 50, 50% of people over 60 and 75% of people over 80 have diverticulosis. Almost all of them have it in the last part of their colon (sigmoid colon). Diverticulosis is uncommon before the age of 40. It’s also uncommon in parts of the world where the standard diet is less processed than in the West, such as Africa and Asia.

What are the symptoms of diverticulosis?

Most people don’t have symptoms from diverticulosis alone. You’re likely to never notice it. If you have symptoms of illness, such as lower abdominal pain or fever, you might have an infection (diverticulitis).

It’s also possible to have symptoms as a side effect of another disease in your intestines that makes your diverticula more sensitive to pressure. For example, if you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), food waste passing through your diverticula may cause tenderness or bloating. If you’re prone to constipation, impacted stool may get stuck in the pockets, making it worse.

About 10% of people with diverticulosis may have some diverticular bleeding. This can happen if hard stool passing through a diverticulum erodes or stretches a blood vessel until it breaks. It’s usually temporary and painless, but if it happens, you might see fresh blood in your poop. If you have bleeding, persistent symptoms or complications from diverticulosis, it’s called “diverticular disease.”

What is the main cause of diverticulosis?

Researchers suspect that the leading cause of diverticulosis is the standard Western diet, which is low in plant fiber and high in processed starches. This diet contributes to dense food waste that moves sluggishly through our bowels and fails to sweep them clean on the way. The waste becomes more solid as it travels, which is why it’s most likely to cause diverticulosis in the sigmoid colon (the end part).

Are other risk factors involved?

It’s possible that genetics are partly involved. Western diet aside, diverticulosis is more common in white Americans, Europeans and Australians than in Black people or other groups. Researchers have also noticed that when people in Asian countries get diverticulosis, they tend to get it in a different part of the colon — the first part, rather than the last. This is also true of the Japanese population in Hawaii.

How is diverticulosis diagnosed?

A healthcare provider may notice the pouches during a routine colonoscopy or GI X-ray exam. This is the most common way of discovering diverticulosis since it usually doesn’t cause symptoms on its own. If you do have symptoms, your healthcare provider will seek to discover the cause in steps. They’ll ask you about your medical history, medications, diet and bowel patterns before examining you.

What tests will be done to diagnose this condition?

Exams might include:

• Physical exam. A provider will check your vital signs, palpate (feel) your abdomen and listen to your bowel sounds. They may insert a gloved finger into your anus (digital rectal exam).
• Blood test. A provider will draw a small blood sample from a vein in your arm and send it to a lab for testing. A blood test can show if you have an infection or significant internal bleeding.
• Stool test. A provider collects a sample of your poop to test in a lab. A stool test may show signs of infection or gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding.
• Imaging tests. A provider will look for the diverticula and any related complications on imaging tests, such as a CT scan, a barium enema, a flexible sigmoidoscopy or a colonoscopy.

What treatment is available for diverticulosis?

Most people won’t need treatment for diverticulosis itself. But your provider might recommend that you begin incorporating more fiber into your diet. This is to address the likely cause of your diverticulosis and to prevent further complications related to constipation, bloating or other symptoms. More fiber will help poop pass more smoothly through your colon and help sweep it clean as it goes.

About 3% of people may need treatment to help stop persistent diverticular bleeding. This usually happens during a colonoscopy. When a gastroenterologist finds bleeding during a colonoscopy, they can pass tools through the colonoscope to seal the broken blood vessel. Alternatively, a provider might use an angiogram to find the bleeding, then treat it by injecting medications into the blood vessel.

What can I expect if I have this condition?

If you haven’t had any symptoms or complications from diverticulosis, chances are you never will. If you have another condition that makes diverticulosis more complicated, such as constipation, IBS or IBD, you may be more at risk of chronic symptoms. A small number of people have recurrent bleeding episodes. These people might need repeat treatments to stop the bleeding or manage blood loss.

Is diverticulosis reversible?

Once you have diverticula, there’s no known way to make them go away. They won’t cause problems for most people, but if they cause problems for you, you’ll have to adjust your lifestyle to account for them.

Is diverticulosis preventable?

Eating more plants and whole foods, getting regular exercise and drinking enough water each day will help keep your bowel movements healthy and regular. This may prevent diverticulosis. If you already have diverticulosis, it may prevent further diverticula from occurring. While it’s not guaranteed, these healthy lifestyle factors help to prevent most types of lower bowel disease.

How do I take care of myself while living with diverticulosis?

Whether or not you have any symptoms from diverticulosis, having it means that you could probably benefit from more fiber in your diet. The best way to achieve this is to eat more whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Some people also use fiber supplements, such as psyllium. Make sure to drink enough water with your fiber to help it pass through your colon. Otherwise, it could make constipation worse.

If you have diverticular disease, you’ll need to pay attention to your symptoms to help keep it in check. For example, notice if particular foods cause more discomfort, or if particular medicines you might be taking affect your symptoms. If you notice rectal bleeding, make sure to let your healthcare provider know, even if it stops by itself. They’ll want to make sure you’re not losing too much blood.

A note from QBan Health Care Services

For most people, diverticulosis is nothing to worry about. A healthcare provider might find it by accident on a routine exam. If you’re over 40, this isn’t remarkable. And if it doesn’t cause symptoms, you can go about your business. If you do have symptoms, be sure to discuss them with a healthcare provider. They might be related to another condition, or you might have developed an infection.

Hemorrhoids, or piles, are a common condition. These swollen veins inside of your rectum or outside of your anus can cause pain, anal itching and bleeding. Symptoms often improve with at-home treatments. Eating more fiber and avoiding straining can help prevent hemorrhoids.

What are hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are swollen, enlarged veins that form inside and outside of your anus and rectum. They can be painful and uncomfortable and cause bleeding. Hemorrhoids are also called piles.

We’re all born with hemorrhoids, but they typically don’t bother us. It’s only when they swell and enlarge that they produce irritating symptoms.

An estimated 1 in 20 Americans have hemorrhoids that are bothersome. They affect people of all ages, races and ethnicities. They’re more common as you age, affecting more than half of people over age 50.

Types of hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids can happen inside or outside of your rectum. The type depends on where the swollen vein develops. Types include:

• Internal.Swollen veins form inside your rectum. Internal hemorrhoids may bleed, but they usually aren’t painful.
• External. Swollen veins form underneath the skin around your anus. Your anus is the hole where your poop comes out. External hemorrhoids can be itchy and painful. Occasionally, they bleed. You can usually see or feel external hemorrhoids.
• Prolapsed. Internal hemorrhoids can prolapse or bulge outside of your anus (butthole). These hemorrhoids may bleed or cause pain.
• Thrombosed. A blood clot forms in an external hemorrhoid. These types are usually painful and cause a purple/blue lump to form outside of your anus. (This clot only affects your anus and doesn’t move to other parts of your body.)

What are the symptoms of hemorrhoids?

Internal hemorrhoids rarely cause pain (and typically can’t be felt) unless they prolapse. Many people with internal hemorrhoids don’t know they have them because they’re inside your rectum. If you have symptoms of internal hemorrhoids, you might see bright red blood on toilet paper, in your poop or in the toilet. If an internal hemorrhoid prolapses through your anus, you may be able to gently push it back inside.

External hemorrhoids tend to be a little more noticeable because they happen outside your anus. Signs and symptoms of external hemorrhoids include:

• Itchiness or irritation around your anus
• Hard lumps near your anus that feel sore or tender
• Pain or ache in your anus, especially when you sit
• Bleeding when you wipe

A thrombosed hemorrhoid is when blood pools inside an external hemorrhoid. This can cause similar symptoms like swelling, inflammation and pain, but it’s typically much more severe and sudden.

What does a hemorrhoid look like?

Hemorrhoids look different depending on the type. You won’t see an internal hemorrhoid unless it protrudes (prolapses). A prolapsed internal hemorrhoid is usually a small lump around your butthole that you can push back in.

Non-thrombosed external hemorrhoids are usually the color of your skin. They’re soft to the touch and you can’t push them back in. Thrombosed external hemorrhoids may appear blue, black or purple and be firmer to touch. They’re often more painful.

Keep in mind that not all lumps are hemorrhoids. It’s important to contact a healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

What causes hemorrhoids?

Too much pressure on the veins in your anus or rectum, as well as irregular bowel movements, cause hemorrhoids. This pressure and irritation lead to swelling and inflammation of your veins.

Some activities or conditions that cause pressure and lead to (or worsen) hemorrhoids are:

• Pushing hard to have a bowel movement (poop)
• Straining to lift heavy objects or weightlifting
• Sitting on the toilet for long periods of time
• Having chronic constipation or diarrhea
• Eating a low-fiber diet
• Being pregnant
• Having overweight/obesity
• Having anal intercourse

What are the complications of hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids can be uncomfortable and painful, but they don’t tend to cause serious problems. Rarely, people with hemorrhoids develop:

• Anemia
• Blood clots in external hemorrhoids (thrombosed)
• Infection
• Skin tags
• Strangulated hemorrhoids (muscles in the anus cut off blood flow to a prolapsed internal hemorrhoid)

How are hemorrhoids diagnosed?

A healthcare provider diagnoses hemorrhoids based on symptoms and a physical exam. They may be able to see an external hemorrhoid or a prolapsed hemorrhoid just by looking. You may also have:

• Digital rectal exam. Your provider inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into your rectum to feel for swollen veins.
• Anoscopy. Your provider uses an anoscope (tube with light at the end) to view the lining of your anus and rectum.
• Sigmoidoscopy. Your provider uses a sigmoidoscope (lighted tube with a camera) to view inside the lower part of your colon and rectum. Procedure types include flexible sigmoidoscopy and rigid sigmoidoscopy.

These tests may be uncomfortable, but they aren’t painful. They typically take place in your provider’s office. A sigmoidoscopy may take place at an outpatient center with or without (twilight) anesthesia. You go home the same day.

How can I treat hemorrhoids at home?

Smaller hemorrhoids often go away with eating more fiber and changes to your toilet habits. Symptoms like pain and bleeding may last one week or slightly longer. In the meantime, you can take these steps to help ease your symptoms:

• Apply over-the-counter medications containing lidocaine, witch hazel or hydrocortisone to the affected area.
• Drink more water.
• Increase how much fiber you eat or take fiber supplements.
• Soak in a warm bath (sitz bath) for 10 to 20 minutes a day.
• Soften stool by taking laxatives.
• Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs) for pain and inflammation.
• Use toilet paper with lotion or flushable wet wipes to pat and clean your bottom after pooping. You can also use a tissue or washcloth moistened with water.

How do healthcare providers treat hemorrhoids?

You should see your healthcare provider if symptoms get worse or interfere with your daily life or sleep. Also, seek help if signs don’t improve after a week of at-home treatments. Your provider may treat hemorrhoids with:

• Rubber band ligation. Your provider places a small band around the base of a hemorrhoid to cut off blood supply to the vein.
• Electrocoagulation. An electric current stops blood flow to a hemorrhoid.
• Infrared coagulation. A small probe in your rectum releases heat to get rid of the hemorrhoid.
• Sclerotherapy. Your provider injects a chemical into the swollen vein to destroy hemorrhoid tissue.

Surgical treatments include:

• Hemorrhoidectomy. Surgery removes large external hemorrhoids or prolapsed internal ones.
• Transanal hemorrhoidal dearterization (THD). Internal hemorrhoids are tied off and pulled back into your rectum with sutures.
• Hemorrhoid stapling. A stapling instrument removes an internal hemorrhoid. Or it pulls a prolapsed internal hemorrhoid back inside your anus and holds it there.

How can I prevent hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are common and you can’t always prevent them. But these steps can help reduce your risk of hard stools and constipation that can lead to hemorrhoids:

• Don’t sit too long or push too hard on the toilet.
• Go to the toilet when the urge hits — don’t wait or hold it in.
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Keep your stool soft and formed. Eat more high-fiber foods (fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains) or take fiber supplements. Generally, 25 to 38 grams of fiber is enough for most adults.
• Stay active. Being on the move keeps bowels moving.
• Take laxatives or use enemas only as recommended by your healthcare provider. Too many laxatives or enemas can make it hard for your body to regulate how you poop.

When should I call my healthcare provider?

Most hemorrhoid symptoms improve within a week with at-home treatments.

You should call your healthcare provider if you have hemorrhoids and experience:

• Abdominal pain
• Chronic constipation or diarrhea
• Fever and chills
• Nausea and vomiting
• Severe rectal bleeding and pain

Other gastrointestinal disorders can cause rectal bleeding and symptoms like hemorrhoids. Some of these disorders are life-threatening. For this reason, it’s important to let a healthcare provider know when you’re having symptoms.

What questions should I ask my healthcare provider?

You may want to ask your healthcare provider:

• Why did I get hemorrhoids?
• What’s the best treatment for me?
• What lifestyle changes can I make to keep me from getting hemorrhoids again?
• When will symptoms improve?
• Should I look out for signs of complications?

A note from QBan Health Care Services

Millions of people seek treatment for hemorrhoids at some point in their lives. But many more never seek treatment and experience discomfort caused by hemorrhoids. Don’t let embarrassment or fear stop you from talking to a healthcare provider. You aren’t the first to talk to them about hemorrhoids, and you won’t be the last.

If hemorrhoids cause you pain or discomfort, a healthcare provider has treatments that can help. You can also take steps to keep hemorrhoids from coming back.

Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, causes uncomfortable or painful abdominal symptoms. Constipation, diarrhea, gas and bloating are all common symptoms of IBS. IBS doesn’t damage your digestive tract or raise your risk for colon cancer. You can often manage symptoms through medications, diet and lifestyle changes.

What is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a group of symptoms that affect your digestive system. It’s a common but uncomfortable gastrointestinal disease, or condition that affects your intestines.

People with IBS experience symptoms that include abdominal pain and cramps. With IBS, you may also have frequent diarrhea, constipation or both. IBS doesn’t cause tissue damage in your GI (gastrointestinal) tract or increase your risk of more serious conditions, like colon cancer. Instead, it’s a chronic (long-term) condition that most people can manage by changing their routines and what they eat, taking medications and receiving behavioral therapy.

What are the types of IBS?

Researchers categorize IBS based on how your stools (poop) look on the days when you’re having symptom flare-ups. Most people with IBS have normal bowel movements on some days and abnormal ones on others. The abnormal days define the kind of IBS you have.

• IBS with constipation (IBS-C): Most of your poop is hard and lumpy.
• IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D): Most of your poop is loose and watery.
• IBS with mixed bowel habits (IBS-M): You have both hard and lumpy bowel movements and loose and watery movements.

The differences are important. Certain treatments only work for specific types of IBS.

How common is IBS?

It’s very common. Experts estimate that about 10% to 15% of adults in the United States have IBS. Only about 5% to 7% see a provider and receive a diagnosis.

It’s the most common disease that gastroenterologists (experts in GI diseases) diagnose.

What are the symptoms of IBS?

Symptoms of IBS can appear frequently. Or, they may occur during flare-ups. In other words, you don’t always experience symptoms. Instead, symptoms may go away (and you’ll have normal bowel movements). At other times, symptoms return.

Signs and symptoms of IBS include:

• Abdominal pain or cramps, usually related to the urge to poop.
• Excess gas and bloating.
• Diarrhea, constipation or alternating between the two.
• Mucus in your poop (may look whitish).
• Feeling like you’re unable to empty your bowels after pooping.

What causes IBS?

Researchers don’t know exactly what causes IBS, but they classify it as a neurogastrointestinal (GI) disorder. These conditions, also called disorders of the gut-brain interaction, have to do with problems with how your gut and brain coordinate to help your digestive system work.

Communication challenges between your brain and gut can cause:

• Dysmotility: You may have problems with how your GI muscles contract and move food through your GI tract. The colon (large intestine) muscle tends to contract more in people with IBS. These contractions cause cramps and pain.
• Visceral hypersensitivity: You may have extra-sensitive nerves in your GI tract. People with IBS tend to have a lower pain tolerance than people without it. Your digestive tract may be super sensitive to abdominal pain or discomfort.

Other potential causes of IBS include:

• Gut bacteria: Research has shown that people with IBS may have altered bacteria in their GI tract, contributing to symptoms. Studies have shown that the types and amounts of gut bacteria are different in people with IBS than in people without it.
• Severe infections: Some people get diagnosed with IBS after a severe infection affecting their GI tract, suggesting germs may play a role.
• Food intolerance: Sensitivities or allergies to certain foods may contribute to IBS.
• Childhood stress: IBS is more common in people who experienced severe stressors in childhood, including physical, sexual and emotional abuse.

IBS triggers

If you have IBS, you may have noticed that certain things trigger symptoms. A trigger doesn’t cause the condition itself, but it can cause or worsen a symptom flare-up. Common triggers include:

• Periods: You may notice symptoms worsen predictability according to your menstrual cycle.
• Certain foods: Food triggers vary from person to person. Still, common culprits that can trigger an IBS symptom flare-up include dairy, foods that contain gluten (like wheat) and foods/drinks known to make you gassy.
• Stress: Some researchers suggest that IBS is your gut’s response to stress. Related, this is why IBS is sometimes called “nervous stomach” or “anxious stomach.”

Risk factors for IBS

IBS most often occurs in people in their late teens to early 40s. Women are up to twice as likely to get diagnosed with IBS. Other risk factors include:

• Intolerance to certain foods.
• Severe digestive tract infection.
• History of abuse.
• Diagnosis of anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Many people with IBS also have other chronic pain conditions. Conditions associated with an increased risk of IBS include:

• Fibromyalgia.
• Chronic fatigue syndrome.
• Chronic pelvic pain.

How is IBS diagnosed?

The first step in diagnosing IBS is a detailed medical history. Your provider will ask about your symptoms. They may ask:

• Do you have pain related to bowel movements?
• Do you notice a change in how often you have a bowel movement?
• Has there been a change in how your poop looks?
• How often do you have symptoms?
• When did your symptoms start?
• What medicines do you take?
• Have you been sick or had a stressful event in your life recently?

Depending on your symptoms, you may need other tests to confirm a diagnosis. There isn’t a single test to diagnose IBS. Instead, your provider will determine if you have IBS by:

• Asking about your symptoms.
• Making sure you’re up to date on your colon cancer screening.
• Checking that you don’t have symptoms suggesting other disorders.

Lab tests

Most lab tests exclude other conditions that may be causing your symptoms, like an infection, food intolerance or a different digestive condition, like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Not everyone needs the same tests.

• Blood test: To check for a digestive disease condition or another condition that may cause your symptoms.
• Stool test: To check for an infection or signs of inflammation in your bowel caused by a digestive condition.
• Hydrogen breath test: To see if you have an overgrowth of bacteria in your gut (SIBO) or a food intolerance.

Imaging tests

You may need imaging procedures to rule out conditions involving inflammation or abnormal growths in your GI tract.

• Colonoscopy: Can help your provider determine if you have certain bowel disorders that may be causing your symptoms, including polyps, IBD and cancerous growths. For this procedure, a provider inserts a scope that allows them to view your entire colon.
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy: Similar to a colonoscopy, except a provider inserts a scope that allows them to view the lining of your rectum and the lower part of your colon only.
• Upper endoscopy: Can help your provider diagnose celiac disease or other GI conditions. This procedure uses a scope that allows your provider to see inside your esophagus (food tube), stomach and the first part of your small intestine (duodenum).

What is the treatment for IBS?

No specific therapy works for everyone, but most people with IBS can find a treatment plan that works for them. Typical treatment options include changing the foods you eat and your routine. Medications can help, too. Behavioral health therapy may help.

Many of these treatments take time to work. They can help your symptoms, but your symptoms may not go away completely.

Meal changes

A dietitian can help you choose foods and modify eating/drinking habits to avoid symptom flare-ups. They may recommend that you:

• Increase fiber in your diet. Fiber-rich foods, including fruits, vegetables, grains, prunes and nuts, can help if you’re struggling with constipation. Introduce fiber slowly into your diet to give your gut time to adjust.
• Add supplemental fiber to your diet. Another option is to try fiber supplements, like Metamucil® or Citrucel®.
• Limit dairy products, like cheese and milk. Lactose intolerance is more common in people with IBS. If you cut back on dairy, make sure to eat nondairy foods rich in calcium, like broccoli, spinach or salmon.
• Limit foods that can make you gassy. Foods like beans, brussels sprouts and cabbage are notorious for causing gas, but carbonated sodas and even chewing gum can make you gassy. Reduce these foods to go easier on your gut.
• Avoid gluten. People with IBS — even those without celiac disease — tend to be more sensitive to gluten. If you opt for a gluten-free diet, work with your provider to ensure you’re getting enough of the key vitamins and minerals (like fiber, iron and calcium) often found in foods with gluten.
• Try the low FODMAP diet. This food plan reduces the amount of hard-to-digest carbohydrates you eat. It recommends alternatives that allow you to get the nutrients you need while going easier on your GI tract.
• Drink plenty of water. Drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day (2 liters). Water keeps your GI tract lubricated and can help treat or prevent constipation.
• Keep a food diary. Your provider may recommend that you note the foods you eat to determine which foods trigger IBS flare-ups and then bring this to a nutritionist.

Activity changes

Changing daily activities can help, too. Your provider may recommend that you:

• Exercise regularly. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly. This is about 30 minutes a day, five days a week. “Moderate” means you’re raising your heart rate.
• Try relaxation techniques. Daily yoga, meditation and other de-stressing techniques can help calm an overtaxed nervous system and a “nervous gut.” Sometimes, a behavioral therapist can help.
• Get enough sleep. Aim for seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night. Go to bed at the same time each night. A good night’s rest is one of the most powerful de-stressors available. Reach out to a provider if you’re having trouble sleeping.
• Keep an activity diary. Record the activities that help you manage your IBS and compare notes with your provider.

Therapy

Many people with IBS benefit from seeing a therapist. Therapy can help you get a handle on stress and conditions such as anxiety and depression that contribute to IBS. Some people find relief through:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
• Hypnotherapy.
• Biofeedback.

Medications

Your healthcare provider may prescribe medications to provide symptom relief, including:

• Antidepressants (if you have depression and anxiety along with significant abdominal pain). Medications include tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
• Medications to ease constipation (including fiber supplements and laxatives).
• Medications to firm stools (anti-diarrheals).
• Medications to help with intestinal spasms.

Although research into their effectiveness is ongoing, your provider may recommend probiotics. These “good bacteria” may help relieve IBS symptoms.

Medications specifically used to treat IBS include:

• Dicyclomine (Bentyl®).
• Hyoscyamine (Levsin®).
• Lubiprostone (Amitiza®).
• Linaclotide (Linzess®).
• Plecanatide (Trulance®).
• Rifaximin (Xifaxan®).

Is there a cure for IBS?

There isn’t a cure for IBS. But, most people manage symptoms by avoiding triggers and taking medications when necessary.

Does having IBS increase my risk of developing serious gastrointestinal problems?

No, IBS doesn’t put you at higher risk of developing conditions such as colitis, Crohn’s disease or colon cancer.

What can I expect if I have IBS?

Living with IBS can be challenging because symptoms come and go throughout your life. Treatment often involves trial and error. But the good news is that nearly everyone with IBS can find a treatment that helps them over time.

Usually, changing the foods you eat and your activity levels improve symptoms with time. You may need some patience as you figure out your triggers and take steps to avoid them. Your symptoms may not completely disappear. But, after a few weeks or months, you should notice a significant improvement in how you feel.

Can I prevent IBS?

Since there’s no known cause for IBS, you can’t prevent or avoid it. If you have IBS, you can keep symptoms from flaring up by avoiding triggers.

When should I see a healthcare provider?

See your provider if your symptoms continue for more than three months or if they’re getting worse. If you have symptoms less often, but they interfere with your life, it’s still a good idea to talk to your primary care provider.

Some symptoms may indicate a more serious problem. Contact your provider as soon as possible if you have common IBS symptoms alongside:

• Fever.
• Vomiting.
• Rectal bleeding.
• Unexplained weight loss.
• Diarrhea so severe it wakes you up at night.
• Severe abdominal pain (especially that doesn’t improve when you poop or pass gas).

What questions should I ask my healthcare provider?

If you have IBS symptoms, ask your provider:

• What medications can help?
• What foods should I avoid?
• What lifestyle changes should I make?
• When will I start to feel better?

A note from QBan Health Care Services

IBS symptoms, like stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation and gas, are uncomfortable and can interfere with your life. But IBS is manageable. You can improve symptoms by changing what you eat and adjusting your daily habits to better handle triggers. If you have stomach symptoms that aren’t going away, talk to your healthcare provider. Together, you can find an IBS treatment plan that works for you.

Constipation occurs when your bowel movements become less frequent and stools become difficult to pass. It happens most often due to changes in diet or routine, or due to inadequate intake of fiber. You should call a healthcare provider if you have severe pain, blood in your stool or constipation that lasts longer than three weeks.

What is constipation?

Having fewer than three bowel movements a week is, technically, the definition of constipation. But how often you poop varies widely from person to person. Some people poop several times a day while others only poop one to two times a week. Whatever your bowel movement pattern is, it’s unique and normal for you — as long as you don’t stray too far from your pattern.

Regardless of your bowel pattern, one fact is certain: The longer you go before you poop, the more difficult it becomes for poop to pass. Other key features that usually define constipation include:

• Your stools are dry and hard.
• Your bowel movements are painful, and your stools are difficult to pass.
• You have a feeling that you haven’t fully emptied your bowels.

How common is constipation?

You’re not alone if you’re feeling constipated. Constipation is one of the most frequent gastrointestinal complaints in the United States. At least 2.5 million people see their healthcare provider each year due to constipation.

How does constipation happen?

Constipation happens because your colon (large intestine) absorbs too much water from your poop. This dries out your poop, making it hard in consistency and difficult to push out of your body.

To back up a bit, as food normally moves through your digestive tract, your intestines gradually absorb the nutrients. The partially digested food (waste) that passes from your small intestine to your large intestine becomes your poop. Your colon absorbs water from this waste, which makes it more solid. If you have constipation, food may move too slowly through your digestive tract. This gives your colon more time — too much time — to absorb water from the waste. The stool becomes dry, hard and difficult to push out.

What causes constipation?

There are many causes of constipation, including lifestyle factors, medications and medical conditions.

Lifestyle factors

Common lifestyle causes of constipation include:

• Not eating enough fiber.
• Not drinking enough water (dehydration).
• Not getting enough exercise.
• Changes in your regular routine, such as traveling or eating, or going to bed at different times.
• Consuming large amounts of milk or cheese.
• Stress.
• Resisting the urge to have a bowel movement.

Medications

Medications that can cause constipation include:

• Strong pain medicines, like narcotics containing codeine, oxycodone (Oxycontin®) and hydromorphone (Dilaudid®).
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) and naproxen (Aleve®).
• Antidepressants, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (like fluoxetine [Prozac®]) or tricyclic antidepressants (like amitriptyline [Elavil®]).
• Antacids containing calcium or aluminum, such as Tums®.
• Iron pills.
• Allergy medications, such as antihistamines (like diphenhydramine [Benadryl®]).
• Certain blood pressure medicines, including calcium channel blockers (like verapamil [Calan SR®], diltiazem [Cardizem®] and nifedipine [Procardia®]) and beta-blockers (like atenolol [Tenormin®]).
• Psychiatric medications, like clozapine (Clozaril®) and olanzapine (Zyprexa®).
• Antiseizure medications, such as phenytoin and gabapentin.
• Antinausea medications, like ondansetron (Zofran®).

Many drugs can cause constipation. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.

Medical conditions

• Medical and health conditions that can cause constipation include:
• Endocrine conditions, like underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism), diabetes, uremia and hypercalcemia.
• Colorectal cancer.
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
• Diverticulitis.
• Outlet dysfunction constipation. This is a defect in the coordination of your pelvic floor muscles. These muscles support the organs within your pelvis and lower abdomen. They’re needed to help release poop.
• Obstructed defecation syndrome. Complex or unexplained causes may be preventing you from pooping normally.
• Intestinal pseudo-obstruction. Sometimes, the motor system in your colon can become temporarily paralyzed (as in paralytic ileus or Ogilvie syndrome).
• Neurologic disorders, including spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and stroke.
• Lazy bowel syndrome. This is when your colon contracts poorly and retains poop.
• Intestinal obstruction.
• Structural defects in your digestive tract (like fistula, colonic atresia, volvulus, intussusception, imperforate anus or malrotation).
• Multiple organ diseases, such as amyloidosis, lupus and scleroderma.
• Pregnancy.

What are the symptoms of constipation?

Constipation symptoms include:

• You have fewer than three bowel movements a week.
• Your stools are dry, hard and/or lumpy.
• Your stools are difficult or painful to pass.
• You have a stomachache or cramps.
• You feel bloated and nauseated.
• You feel that you haven’t completely emptied your bowels after a movement.

What are the risk factors for constipation?

People of all ages can have an occasional bout of constipation. But certain risk factors make people more likely to become consistently constipated (“chronic constipation”). These factors include:

• Age. People older than 65 are often less active, have a slower metabolism and have less muscle contraction strength along their digestive tract than when they were younger.
• Changes in your hormones may make you more prone to constipation. It’s common to have constipation during pregnancy and after childbirth. The fetus inside your uterus may squish your intestines, slowing down the passage of stool.
• Not eating enough high-fiber foods. Fiber keeps food moving through your digestive system.
• Taking certain medications.
• Having certain neurological (diseases of the brain and spinal cord) and digestive diseases.

Can constipation cause internal damage or lead to other health problems?

There are a few complications that could happen if you don’t have soft, regular bowel movements. Some complications include:

• Swollen, inflamed veins in your rectum (hemorrhoids).
• Tears in the lining of your anus from hardened stool trying to pass through (anal fissures).
• An infection in the pouches (diverticula) that sometimes form off your colon wall from stool that’s become trapped and infected (diverticulitis).
• A pile-up of too much poop in your rectum and anus (fecal impaction).
• Damage to your pelvic floor muscles from straining to move your bowels. These muscles help control your bladder, among other things. Too much straining for too long may cause urine to leak from your bladder (stress urinary incontinence).

Can constipation cause toxins to build up in my body and make me sick?

This usually isn’t the case. Although your colon holds on to stool longer when you’re constipated and you may feel uncomfortable, it’s an expandable container for your waste. It takes a severe illness in your colon for the walls to leak toxins into your body (toxic megacolon).

What should I expect when I talk to my healthcare provider about my constipation?

Talking to a healthcare provider — or anyone — about your bowel movements (or lack of them) may not be the most pleasant of topics. But know that your provider is there for you. They’re a trained healthcare professional who’s discussed just about every health topic you can think of with their patients.

Your provider will begin by asking you questions about your medical history, bowel movements, lifestyle and routines.

Medical history

These questions may include:

• What are your current and past diseases/health conditions?
• Have you lost or gained any weight recently?
• Have you had any previous digestive tract surgeries?
• What medications and supplements do you take for constipation relief or other disorders?
• Does anyone in your family have constipation or diseases of the digestive tract or a history of colon cancer?
• Have you had a colonoscopy?

Bowel movement history

These questions may include:

• How often do you have a bowel movement?
• What do your stools look like?
• Have you noticed any blood or red streaks in your stool?
• Have you ever seen blood in the toilet bowl or on the toilet paper after you wipe?

Lifestyle habits and routines

• What do you eat on a typical day for each meal?
• How often do you eat fruits and vegetables?
• How much water do you drink?
• What is your exercise routine?

Your provider will also perform a physical exam, which includes a check of your vital signs (temperature, pulse, blood pressure). They’ll use a stethoscope to listen to the sounds in your abdomen. They’ll also touch your abdomen to check for pain, tenderness, swelling and lumps.

Be aware that your provider may also perform a rectal exam. This is a finger exam of the inside of your rectum. It’s a quick check for any masses or problems that can be felt by a finger.

What lab tests and other medical tests may be done to find the cause of my constipation?

Your healthcare provider may not order any tests or may order many types of tests and procedures. Tests will depend on your symptoms, medical history, and overall health and what they think the cause might be. Most of the time, additional lab testing isn’t required for a diagnosis. However, your healthcare provider may choose to do more based on your symptoms.

• Lab tests: Blood tests and urine tests reveal signs of hypothyroidism, anemia and diabetes. A stool sample checks for signs of infection, inflammation and cancer.
• Imaging tests: Your provider may order a computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan or lower gastrointestinal tract series to identify other problems that could be causing your constipation. But these usually aren’t ordered.
• Colonoscopy: Your provider may perform a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy — an internal view of your colon with a scope. During this procedure, they may take a small sample of tissue (biopsy) to test for cancer or other issues and they’ll remove any polyps.
• Colorectal transit studies: These tests involve consuming a small dose of a radioactive substance, either in pill form or in a meal, and then tracking both the amount of time and how the substance moves through your intestines.
• Other bowel function tests: Your provider may order tests that check how well your anus and rectum hold and release stool. These tests include a certain type of X-ray (defecography), done to rule out causes of outlet dysfunction constipation, and the insertion of a small balloon into your rectum (balloon expulsion test and anorectal manometry).

How do you relieve constipation?

You can manage most cases of mild to moderate constipation at home. Self-care starts by taking an inventory of what you eat and drink and then making changes.

Some recommendations for immediate constipation relief at home include:

• Drink two to four extra glasses of water a day. Avoid caffeine-containing drinks and alcohol, which can cause dehydration. Also, avoid juice and high-sweetened beverages.
• Avoid processed meats, fried foods and refined carbs like white bread, pasta and potatoes. It’s OK to eat lean meats like poultry and low-fat dairy products.
• Add fruits, vegetables, whole grains and other high-fiber foods to your daily diet. Eat fewer high-fat foods, like meat, eggs and cheese.
• Eat prunes, bran cereal and other high-fiber fruits like oranges, pineapples, berries, mangos, avocados and papaya.
• Keep a food diary and single out foods that constipate you.
• Get moving — exercise.
• Check how you sit on the toilet. Raising your feet, leaning back or squatting may make pooping easier.
• Add an over-the-counter supplemental fiber to your diet (like Metamucil®, MiraLAX®, Citrucel® or Benefiber®). It’s best to start slowly with these.
• If needed, take a very mild over-the-counter stool softener or laxative (such as docusate). Mineral oil enemas and stimulant laxatives are other options. There are many laxative choices. Ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for help in making a choice. Don’t use laxatives for more than two weeks without calling your provider. Overuse of laxatives can worsen your symptoms.
• Don’t read or use your phone or other devices while trying to move your bowels.
• Avoid holding the urge to use the bathroom. Eventually, it will block the signal from your colon to your brain to relax and let the poop out.

Medication/supplement review

In addition to self-care methods, your healthcare provider will review your medications and supplements (if you take any). Some of these products can cause constipation. If they do, your provider may change the dose, switch to another drug and/or ask that you stop taking the supplement. Never stop taking your medications or supplements before talking with your provider first.

Prescription constipation medicine

A few prescription drugs are available to treat constipation. These include:

• Lubiprostone (Amitiza®).
• Prucalopride (Prudac®, Motegrity®).
• Plecanatide (Trulance®).
• Lactulose (Cephulac®, Kristalose®).
• Linaclotide (Linzess®).

Your healthcare provider will pick the drug that might work best for you based on the results of your tests.

Surgery

Surgery is rarely needed to treat constipation. But your healthcare provider may recommend surgery if a structural problem in your colon is causing constipation. Examples of these problems include:

• A blockage in your colon (intestinal obstruction).
• A narrowing in a portion of your intestine (intestinal stricture).
• A tear in your anus (anal fissure).
• The collapse of part of your rectum into your vagina (rectal prolapse).

Some causes of outlet dysfunction constipation may be treated with surgery. This is best discussed after testing. You may also need surgery if a colonoscopy reveals cancer in your colon, rectum or anus.

How can I prevent constipation?

Use the same home-based methods you used to treat constipation to prevent it from becoming a chronic problem:

• Eat a well-balanced diet with plenty of fiber. Good sources of fiber are fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole-grain breads and cereals. Fiber and water help your colon pass stool. Most of the fiber in fruits is found in the skin, such as in apples. Fruits with seeds you can eat, like strawberries, have the most fiber. Bran is a great source of fiber, too. Eat bran cereal or add bran cereal to other foods, like soup and yogurt. People with constipation should eat between 18 and 30 grams of fiber every day.
• If you have diverticulitis, you might be advised to avoid fruits with seeds.
• Drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day. (Note: Milk can cause constipation in some people.) Liquids that contain caffeine, such as coffee and soft drinks, can dehydrate you. You may need to stop drinking these products until your bowel habits return to normal.
• Exercise regularly. It doesn’t need to be much, even walking helps a lot.
• Use a dietary supplement like magnesium for constipation. (Not everyone should take magnesium. Check with your healthcare provider before taking.)
• Move your bowels when you feel the urge. Don’t wait.

When should I see my healthcare provider?

Call a healthcare provider if:

• Constipation is a new problem for you.
• You see blood in your poop.
• You’re losing weight unintentionally.
• You have severe pain with bowel movements.
• Your constipation has lasted more than three weeks.
• You have symptoms of outlet dysfunction constipation.

What questions should I ask my healthcare provider?

• Why am I constipated?
• What can I take for immediate constipation relief?
• What home remedies for constipation do you recommend?
• What should I eat or drink to prevent constipation?
• How else can I prevent constipation?

A note from QBan Health Care Services

Remember, talk openly and honestly with your healthcare provider about your bowel movements and any questions or concerns you may have. Pooping is something we all should be doing. Constipation may be a temporary situation, a long-term issue or a sign of a more serious condition. Be safe. See your provider, especially if you’ve noticed a change in your bowel pattern or if your life is being ruled by your bowels.

GERD, diarrhea and colorectal cancer are examples of gastrointestinal diseases. When examined, some diseases show nothing wrong with the GI tract, but there are still symptoms. Other diseases have symptoms, and there are also visible irregularities in the GI tract. You can prevent and/or treat most gastrointestinal diseases.

What are gastrointestinal diseases?

Gastrointestinal diseases are health conditions that affect your gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Your GI tract is the path food takes through your digestive system — from your mouth to your rectum. It also includes your liver, pancreas and gallbladder. Some digestive system diseases cause problems that go away relatively fast with treatment. Others cause problems that are more serious.

GI diseases can be acute or chronic:

• An acute GI disease is one that happens suddenly and lasts a short period of time.
• A chronic GI disease can affect you for many months or years.

They can also be either functional or structural:

• A functional GI disease is when your healthcare provider can’t see any physical or structural issues when they examine your digestive tract.
• A structural GI disease is when your healthcare provider can see evidence of an issue when they examine you.

Functional gastrointestinal diseases

You’ve likely experienced several functional GI problems in your lifetime. Constipation, gas and diarrhea are examples of functional GI diseases. These types of GI diseases irritate your GI tract and lead to uncomfortable symptoms.

Some of the most common causes of functional GI problems are:

• Eating a diet low in fiber or high in processed foods
• Not getting enough exercise
• Traveling or other changes in your typical routine
• Stress and anxiety
• Holding your poop or not going as soon as you need to go
• Taking certain medicines
• Hormonal changes (like pregnancy or during menstruation)
• Food sensitivities or eating something that didn’t “agree” with you

Treatment for functional GI diseases usually involves lifestyle changes like eating more fiber-rich foods, getting more physical activity or avoiding triggers. Sometimes, functional problems go away on their own within a few days.

Structural gastrointestinal diseases

Structural GI diseases are typically more complicated. They tend to cause symptoms that last longer and don’t get better with lifestyle changes alone. Structural problems cause issues your provider can see such as inflammation or blockages. Common examples of structural GI diseases include hemorrhoids, colon polyps and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Causes of structural GI diseases are more widespread.

What are the most common gastrointestinal diseases?

Healthcare providers who specialize in gastrointestinal diseases are called gastroenterologists.

Some of the most common GI conditions they treat include:

Constipation

Constipation causes hard-to-pass or infrequent bowel movements. You may strain or push hard to get your poop out. You can treat your constipation at home by drinking more water and eating more fiber. Over-the-counter laxatives can also be helpful.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is where your intestinal muscles contract more or less often than normal. Abdominal pain, gas and bloating are common symptoms. Treating IBS can involve changing your eating habits or taking medication that your provider prescribes.

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in your anus or rectum. Straining when having a bowel movement is the most common cause, but you can get them other ways, too. Avoiding constipation activities that cause straining can help hemorrhoids. Your healthcare provider can also remove large, painful or persistent hemorrhoids.

Diverticular disease

Diverticulosis is when small pouches (diverticula) form in the wall of your large intestine. When they become infected, it’s called diverticulitis. This can lead to bleeding and bowel obstruction.

Treatment could involve eating more fiber, taking antibiotics or having surgery.

Colon polyps and colon cancer

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in the U.S. Colonoscopy screenings help detect the disease, sometimes long before symptoms appear. Almost all colorectal cancers begin as colon polyps, benign (noncancerous) growths in the tissues lining your colon and rectum. Screening for colorectal cancer is important and early detection of the disease gives you the best chance at a cure.

Colitis

There are several types of colitis, which are conditions that cause inflammation of your bowel. Colitis can cause diarrhea, rectal bleeding, abdominal cramps and urgency (frequent and immediate need to poop). Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are two common types of colitis.

Celiac disease

Celiac disease causes problems in your GI tract when you eat gluten, a protein found in wheat and grains. It can cause symptoms like stomach pain, gas and bloating. It’s also considered an autoimmune condition because your immune system attacks gluten when it’s in your small intestine. The attack can damage your intestine enough that it stops working properly.

Gastritis

Gastritis is inflammation in your stomach lining. You may have symptoms like loss of appetite, stomach pain or nausea. Infection, chemicals and autoimmune diseases are common causes. Most cases of gastritis improve within a few days with over-the-counter medication.

Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis is when inflammation spreads from your stomach into your intestines. It causes pain, vomiting and diarrhea. It usually happens when you have a bacterial infection from food poisoning or a virus like the stomach flu. Most people will have gastroenteritis a few times during their lives for various reasons.

Acid reflux/GERD

Acid reflux and GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) is when acid from your stomach flows back up into your esophagus and throat. It causes a burning feeling that can feel like a sore throat. Medications, changing your eating habits and surgery are options for treatment.

Lactose intolerance

Lactose intolerance is when your small intestine can’t absorb lactose, an ingredient in milk and dairy products. It causes symptoms like diarrhea, bloating and gas. Treatment mainly involves avoiding foods and beverages that contain lactose.

Indigestion (dyspepsia)

Indigestion is stomach pain or discomfort after eating. It’s very common and typically happens within a few minutes to a few hours after having a meal. You can usually relieve your symptoms with an antacid.

Barrett’s esophagus

Barrett’s esophagus changes the appearance of the lining of your esophagus. Sometimes, it doesn’t cause symptoms, but chronic acid reflux/GERD almost always causes it. People with this condition have a higher risk of developing esophageal cancer.

Can gastrointestinal diseases be prevented?

You can lower your risk of many GI diseases by eating nutritious foods, being physically active several days each week and going to the bathroom as soon as you need to go. Getting regular screening for colon cancer and visiting your healthcare provider for annual wellness visits are also beneficial.

A note from QBan Health Care Services

Having a GI disease can be challenging and disruptive to your daily life. It may be hard to manage your symptoms and find relief. But you’re not alone in what you’re going through. More than 60 million people in the U.S. are affected by a digestive disease. Your healthcare team is there for you, too. Let them know what you’re going through and how it affects you. They’re there to listen to you and help you. They can recommend treatment options based on your condition.

The definition of fatigue is extreme tiredness. Severe fatigue makes it difficult for you to get up in the morning and make it through your day. Many conditions and lifestyle factors can cause fatigue. You may be able to relieve it by changing your habits. If an underlying condition causes it, a healthcare provider can usually help you manage it.

What is fatigue?

Everyone feels tired from time to time. But fatigue means feeling severely overtired. Extreme fatigue makes it hard to get up in the morning, go to work, do your usual activities and make it through your day. Fatigue feels like you have an overwhelming urge to sleep, but you may not feel refreshed after you rest or sleep.

Fatigue often occurs along with other symptoms, such as:

• Depression and lack of desire to do the activities you once enjoyed.
• Trouble concentrating or focusing.
• Very low energy and motivation.
• Nervousness, anxiety and irritability.
• Muscle pain and weakness.

Other fatigue symptoms include:

• Tired eyes.
• Tired legs.
• Whole body tiredness.
• Stiff shoulders.
• Malaise (discomfort/uneasiness).
• Boredom.
• Impatience.

What causes fatigue?

Many conditions, disorders, medications and lifestyle factors can cause fatigue. Fatigue can be temporary, or it can be a chronic condition (lasting six months or more). You may be able to quickly fix fatigue by changing your diet, medications, exercise or sleep habits. If an underlying medical condition is causing your fatigue, a healthcare provider can usually treat the condition or help you manage it. Fatigue causes include:

Lifestyle habits

Certain lifestyle factors can contribute to fatigue. These factors may include:

• Poor diet.
• Excessive alcohol use.
• Illegal drug use.
• Stress.
• Burnout.
• Inactive (sedentary) lifestyle.
• Jet lag.

Sleep disorders

Certain sleep disorders can cause long-term exhaustion and extreme fatigue. These may include:

• Insomnia.
• Sleep apnea.
• Narcolepsy.
• Shift work sleep disorder.

Prescription medications and treatments

Certain prescription medications can cause fatigue, including:

• Benzodiazepines.
• Sedative-hypnotics.
• Antipsychotics.
• Anxiolytics.
• Opioids.
• Anticonvulsants.
• Beta-blockers.

Other medications and treatments

Certain other medications and treatments can cause fatigue, including:

• Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, including antihistamines.
• Bone marrow transplants.
• Chemotherapy.

What medical conditions cause fatigue?

Fatigue is a symptom of a wide range of diseases, disorders and deficiencies affecting various parts of your body. Hundreds of conditions and disorders can lead to fatigue. Some of the most common causes of fatigue include:

Infections

Many infections can cause fatigue, including:

• Mononucleosis.
• HIV.
• COVID-19.
• Influenza.
• Pneumonia.
• Lyme disease.

Heart and lung problems

Fatigue is a common symptom of cardiovascular and lung conditions such as:

• Heart disease.
• Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS).
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• Emphysema.
• Congestive heart failure.

Mental health conditions

Fatigue due to certain mental health conditions may make it difficult or impossible to perform daily activities. These conditions may include:

• Depression.
• Anxiety.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Autoimmune disorders

Fatigue is a symptom of many autoimmune diseases, including:

• Type 1 diabetes.
• Lupus.
• Multiple sclerosis (MS).
• Myasthenia gravis.
• Rheumatoid arthritis.
• Sjögren’s syndrome.

Hormonal imbalances

Problems with your endocrine system (the glands in your body that make hormones) can lead to exhaustion. Hypothyroidism is a common cause of fatigue.

Other chronic conditions

Certain chronic conditions can cause severe, long-lasting fatigue. These include:

• Cancer.
• Chronic fatigue syndrome (also called CFS or myalgic encephalomyelitis).
• Fibromyalgia.
• Kidney disease.
• Type 2 diabetes.

Deficiencies

Anemia and other vitamin deficiencies (such as vitamin D or vitamin B12) are often responsible for fatigue. Dehydration can cause fatigue because the body needs plenty of fluids to function.

Weight issues and eating disorders

Certain weight issues and eating disorders can lead to fatigue and a range of other symptoms. These may include:

• Anorexia.
• Bulimia.
• Overweight/obesity.
• Underweight.

How can my healthcare provider help me manage fatigue?

To find out what’s causing your fatigue, your healthcare provider will ask questions about your lifestyle and medications. They’ll also conduct a physical examination. They might order some lab tests to check certain levels in your blood and urine. Your provider may also order a pregnancy test.

To relieve fatigue, your provider will treat (or help you manage) the condition or disorder that’s causing it. Depending on your health, your treatment plan may include a combination of medication, exercise or therapy. If you’re taking a medication that makes you feel exhausted, talk to your provider about the risks and benefits of stopping the medication or trying a new one.

How can I ease or relieve fatigue at home?

If a medical condition isn’t causing your fatigue, lifestyle changes may improve your symptoms. To reduce fatigue, you can:

• Practice good sleep habits: Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep every night. Don’t drink caffeine, use electronics or exercise right before bed. Try to go to bed and get up at the same time every day.
• Avoid alcohol and substance use: Don’t use illegal drugs, and drink alcohol in moderation, if at all.
• Eat a healthy diet: A balanced diet and plenty of water will keep your body nourished and hydrated.
• Manage stress: Yoga, mindfulness, meditation and regular exercise can help you relieve stress and gain more energy.
• See your healthcare provider: Make an appointment to rule out infections, disease, illness, vitamin deficiencies and other health conditions. You should also talk to your provider about the medications you’re taking to see if they’re causing your symptoms.
• Exercise often: Regular exercise is crucial for a healthy lifestyle. Though it might seem counter-intuitive, vigorous exercise can help you feel more energetic once you get used to it. But exercising too much can cause fatigue, so talk to your provider about what’s best for you.
• Reach and maintain a healthy weight: Talk to your healthcare provider about your ideal weight and try to stay within that range.

When should I call my healthcare provider about fatigue?

It’s normal to feel tired now and then. Everyone experiences occasional, brief fatigue due to illness, sleep disturbances, travel or changes in diet or medication. But you should talk to your healthcare provider if you’re tired all the time. You should also call your provider if:

• Your fatigue lasts longer than a few days.
• You’re having a hard time going to work or performing daily activities.
• There isn’t a clear reason (such as a recent illness) for your fatigue.
• It comes on suddenly.
• You’re over the age of 65.
• You’ve also been losing weight.

Fatigue can be a sign of a serious health condition. You should seek immediate medical attention if you have fatigue along with other symptoms, such as:

• Shortness of breath or pain in your chest, arm or upper back.
• Heartbeat that’s unusually fast (tachycardia) or slow (bradycardia).
• Heartbeat that’s pounding or fluttering (heart palpitations) or irregular (arrhythmia).
• Headache or vision problems (especially if you’ve hit your head recently).
• Nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain.
• Muscle weakness.
• Thoughts of harming yourself or others.

A note from QBan Health Care Services

Everyone has bouts of tiredness now and again. But fatigue makes it difficult for you to get up in the morning and make it through your day. Many factors can lead to fatigue, including health conditions, medications and lifestyle habits. If you’ve been feeling overly tired for more than a few days, reach out to your healthcare provider. They can help you figure out the underlying reason for your condition and help you treat or manage it.

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a movement condition that causes a strong urge to move your legs when you’re resting. You may also feel sensations like itching, pulling, crawling or throbbing. There isn’t a cure for RLS, but treatment is available.

What is restless legs syndrome?

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a brain, nerve and sleep condition that causes a strong, nearly irresistible urge to move your legs that’s at least partially relieved by movement. Symptoms are more common when your body is at rest in the evening. It usually occurs in addition to uncomfortable sensations in your legs like throbbing or aching. The urge to constantly move can interfere with your ability to relax or fall asleep.

You may hear your healthcare provider call RLS restless leg syndrome or Willis-Ekbom disease.

What are the types of restless legs syndrome?

There are two types of RLS:

• Early onset: A diagnosis happens before age 45, it usually runs in your biological family history and the condition progresses slowly.
• Late onset: RLS progresses more quickly and a diagnosis happens after age 45.

How common is restless legs syndrome?

Between 7% and 10% of the United States population has restless legs syndrome. It’s more common among white people and females. Your risk of developing it increases as you get older.

What are the symptoms of restless legs syndrome?

Symptoms of restless legs syndrome include:

• Uncomfortable sensations in your legs that make you want to move them.
• Sensations get worse when you’re resting.
• Relief of discomfort (at least temporarily) when you move your legs.
• Twitchy legs or leg jerks in the evening and during sleep.

Symptoms of restless legs syndrome can affect your sleep. This can cause:

• Sleep disruptions, difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
• The urge to get out of bed to stretch or move your legs.
• Fatigue or daytime sleepiness.
• Behavior or mood changes.
• Difficulty paying attention, remembering things or concentrating.
• Depression or anxiety.

What does restless legs syndrome feel like?

Restless legs syndrome causes sensations that make you want to move your legs. These sensations most often happen in your legs, but they can also affect your arms or your entire body. You may experience the following feelings:

• Crawling.
• Itching.
• Aching.
• Burning.
• Throbbing.
• Pulling.
• Tugging.

Sensations can happen on one side of your body, but more commonly affect both sides equally, like both legs.

What causes restless legs syndrome?

The cause of restless legs syndrome isn’t well understood. It may relate to how the part of your brain that causes movement (basal ganglia) functions. The basal ganglia use dopamine to regulate how your body moves. If this part of your brain doesn’t get enough dopamine, it isn’t able to regulate your movement as efficiently as it should. This can lead to RLS symptoms.

Research suggests the following may contribute to RLS:

• Genetics: You can inherit RLS. During conception, one of your biological parents passes a genetic trait (autosomal dominant) that leads to an RLS diagnosis.
• Iron deficiency: Iron can be low in your brain despite normal blood levels.
• Underlying medical condition: Some conditions can cause secondary RLS, which is when RLS occurs with another medical condition.
• Medications: Certain medications, like antihistamines, antidepressants or antinausea medications, can cause RLS or make symptoms worse.

What conditions cause restless legs syndrome?

Some medical conditions can happen in addition to RLS, including:

• Low levels of iron (iron deficiency).
• Anemia.
• Pregnancy.
• Diabetes.
• Kidney disease.
• Peripheral neuropathy.
• Substance use disorder.

What triggers restless legs syndrome?

Triggers are things that make your RLS symptoms worse. Possible triggers can vary but could include:

• Alcohol.
• Caffeine.
• Nicotine.
• Certain medications.
• Stress.

If you experience these triggers or use/take them before you rest or go to bed, they’re more likely to set off your symptoms. In addition, a lack of sleep can lead to worsening symptoms. This means that your symptoms can trigger worsening symptoms. If you need help identifying what triggers your symptoms, talk to a healthcare provider.

What age group does restless legs syndrome affect?

Restless legs syndrome can affect anyone, including children, adolescents and adults. It’s more common to affect people after age 50. Symptoms tend to get worse as you age.

How is restless legs syndrome diagnosed?

A healthcare provider will diagnose RLS after a physical exam to review your symptoms. During the exam, they’ll take a complete medical history and family medical history.

As there isn’t a test to diagnose RLS, a healthcare provider may offer a neurological exam and blood tests to rule out other conditions or determine the cause of your symptoms. Your provider may recommend an overnight sleep study to evaluate other possible sleep conditions. However, RLS is a clinical diagnosis that doesn’t require sleep testing.

To confirm a diagnosis of RLS, a healthcare provider will look for the following criteria:

• You have the urge to move your legs, usually occurring with uncomfortable sensations like aching or pulling.
• Symptoms begin or worsen during periods of rest or inactivity.
• You have partial or total relief when stretching, walking or exercising the affected muscles.
• Your symptoms are worse or only occur in the evening or at night.
• Another medical condition didn’t cause your symptoms.

Is restless legs syndrome hard to diagnose in children?

Yes, it’s sometimes difficult for healthcare providers to diagnose RLS in children. This is because a child may not be able to describe their symptoms or what they feel. It’s common for RLS in children to look like attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or growing pains.

How is restless legs syndrome treated?

Treatment for RLS may include taking medications or changing your routine at home to help relieve your symptoms. Some people may reduce their symptoms if they work with their healthcare provider to manage other underlying health conditions. You and your healthcare provider will discuss the treatment options that might be best for you, as well as any side effects to look out for.

Restless legs syndrome medication

Certain medications can help relieve your symptoms of RLS. Your healthcare provider may recommend or prescribe the following:

• Iron supplements, taken with vitamin C.
• Antiseizure medications (gabapentin, pregabalin).
• Dopamine agonists (pramipexole, ropinirole).
• Dopamine precursors or medications that turn into dopamine (levodopa).

Certain medications like benzodiazepines (clonazepam), hypnotics (zolpidem) or opioids (methadone, buprenorphine) may help with severe cases if all other forms of treatment are ineffective. The side effects of these medications may be harmful and can lead to dependence on the medication.

There are many types of iron supplements. Blood tests can help to identify the best type for you. When levels of iron in your brain are suspected to be very low and RLS symptoms are severe, an iron infusion may help.

Medications that increase dopamine can worsen RLS symptoms over time (augmentation). Close monitoring is required.

At-home restless legs syndrome therapies

If you have mild RLS symptoms, a healthcare provider may recommend the following at-home therapies to help you feel more comfortable and fall asleep with restless legs. These may include:

• Getting regular exercise, such as aerobics, riding a bike/stationary bike or walking. Avoid heavy or intense exercise within a few hours of bedtime.
• Following good sleep habits like avoiding reading, watching television or being on a computer or phone while lying in bed. Not getting enough sleep can make RLS symptoms worse.
• Soaking your legs in a warm tub, and applying a heating pad or cold compress to your legs. These may provide temporary relief for your discomfort.
• Reducing your overall stress. A mental health professional can help you with this.
• Avoiding caffeine, like drinking coffee, before bedtime.

What relieves restless legs fast?

Moving your legs can temporarily relieve restless legs immediately, but your symptoms often return when you stop moving. You can also try massaging your legs, walking around or stretching.

Is restless legs syndrome serious?

Restless legs syndrome doesn’t affect your life expectancy, but it can affect your overall wellness. Symptoms may be mild to severe. Even mild symptoms can have a major impact on your life. Depending on what your definition of a “serious” medical condition is, your symptoms may fall into this category.

Is there a cure for restless legs syndrome?

There’s no cure available for RLS, but treatment can help manage your symptoms.

Can restless legs syndrome be prevented?

There’s no known way to prevent restless legs syndrome. You can reduce your risk of experiencing worsening symptoms by treating any underlying health conditions or avoiding triggers like caffeine and alcohol.

When should I see a healthcare provider?

Visit a healthcare provider if you have symptoms of RLS that:

• Don’t improve with at-home therapies.
• Get worse.
• Affect your ability to sleep.

What questions should I ask my healthcare provider?

• What caused my symptoms?
• What type of treatment do you recommend?
• Are there side effects of the treatment?
• How do I get better sleep with RLS?
• How can I improve my nighttime routine to decrease RLS symptoms?

A note from QBan Health Care Services

Living with restless legs syndrome (RLS) can be a constant annoyance. It interferes with your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep. When your alarm goes off in the morning, you may wish you could hit the snooze button a few more times. Drinking coffee (caffeine) to cope in the morning may make your symptoms worse at night. While there isn’t a cure available for RLS, treatment can help you manage your symptoms, feel better and get back to a regular sleeping routine.

Leg pain is a very common symptom. You may have a mild leg muscle cramp or severe shooting pains in your leg. Treatment will depend on the cause. You can treat mild pain at home, but you should seek medical treatment for more severe, sudden or long-lasting pain.

What is leg pain?

Pain in your legs is a common symptom with many different possible causes. Leg pains may occur due to overuse or from general wear and tear. You may simply have a muscle cramp, but it may also happen after some type of sports injury or because of a certain health condition. You may have leg pain at night. You may also be experiencing left leg pain or right leg pain. You may have a sharp, shooting pain in your leg or a dull ache. Causes of leg pain may be related to many different parts of your body, including your:

• Bones.
• Muscles.
• Tendons.
• Ligaments.
• Nerves.
• Blood vessels.
• Soft tissues.
• Joints.

Treatment for your leg pain will depend on the cause. You can usually treat your pain at home. But it’s important to seek medical treatment if you have sudden, severe or long-lasting pain.

What causes leg pain?

Leg pain causes vary widely, from muscle cramps to serious health conditions that require immediate treatment.

Muscle cramps

If you have leg muscle pain, you may be experiencing a muscle cramp. Other names for a muscle cramp include a muscle spasm or a charley horse. You may get a muscle cramp due to:

• Dehydration: Dehydration is a condition that occurs when your body doesn’t have enough water to function properly.
• Medications: Certain medications, like statins and diuretics, can cause cramping in your muscles.

Injuries

Injuries are a common reason why you’d have leg pain. They can occur due to:

• Muscle strains: A muscle strain is an injury that happens when you pull, or tear, a muscle. It’s one of the most common injuries, especially among athletes.
• Shin splints: Shin splints occur when the tissues, muscles or tendons around your shin bone (tibia) become irritated and inflamed.
• Stress fractures: A stress fractures is another common sports injury. It occurs when repeated force on a bone causes a small crack to form.
• Tendinitis: Also spelled tendonitis, this condition happens when the tendons between your bones and muscles become inflamed.

Blood flow issues

Problems with how your blood flows can cause leg pain.

• Varicose veins: Varicose veins occur when blood backs up inside your veins. This makes them look purple or blue under your skin.
• Peripheral artery disease (PAD): PAD is a condition that causes fat and cholesterol (plaque) to collect in your arteries, causing them to narrow.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): DVT happens when you have a blood clot in a deep vein, which keeps your blood from flowing properly in your vein. This can be a dangerous condition, so you need to get help quickly.

Nerve problems

If you have nerve pain in your legs, you may be experiencing one of the following conditions:

• Sciatica: Sciatica is a common condition that involves the nerves in your legs, back and butt.
• Meralgia paresthetica (burning thigh): This is a painful condition that causes a burning sensation in your thigh. You may also feel aching, numbness or stabbing pain in your leg.
• Peripheral neuropathy: Peripheral neuropathy is a group of nerve diseases that affect a specific part of your nervous system. It can affect many different body parts, including your legs.

Other health conditions

• Electrolyte imbalance: An electrolyte imbalance occurs when you have too few or too many electrolytes in your body. This may be a sign of an issue with your liver, heart or kidneys.
• Arthritis: Arthritis is a very common condition that causes joint pain, stiffness and inflammation. There are more than 100 types of arthritis.
• Gout: Gout is one type of inflammatory arthritis that causes swelling and pain in your joints. It occurs when you have a buildup of uric acid in your body.
• Restless legs syndrome: This is a condition where you have the urge to move your legs when you’re at rest. This can interfere with sleep.

Less common issues that cause leg pain include bone conditions, like bone cancer and Paget’s disease of the bone (osteitis deformans), as well as infections like cellulitis and osteomyelitis.

How do you get rid of leg pain immediately?

If you have a mild case of leg pain, like pain from overuse or muscle cramps, you can try the RICE method. RICE stands for:

• R — Rest: Rest your leg as much as possible.
• I — Ice: Apply ice to the area that hurts for 15 minutes at a time.
• C — Compression: Gently wrap your leg in a bandage.
• E — Elevation: Elevate your leg above your heart.

You can also try gently massaging and stretching your leg muscles. Depending on your condition, you may want to take an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever, like a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) (Advil®) or acetaminophen (Tylenol®).

To relieve other types of pain, like nerve pain or severe leg pain at night, talk to your healthcare provider.

Can leg pain be prevented?

You can prevent some forms of leg pain by remembering to stretch your muscles before and after participating in any kind of physical activity. Drink at least eight glasses of water a day to prevent dehydration. It’s also important to eat foods containing lots of potassium, like chicken and bananas. This can help you prevent injuries to the muscles and tendons in your legs.

To prevent health conditions that can cause leg nerve damage:

• Participate in some form of physical activity for 30 minutes a day, five days a week.
• Maintain a healthy weight for you.
• Quit smoking. Ask your provider for helpful resources.
• Track your blood pressure and cholesterol and take steps to keep them at a healthy level.
• Reduce your alcohol intake.
• Talk to your healthcare provider about specific ways you can prevent leg pain.

When should leg pain be treated by a healthcare provider?

You might wonder when to worry about leg pain. It’s important to contact your healthcare provider if:

• Your leg is red and swollen, or black and blue.
• Your leg is cold and pale.
• Your leg pain worsens when you’re active and gets better with rest.
• At-home treatment options aren’t helping with your pain.
• You have a fever.
• You’re taking any medications that may be causing the pain. But don’t stop taking them until you talk to your provider.

If you have leg pain that worsens with activity, it’s likely arthritic and can be nonurgently evaluated.

You should be evaluated urgently if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Cellulitis or joint infection: Redness and pain of the skin or around a joint, especially with any fevers.
• DVT: You notice new swelling of one leg that may be associated with redness or pain. Risk factors for having a DVT include recent travel, surgery or an illness that may have limited your ability to walk around as regularly.

A note from QBan Health Care Services

Leg pain is a very common symptom with many different possible causes. It may be a mild, nagging pain that goes away with massage and a pain reliever. Or it may be severe, making it impossible for you to stand or walk. Don’t try to diagnose yourself. If your pain is that serious, you should see a healthcare provider for help right away. The cause of your pain may be something serious that needs immediate treatment.

A fever is when your body temperature is higher than your normal average temp. Most providers say a fever is either 100.0 F (37.8 C) or 100.4 F (38 C). When you have a fever, it’s your body’s normal response to fighting an infection or illness. Fevers usually aren’t a serious concern. They typically go away when the infection passes.

What is a fever?

A fever is when your body temperature rises higher than normal. A fever itself isn’t an illness. Rather, it’s a symptom of a wide range of health conditions. When your body temperature rises a few degrees above normal, it can be a sign that your immune system has been activated, often to fight an infection.

What is considered a fever?

Common knowledge states that a “normal” body temperature is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Celsius). But your baseline body temperature may vary by a degree or more. It also fluctuates. It’s typically lower in the morning and higher in the evening. It’s higher during certain points of your menstrual cycle and when you’re exercising.

Infants and young children normally have slightly higher body temperatures than older children and adults. So infants and younger children have slightly higher fever temperatures.

There are no strict guidelines for what temperature is a fever, because body temperature varies by person, time of day and method of measurement. But healthcare providers most often say a fever temperature is 100.4 degrees F (38 degrees C) when measured orally (by mouth).

Rectal and ear thermometers typically measure temperatures at about 1.0 degrees F (0.6 degrees C) higher than oral thermometers. Skin thermometers (such as forehead thermometers) typically measure temperatures at about 1.0 degrees F (0.6 degrees C) lower than oral thermometers.

What is a low-grade fever?

A low-grade fever means a body temperature slightly above normal. This type of fever can be a sign your immune system has been mildly activated. There’s no standard low-grade fever range. But many healthcare providers consider a body temperature between 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit (37.5 degrees Celsius) and 100.3 degrees Fahrenheit (37.9 degrees Celsius) to be a low-grade fever.

What are fever symptoms?

In addition to an elevated temperature, you may experience the following symptoms:

• Chills, feeling cold, shivering and shaking.
• Body aches and headaches.
• Fatigue (tiredness).
• On and off or constant sweating.
• Flushed complexion or hot skin.
• Faster heart beats.

Additional fever symptoms in babies and children may include:

• Lack of appetite — not eating and drinking well.
• Earache or pulling at their ears.
• High-pitched crying.
• Fussiness.
• Paleness or flushness.
• Excessive thirst.
• Decreased urination.

What are the most common causes of fever?

A fever has many causes and can be a symptom of almost any illness. Common conditions that cause fever include:

• Bacterial infections.
• Viral infections such as influenza or COVID-19.
• Gastrointestinal (GI) infections.
• Urinary tract infections.
• Skin infections.

You may also develop a fever due to:

• A reaction to certain medications.
• Vaccinations.
• Autoimmune disorders.
• Cancer.

Can allergies cause fever?

Allergies can cause cold-like symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose and watery eyes, but they typically don’t cause fever. Despite its name, hay fever (also called allergic rhinitis) doesn’t cause fever.

What’s the best way to measure body temperature?

You can take your temperature in several different parts of your body. The most common site is your mouth (oral temperature). Other sites include your ear (tympanic membrane), forehead (temporal artery) and armpit (axillary). The most accurate site is the rectum, and the least accurate site is the armpit.

The best way to measure your temperature is with a digital thermometer. Glass thermometers contain mercury and providers no longer recommend them.

How can I break a fever at home?

If your fever is mild — less than 101 degrees F (38.3 degrees C) — you usually don’t need treatment with medication. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids and get plenty of rest. Taking a lukewarm bath — about 98 degrees F (36.7 degrees C) — may also help bring your body’s temperature down. Keep an eye on signs of dehydration and other worsening symptoms.

If you’re feeling uncomfortable and your temperature is higher than 101 degrees F (38.3 degrees C), you can try to break the fever. The most common way to get rid of a fever is to use over-the-counter (OTC) medications such as acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin.

Don’t give aspirin to children under the age of 17. Aspirin in children may cause Reye’s syndrome, a sometimes fatal illness.

Does ibuprofen reduce fever?

Yes, you can take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen to try to reduce a fever.

How long does a fever last?

The cause of the fever determines how long it’ll last. Typically, if an infection is the cause of your fever, it should pass within three to four days. Call your healthcare provider if the fever lingers longer than that or comes along with breathing changes.

When should a fever be treated by a healthcare provider?

In adults, fevers less than 103 degrees F (39.4 degrees C) typically aren’t dangerous and aren’t a cause for concern. If your fever rises above that level, make a call to your healthcare provider for treatment.

In children, call your child’s healthcare provider if:

• Their fever lasts more than five days.
• Their fever is higher than 104 degrees F (40 degrees C).
• Medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen don’t break the fever.
• You’re concerned they aren’t behaving normally.
• They have any problems breathing or urinating.

When should I go to the ER?

If you have a fever along with any of the following symptoms, go to your nearest emergency room or call 911. It may be a sign of a serious or life-threatening illness.

• Pain or tenderness in your belly (abdomen).
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Severe headache.
• Stiff neck.
• Light irritates your eyes (photophobia).
• Convulsions or seizures.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Strange behavior and/or altered speech.
• Confusion or irritability.
• Difficulty waking or extreme sleepiness.
• Fever rash (small bleeding spots under your skin).

When should I take my child to the ER?

If your baby has a fever and is under 3 months of age, take them to the ER right away. Your baby’s immune system hasn’t developed fully yet, and they could have a serious infection.

If your child has a fever along with any of the following symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room:

• Extreme sluggishness or drowsiness.
• Lack of appetite.
• Excessive drooling or difficulty swallowing.
• Continuous crying.
• Stiff neck.
• Fever rash.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Severe abdominal pain.
• Redness or swelling.
• Dehydration (not drinking many fluids).
• Decreased urination.

What are the possible complications or risks of not treating a fever?

Untreated fevers above 105.8 degrees F (41 degrees C) can be dangerous. If your body temperature reaches this level, your organs will begin to malfunction and will eventually fail.

Even moderate fevers can be dangerous for adults with lung or heart disorders because fever causes your breathing rate and heart rate to increase. Fever can also worsen the mental state of people with dementia.

A note from QBan Health Care Services

While a fever can be uncomfortable, it’s typically a sign that your body is working properly and your immune system is kicking into action. You don’t need to treat low fevers, but you can take over-the-counter pain relievers until they pass. If you or your child has a higher temperature or your fever hasn’t passed within a few days, you should make a call to your healthcare provider. While infections most often cause fevers, there could be other underlying conditions you’ll want to get checked out.