Hemorrhoid doctor specialist near me. Comprehensive Guide to Hemorrhoid Treatment: Causes, Symptoms, and Specialist Care

15.06.202121.07.2023 by alexxlab

What are hemorrhoids and how are they caused. How can hemorrhoids be treated at home. When should you seek medical attention for hemorrhoids. What specialist treatments are available for severe hemorrhoids.

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Understanding Hemorrhoids: Types, Causes, and Risk Factors

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins located in and around the lower rectum and anus. These enlarged blood vessels can cause significant discomfort and pain, but are generally treatable through various methods. Hemorrhoids can be classified into two main types:

Internal hemorrhoids: Located inside the rectum and not visible from the outside
External hemorrhoids: Visible protrusions outside the anus

Several factors contribute to the development of hemorrhoids:

Family history
Obesity
Straining during bowel movements
Pregnancy
Age (particularly between 45 and 65)
Prolonged sitting
Chronic constipation or diarrhea

Are certain individuals more prone to developing hemorrhoids? Yes, those with a family history of the condition, people who are overweight, and individuals who frequently strain during bowel movements are at higher risk. Additionally, pregnant women and those between the ages of 45 and 65 are more susceptible to hemorrhoids.

Recognizing Hemorrhoid Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Attention

Identifying hemorrhoid symptoms early can lead to more effective treatment. Common signs include:

Pain in the anal area
Itching and irritation
Swelling around the anus
Painless rectal bleeding

In some cases, blood may pool in an external hemorrhoid, forming a clot. This condition, known as a thrombosed hemorrhoid, can lead to more severe pain and the development of a hardened lump near the anus.

Should you be concerned about rectal bleeding? While hemorrhoids are a common cause of rectal bleeding, any unexplained bleeding should be evaluated by a gastroenterologist to rule out more serious conditions.

Effective At-Home Remedies for Hemorrhoid Relief

For mild cases of hemorrhoids, several at-home treatments can provide relief:

Over-the-counter products: Topical creams like Preparation H can help reduce inflammation and irritation of external hemorrhoids.
Responsive bathroom habits: Don’t delay bowel movements when you feel the urge.
Increased fiber intake: Add more fiber to your diet through foods or supplements to ease bowel movements.
Sitz baths: Soak the affected area in warm water for 15 minutes, 2-3 times daily.
Oral pain relievers: Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories can help reduce discomfort.

How long should you use topical hemorrhoid treatments? It’s recommended to limit the use of topical creams to one week. If symptoms persist beyond this timeframe, consult a healthcare professional.

When to Consult a Hemorrhoid Specialist: Professional Treatment Options

If home remedies prove ineffective or you experience severe symptoms, it’s crucial to seek medical attention. A gastroenterologist or hemorrhoid specialist can provide advanced treatment options, including:

Rubber Band Ligation

This minimally invasive procedure involves placing small rubber bands around the base of internal hemorrhoids. The bands cut off blood supply, causing the hemorrhoid to shrivel and fall off within a few days.

Coagulation Therapy

Using lasers or infrared light, this treatment heats and hardens hemorrhoid tissue, effectively destroying it. It’s particularly effective for internal hemorrhoids.

Sclerotherapy

Similar to treatments for varicose veins, sclerotherapy involves injecting a solution into the hemorrhoid to shrink and seal off the affected vein.

External Hemorrhoid Thrombectomy

For thrombosed external hemorrhoids, a small incision may be made to remove the blood clot, providing immediate relief.

How do these professional treatments compare in terms of effectiveness and recovery time? While all can be effective, the best option depends on the individual case. Rubber band ligation and sclerotherapy typically have shorter recovery times compared to surgical interventions.

Preventing Hemorrhoid Recurrence: Lifestyle Changes and Long-term Management

After successful treatment, preventing recurrence is key. Consider these lifestyle modifications:

Maintain a high-fiber diet
Stay hydrated
Exercise regularly
Avoid prolonged sitting
Practice good bathroom habits

Can dietary changes alone prevent hemorrhoids? While a high-fiber diet and proper hydration can significantly reduce the risk of hemorrhoids, they’re most effective when combined with other lifestyle changes and good hygiene practices.

Advanced Surgical Interventions for Chronic Hemorrhoids

In severe cases where other treatments have failed, surgical options may be considered:

Hemorrhoidectomy

This traditional surgical procedure involves removing excessive hemorrhoid tissue. It’s typically reserved for large, chronic hemorrhoids.

Stapled Hemorrhoidopexy

A less invasive alternative to hemorrhoidectomy, this procedure uses a stapling device to reposition and secure hemorrhoid tissue.

What are the risks and benefits of surgical hemorrhoid treatments? While surgery can provide long-term relief for chronic hemorrhoids, it carries risks such as infection and temporary incontinence. The benefits often outweigh the risks for those with severe, recurring hemorrhoids that haven’t responded to other treatments.

The Role of Diet in Hemorrhoid Management and Prevention

Diet plays a crucial role in both preventing and managing hemorrhoids. Key dietary recommendations include:

Increasing fiber intake through fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
Staying well-hydrated to soften stools
Limiting processed foods and those low in fiber
Incorporating probiotic-rich foods for gut health

How much fiber is recommended for hemorrhoid prevention? The general recommendation is 25-30 grams of fiber daily for adults. However, it’s important to increase fiber intake gradually to avoid digestive discomfort.

Hemorrhoids in Special Populations: Pregnancy and Older Adults

Certain groups are more susceptible to hemorrhoids and may require special considerations:

Pregnancy-related Hemorrhoids

Pregnant women are particularly prone to hemorrhoids due to increased pressure in the pelvic area and hormonal changes. Management often focuses on conservative treatments and lifestyle modifications.

Hemorrhoids in Older Adults

Older adults may experience more frequent or severe hemorrhoids due to weakened tissues and chronic conditions. Treatment approaches may need to be tailored to account for other health issues.

Are there safe hemorrhoid treatments for pregnant women? Yes, most conservative treatments such as sitz baths, dietary changes, and over-the-counter creams are safe during pregnancy. However, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment.

Hemorrhoids, while often uncomfortable and sometimes painful, are a common condition that can be effectively managed with proper care and treatment. From simple at-home remedies to advanced medical interventions, there are numerous options available to provide relief and prevent recurrence. By understanding the causes, recognizing symptoms, and knowing when to seek professional help, individuals can take control of their hemorrhoid health and improve their quality of life.

For those experiencing persistent or severe hemorrhoid symptoms, consulting with a gastroenterologist or hemorrhoid specialist is crucial. These medical professionals can provide comprehensive evaluations and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan based on individual needs and circumstances. Remember, early intervention and consistent management are key to preventing complications and achieving long-term relief from hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoids Specialist in Wichita, KS

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins that exist in and around the lower rectum and anus. These enlarged veins often cause a significant amount of pain, though are entirely treatable using at-home remedies and therapies. Individuals who experience frequent recurrence of hemorrhoids, or hemorrhoids that are especially painful, should seek medical attention from a provider at KU Wichita Gastroenterology for comprehensive treatment. Our gastroenterologists are highly trained in diagnosing and treating hemorrhoids. Call (316) 293-3455 to request an appointment at our gastroenterology office in Wichita, KS today!

Causes and Symptoms of Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids can be either internal or external, meaning they may or may not be visible protrusions outside of the anus. Although not every case of hemorrhoids will have an exact cause, individuals are more likely to experience this condition if they:

Have a family history of hemorrhoids
Are obese
Frequently strain during bowel movements or when lifting heavy objects
Are pregnant
Are between the ages of 45 and 65
Remain sitting for long periods of time
Frequently experience constipation or diarrhea

In addition to pain in the anal area, persons with hemorrhoids often report other common symptoms such as itching, swelling, irritation, and even painless bleeding of the rectal region. Any sort of unexplained bleeding will require a gastroenterologist’s attention in order to accurately determine its cause and whether or not that cause poses any immediate threat to your health.

It is also possible for blood to pool in an external hemorrhoid, which may lead to the formation of a clot. This is known as a thrombosed hemorrhoid, which will lead to more severe pain as well as the development of a hardened lump near the anus.

At-Home Hemorrhoid Treatments

There are many simple techniques and preventative measures you can take if you have recently discovered a hemorrhoid and are looking for ways to intervene before your symptoms worsen, including:

Over-the-counter products: There are many convenient options close by at your local pharmacy to help you find relief from hemorrhoids. Topical creams like Preparation H are specially designed to relieve inflammation and irritation caused by hemorrhoids, though this will of course only be suitable for external hemorrhoids since you will be unable to apply the cream to an internal hemorrhoid. It is recommended that individuals only use these topical solutions for up to one week.
Listen to your body: Many people encounter hemorrhoids as a result of prolonged constipation. Delaying a bowel movement can have the same effect, which is why you should instead opt for a trip to the restroom as soon as your body signals an urge to go.
Add more fiber to your diet: Fiber is an excellent way to help move the digestive system along and allow for less straining during bowel movements that may cause hemorrhoids. Individuals may find additional fiber in various foods, or they can also select from a variety of fiber supplements.
Try a sitz bath: Sitz baths are a very simple way to relieve swelling and inflammation of the anal area. Patients need only soak the affected area in a basin of plain, warm water for approximately 15 minutes. It is recommended that individuals repeat this process 2 to 3 times a day for optimal effect.
Use oral anti-inflammatories and pain relievers: Another option for over-the-counter products, medicines like ibuprofen, Tylenol, or Advil can all reduce the discomfort caused by inflamed hemorrhoids. This is useful for both internal and external hemorrhoid types.

Treatment for Severe Hemorrhoids

If all at-home remedies prove ineffective, or you begin to experience more alarming symptoms caused by hemorrhoids such as bleeding from the rectum or anus, please contact your gastroenterologist right away for proper treatment.