What are the most effective home remedies for hemorrhoids. How do doctors diagnose hemorrhoids. When should you seek medical treatment for hemorrhoids. What surgical procedures are available for severe hemorrhoids. How can you prevent hemorrhoids from recurring.

Understanding Hemorrhoids: Causes and Symptoms

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lower rectum and anus that can cause discomfort, pain, and bleeding. They are a common condition affecting millions of people worldwide. But what exactly causes hemorrhoids?

• Straining during bowel movements
• Sitting for long periods on the toilet
• Chronic constipation or diarrhea
• Pregnancy
• Obesity
• Heavy lifting

The symptoms of hemorrhoids can vary depending on their location and severity. Internal hemorrhoids, located inside the rectum, may cause painless bleeding during bowel movements. External hemorrhoids, found under the skin around the anus, can cause pain, itching, and swelling.

Effective Home Remedies for Hemorrhoid Relief

For many people, hemorrhoids can be effectively managed at home. What are some of the most effective home remedies for hemorrhoids?

• Increase fiber intake through diet or supplements
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
• Take warm sitz baths
• Use over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams or suppositories
• Apply ice packs to reduce swelling
• Use moist wipes instead of dry toilet paper

One of the most important steps in managing hemorrhoids at home is increasing fiber intake. How much fiber should you aim for? The recommended daily intake is 25-30 grams for adults. This can be achieved through a combination of high-fiber foods and supplements like psyllium husk or methylcellulose.

The Role of Sitz Baths in Hemorrhoid Treatment

Sitz baths are a simple yet effective home remedy for hemorrhoids. How do you take a sitz bath? Fill a bathtub with a few inches of warm water and sit in it for 15-20 minutes. This helps soothe the affected area, reduce swelling, and promote healing. For best results, take a sitz bath 2-3 times daily, especially after bowel movements.

Over-the-Counter Treatments for Hemorrhoids

When home remedies aren’t providing enough relief, over-the-counter (OTC) treatments can be a helpful next step. What OTC options are available for hemorrhoid treatment?

• Topical creams and ointments containing hydrocortisone
• Witch hazel pads
• Oral pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen
• Stool softeners to prevent straining

It’s important to note that while these OTC treatments can provide temporary relief, they should not be used for more than a week without consulting a doctor. Prolonged use of topical steroids, for example, can thin the skin and potentially worsen symptoms in the long run.

When to Seek Medical Treatment for Hemorrhoids

While many cases of hemorrhoids can be managed at home, there are situations where medical intervention is necessary. When should you see a doctor for hemorrhoids?

• Persistent bleeding during bowel movements
• Severe pain or discomfort
• Hemorrhoids that don’t improve with home treatment
• Large or prolapsed hemorrhoids
• Signs of infection, such as fever or pus drainage

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional. They can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment options based on the severity of your condition.

Medical Procedures for Hemorrhoid Treatment

When conservative treatments fail to provide relief, doctors may recommend medical procedures to treat hemorrhoids. What are some of the most common procedures used to treat hemorrhoids?

Rubber Band Ligation

Rubber band ligation is a common office procedure for treating internal hemorrhoids. How does it work? A small rubber band is placed around the base of the hemorrhoid, cutting off its blood supply. This causes the hemorrhoid to shrink and eventually fall off within a week or two. While it may cause some discomfort, rubber band ligation is generally effective for grade 1 and 2 hemorrhoids.

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy involves injecting a chemical solution into the hemorrhoid, causing it to shrink. This procedure is typically used for small, bleeding internal hemorrhoids. While less invasive than some other options, sclerotherapy may require multiple treatments for optimal results.

Infrared Photocoagulation

In this procedure, a special device is used to direct infrared light at the hemorrhoid. The heat from the light causes the hemorrhoid to coagulate and shrink. Infrared photocoagulation is most effective for small to medium-sized internal hemorrhoids.

Surgical Options for Severe Hemorrhoids

In cases of severe or persistent hemorrhoids, surgical intervention may be necessary. What surgical procedures are available for treating hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoidectomy

A hemorrhoidectomy is the surgical removal of large external hemorrhoids or prolapsing internal hemorrhoids. While it’s the most effective treatment for severe hemorrhoids, it also has a longer recovery time and potential for complications. How long does recovery from a hemorrhoidectomy typically take? Most patients can return to normal activities within 2-3 weeks, but full recovery may take up to 6 weeks.

Stapled Hemorrhoidopexy

Also known as stapled hemorrhoidectomy, this procedure uses a special stapling device to remove excess hemorrhoid tissue and reposition the remaining tissue. It’s generally less painful than traditional hemorrhoidectomy and has a faster recovery time. However, it may not be suitable for all types of hemorrhoids.

Preventing Hemorrhoid Recurrence

After successful treatment, preventing hemorrhoids from recurring is crucial. How can you reduce your risk of developing hemorrhoids in the future?

• Maintain a high-fiber diet
• Stay hydrated
• Exercise regularly to improve circulation
• Avoid straining during bowel movements
• Don’t sit on the toilet for extended periods
• Respond promptly to the urge to have a bowel movement

Incorporating these lifestyle changes can significantly reduce your risk of developing hemorrhoids. If you have a history of hemorrhoids, it’s especially important to be proactive about prevention.

The Role of Diet in Hemorrhoid Management

Diet plays a crucial role in both the prevention and management of hemorrhoids. What foods should you include in your diet to help prevent and manage hemorrhoids?

• Whole grains (brown rice, oatmeal, whole wheat bread)
• Fruits (apples, pears, berries)
• Vegetables (broccoli, carrots, leafy greens)
• Legumes (beans, lentils, peas)
• Nuts and seeds

In addition to increasing fiber intake, it’s important to limit foods that can contribute to constipation or irritate hemorrhoids. These include processed foods, dairy products, and spicy foods. How much water should you drink to help prevent hemorrhoids? Aim for at least 8 glasses (64 ounces) of water per day to help keep stools soft and prevent constipation.

The Importance of Regular Exercise

Regular physical activity can help prevent hemorrhoids by improving circulation and promoting regular bowel movements. What types of exercises are beneficial for preventing hemorrhoids?

• Walking
• Swimming
• Cycling
• Yoga
• Kegel exercises (to strengthen pelvic floor muscles)

Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week. However, be cautious with activities that involve heavy lifting or straining, as these can potentially worsen hemorrhoids.

Understanding the Different Grades of Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are classified into four grades based on their severity and presentation. Understanding these grades can help determine the most appropriate treatment approach. What are the four grades of hemorrhoids?

1. Grade 1: Internal hemorrhoids that bleed but do not prolapse
2. Grade 2: Internal hemorrhoids that prolapse during straining but retract on their own
3. Grade 3: Internal hemorrhoids that prolapse and require manual reduction
4. Grade 4: Internal hemorrhoids that are permanently prolapsed and cannot be reduced

Treatment options often depend on the grade of hemorrhoids. For example, grade 1 and 2 hemorrhoids may respond well to conservative treatments and minimally invasive procedures, while grade 3 and 4 hemorrhoids may require more aggressive interventions, including surgery.

The Connection Between Pregnancy and Hemorrhoids

Pregnancy is a common risk factor for developing hemorrhoids. Why are pregnant women more susceptible to hemorrhoids? The increased pressure from the growing uterus, hormonal changes that relax blood vessels, and constipation often associated with pregnancy all contribute to the development of hemorrhoids.

How can pregnant women manage hemorrhoids? Many of the same home remedies and preventive measures apply, including maintaining a high-fiber diet, staying hydrated, and avoiding prolonged sitting or standing. However, it’s important for pregnant women to consult with their healthcare provider before using any over-the-counter treatments or supplements.

The Impact of Lifestyle on Hemorrhoid Development

Certain lifestyle factors can significantly increase the risk of developing hemorrhoids. What lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk of hemorrhoids?

• Avoiding prolonged sitting, especially on hard surfaces
• Taking breaks to stand and move around if your job requires long periods of sitting
• Using a squatting position during bowel movements to reduce straining
• Managing stress, which can contribute to digestive issues and constipation
• Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce pressure on the rectal veins

By making these lifestyle adjustments, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing hemorrhoids or experiencing recurrences if you’ve had them in the past.

The Psychological Impact of Hemorrhoids

While hemorrhoids are primarily a physical condition, they can also have a significant psychological impact. How do hemorrhoids affect mental health and quality of life? Many people experience embarrassment, anxiety, and reduced social interactions due to the pain, discomfort, and fear of symptom flare-ups in public.

It’s important to address both the physical and emotional aspects of living with hemorrhoids. Open communication with healthcare providers and seeking support from understanding friends or family members can help manage the psychological burden of this condition.

Emerging Treatments and Research in Hemorrhoid Management

As medical research continues, new treatments for hemorrhoids are being developed and studied. What are some of the emerging treatments for hemorrhoids?

• Radiofrequency ablation: Using radio waves to shrink hemorrhoids
• Cryotherapy: Freezing hemorrhoid tissue to cause it to slough off
• Laser therapy: Using focused light energy to treat hemorrhoids
• Micronized flavonoids: Oral supplements that may help reduce hemorrhoid symptoms

While these treatments show promise, more research is needed to fully establish their efficacy and long-term safety. It’s important to discuss any new or experimental treatments with a qualified healthcare provider before considering them.

The Role of Genetics in Hemorrhoid Development

While lifestyle factors play a significant role in hemorrhoid development, there may also be a genetic component. Do hemorrhoids run in families? Some studies suggest that there may be a hereditary predisposition to developing hemorrhoids, possibly related to inherited weaknesses in connective tissue or venous walls.

However, it’s important to note that even with a genetic predisposition, lifestyle factors still play a crucial role. Individuals with a family history of hemorrhoids should be especially vigilant about maintaining a healthy lifestyle to reduce their risk.

Treatment of Hemorrhoids – NIDDK

How can I treat my hemorrhoids?

You can most often treat your hemorrhoids at home by

• eating foods that are high in fiber
• taking a stool softener or a fiber supplement such as psyllium (Metamucil) or methylcellulose (Citrucel)
• drinking water or other nonalcoholic liquids each day as recommended by your health care professional
• not straining during bowel movements
• not sitting on the toilet for long periods of time
• taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin
• sitting in a tub of warm water, called a sitz bath, several times a day to help relieve pain

Applying over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams or ointments or using suppositories—a medicine you insert into your rectum—may relieve mild pain, swelling, and itching of external hemorrhoids. Most often, doctors recommend using over-the-counter products for 1 week. You should follow up with your doctor if the products

• do not relieve your symptoms after 1 week
• cause side effects such dry skin around your anus or a rash

Most prolapsed internal hemorrhoids go away without at-home treatment. However, severely prolapsed or bleeding internal hemorrhoids may need medical treatment.

How do doctors treat hemorrhoids?

Doctors treat hemorrhoids with procedures during an office visit or in an outpatient center or a hospital.

Office treatments include the following:

• Rubber band ligation. Rubber band ligation is a procedure that doctors use to treat bleeding or prolapsing internal hemorrhoids. A doctor places a special rubber band around the base of the hemorrhoid. The band cuts off the blood supply. The banded part of the hemorrhoid shrivels and falls off, most often within a week. Scar tissue forms in the remaining part of the hemorrhoid, often shrinking the hemorrhoid. Only a doctor should perform this procedure—you should never try this treatment yourself.
• Sclerotherapy. A doctor injects a solution into an internal hemorrhoid, which causes scar tissue to form. The scar tissue cuts off the blood supply, often shrinking the hemorrhoid.
• Infrared photocoagulation. A doctor uses a tool that directs infrared light at an internal hemorrhoid. Heat created by the infrared light causes scar tissue to form, which cuts off the blood supply, often shrinking the hemorrhoid.
• Electrocoagulation. A doctor uses a tool that sends an electric current into an internal hemorrhoid. The electric current causes scar tissue to form, which cuts off the blood supply, often shrinking the hemorrhoid.

Outpatient center or hospital treatments include the following:

• Hemorrhoidectomy. A doctor, most often a surgeon, may perform a hemorrhoidectomy to remove large external hemorrhoids and prolapsing internal hemorrhoids that do not respond to other treatments. Your doctor will give you anesthesia for this treatment.
• Hemorrhoid stapling. A doctor, most often a surgeon, may use a special stapling tool to remove internal hemorrhoid tissue and pull a prolapsing internal hemorrhoid back into the anus. Your doctor will give you anesthesia for this treatment.

Sometimes complications of hemorrhoids also require treatment.

How can I prevent hemorrhoids?

You can help prevent hemorrhoids by

• eating foods that are high in fiber
• drinking water or other nonalcoholic liquids each day as recommended by your health care professional
• not straining during bowel movements
• not sitting on the toilet for long periods of time
• avoiding regular heavy lifting

Last Reviewed October 2016

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This content is provided as a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
(NIDDK), part of the National Institutes of Health. NIDDK translates and disseminates research findings to increase knowledge and understanding about health and disease among patients, health professionals, and the public. Content produced by NIDDK is carefully reviewed by NIDDK scientists and other experts.

What If Treating Hemorrhoids at Home Doesn’t Work?

Temple University Hospital — Main Campus has implemented a new safety precaution for patients and visitors.

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Posted
August 6, 2015 by
Benjamin Krevsky, MD, MPH

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anal canal. Of course, everyone has veins in this area, but when they become enlarged they can bleed, itch and cause pain.

Hemorrhoids can be located internally, externally or sometimes both. While rarely a serious condition, hemorrhoids certainly cause a lot of discomfort and concern. I previously discussed treatments you can do at home to get relief. These treatments included hydration, fiber, sitz baths, soothing wipes, ointments, creams, suppositories and more. But what do you do when this does not solve the problem?

When Should You Go to the Doctor for Hemorrhoids?

Again, before assuming that your condition is hemorrhoids, it’s a good idea to see your doctor for an examination. After all, it’s difficult to take a look for yourself. If there is any bleeding, severe pain or fecal incontinence (loss of bowel control), you should definitely see the doctor. A large amount of bleeding or the sudden onset of severe pain means you should seek medical treatment immediately.

What Kind of Doctor Treats Hemorrhoids?

In most cases, you can see a primary care physician about your hemorrhoid symptoms. But if there are complications, your doctor may refer you to a specialist, such as a gastroenterologist or a proctologist (surgeon).

How Do Doctors Treat Hemorrhoids?

Doctors can treat hemorrhoids by prescribing medications or by performing minor surgery to major surgery. Here are several treatment options:

Prescription Ointments, Creams and Suppositories

These usually contain an emollient (medication to soften and soothe the skin). In addition, there may be an anesthetic (for example, pramoxine) and/or steroid (hydrocortisone). Prescription strength medications often work better than their over-the-counter cousins. But sometimes not so much.

An oral tablet called Vasculera comes with some prescription treatment kits (Analpram advanced kit) and also helps reduce the size of hemorrhoids.

Rubber Band Ligation

In this common treatment, the doctor applies miniature rubber bands to the internal hemorrhoids. This causes them to shrink up, stop bleeding and pull back inside. There are several different techniques for performing the procedure.

In one form, (CRH O’Regan) single bands are applied once a week for several weeks. This is done as an outpatient in the doctor’s office. Multiple bands can also be placed right after a colonoscopy or other endoscopic procedure while you are still sedated. This would be done in an outpatient surgery center or hospital procedure room. Bands can also be placed without another procedure.

Depending on the doctor and your individual situation, it could be with or without sedation. While rubber band ligation works for most patients, it doesn’t work all the time. Also, there are some potential complications – bleeding, pain and infection. Recovery can range from a day or 2 to 6 weeks.

Infrared Coagulation

In this procedure, hot light is applied to the base of the hemorrhoid to seal it off. This is usually done in a surgery center but can be done in the office.

The advantages include:

• High success rate in small or medium hemorrhoids
• Very rapid recovery
• Very low risk of any complications

Usually, your recovery is complete as soon as the procedure is finished. There may be a second treatment required if the first treatment does not work.

Laser Treatment

Actually, laser treatment is not done any more. It was similar in principle to infrared coagulation, but the equipment is much more complicated and expensive.

Bipolar Therapy

This uses electrical energy to cauterize the hemorrhoids. While it is effective, it can be a painful treatment.

Radiofrequency Hemorrhoid Ligation

This method uses a probe to grasp the hemorrhoid and then cauterize it using high frequency electricity (HETTM) . Experience with this technique is limited.

Doppler Ligation

In the operating room, a surgeon uses a special ultrasound probe in the rectum to find the arteries supplying the hemorrhoids. Then a suture is placed around each artery to cut off the blood flow.

This is performed in the operating room and requires special equipment not commonly available. Recovery is quick and painless for most people.

Surgical Hemorrhoidectomy

This involves cutting out the hemorrhoids with a scalpel or cutting through the wall of the rectum and stapling the area shut again. This is true surgery and has a recovery period of several weeks. It can be very painful post-operatively and infection is often a problem.

However, this treatment works for the worst hemorrhoids, works when the other treatments fail, and has the longest period before the hemorrhoids come back.

Is It Common for Hemorrhoids to Reoccur?

Yes! Sometimes it takes a year or two, sometimes longer, but they can come back again after any treatment. They can even come back after surgery, but usually not for a long time.

How Do You Decide Which Hemorrhoid Therapy Is Best for You?

Everybody’s situation is different. Discuss the options with your gastroenterologist or surgeon. If they only offer one kind of treatment, they may not be selecting the best one for your hemorrhoids.

In the meantime, if you have more questions or feel your condition is urgent, contact your Temple physician or healthcare provider.

To schedule an appointment, please call 800-TEMPLE-MED (800-836-7536) or request an appointment online.

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What does a proctologist treat and how to prepare for an examination? Indications for visiting a doctor at the MEDSI Clinic

A proctologist is a specialist who treats diseases of the rectum, large intestine and anus. You should contact this doctor immediately after the first signs of the disease are detected. MEDSI clinics employ experienced specialists who provide support to patients with a variety of proctological problems.

Proctologist specialization

A proctologist treats infectious, parasitic, congenital, inflammatory and oncological diseases of the intestine, colon and surrounding tissues. The specialist examines patients and collects anamnesis. You can also get medical advice from a professional.

Doctors have a therapeutic or surgical profile. Doctors of the first type carry out only conservative therapy, the second – surgical interventions.

What diseases does the doctor treat in women?

A proctologist treats:

• Hemorrhoids. This disease occurs due to varicose veins in the rectum and leads to the development of hemorrhoids that protrude from the anus, causing discomfort, bleeding and pain
• Anal fissures. This pathology occurs as a result of damage to the walls of the rectum
• Polyps in the colon. This pathology belongs to the category of benign formations and is hereditary in nature
• Paraproctitis. These diseases lead to inflammation of the perirectal tissues and the formation of fistulas
• Worm infestations
• Cancers

Women should consult a doctor when the first signs of any of the listed pathologies are detected.

These include:

• Constipation or fecal incontinence
• Pain in the anus
• Anal bleeding
• Discharge from anus mucus and pus
• Bloating

What diseases does it treat in men?

In men, proctologists treat the same diseases as in women.

You should consult a specialist for hemorrhoids, anal fissures, polyps, proctitis and paraproctitis. It is important to understand that only with timely diagnosis, diagnosis and treatment, one can count on the rapid elimination of not only the symptoms of diseases, but also their causes. Turning to a doctor in the early stages of the development of pathology, the patient receives adequate conservative therapy, which avoids the need for surgical intervention.

How to prepare for the examination?

Preparing for a proctologist examination is quite simple. You don’t have to go on a special diet or do cleansing enemas.

Follow these guidelines:

• It is recommended to have a bowel movement before going to the doctor. If necessary, you can take a laxative. This will allow the specialist to make a preliminary diagnosis
• One day before the appointment with the proctologist, you should exclude from the diet products that stimulate increased gas formation
• Immediately before going to the doctor, perform standard hygiene procedures (washing with soap)
• Try to calm down and not worry. There is nothing terrible and shameful in the examination by a proctologist. Doctor doing his job

How is the inspection?

An examination by a proctologist takes place in several stages:

• History taking and listening to patient complaints
• Primary examination. It is carried out by palpation. The organs are palpated by the doctor through the abdominal wall and through the anus. Such an examination allows you to assess the condition of the anal canal and closely located parts of the intestine. Diagnosis by palpation makes it possible to detect pathological formations and damage to the walls
• Anoscopy. To conduct this examination, an anoscope is used – a special device in the form of a hollow tube with a light tip and an adapter, which allows you to perform a visual examination of the walls of the rectum. For diagnosis, the patient lies on his side and pulls his legs to his stomach. The device is inserted into the anus and allows the doctor to see all the changes. In addition, during anoscopy, biopsy material is taken
• Sigmoidoscopy. This examination is carried out using a sigmoidoscope. Diagnosis is aimed at assessing the rectum and sigmoid colon, as well as the condition of the mucous membranes at a depth of up to 40 cm. The sigmoidoscope is a fiber optic tube with a lighting device. For diagnosis, the patient is asked to kneel and elbows. This ensures that the tool penetrates to the desired depth
• Colonoscopy. Such an examination belongs to the category of endoscopic and is one of the most informative. With such a diagnosis, tumors, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease can be detected. The procedure can be not only diagnostic, but also therapeutic. Colonoscopy is also prescribed to stop bleeding, remove small benign tumors and remove foreign bodies from the rectum. Colonoscopy can be performed under anesthesia
• Laboratory studies. Patients often donate blood and feces

If dangerous pathologies are suspected, the following is additionally prescribed:

• Computed tomography
• Intestinal ozonation
• ultrasound
• Colon hydrotherapy

Proctologist examination of children

If your child complains of pain during bowel movements, experiences other problems of a proctological nature, you should immediately register him with a doctor. As a rule, the diagnosis of diseases in children is carried out using the palpation technique. Instrumental methods are not used because of the too small size of the rectum. Additionally, the doctor prescribes ultrasound, CT and other examinations that are non-invasive.

Who treats colitis – proctologist or gastroenterologist?

Proctologists are involved in the treatment of colitis, as well as other diseases of the lower digestive tract. They carry out both an initial examination and consultations, as well as a complete diagnosis, and further therapy. If necessary, an additional examination by a gastroenterologist is prescribed. If the situation is complex and confusing, doctors consult and decide on the treatment of pathology together.

Benefits of visiting a proctologist at MEDSI

• Use of the latest European diagnostic and treatment protocols
• Minimization of psychological uncertainty, feelings of fear and anxiety in patients
• Experienced doctors with many years of experience. Our proctologists in Moscow regularly improve their skills, undergo internships in the world’s leading clinics
• Using a range of modern diagnostic methods: laboratory tests, endoscopy of the anal canal and rectum. MRI of the pelvic and abdominal organs
• The use of minimally invasive endoscopic and surgical intervention techniques for the treatment of diseases of the large intestine, anal canal and perineum: sclerotherapy, infrared photocoagulation, node removal, laser operations
• Lack of queues and the possibility of making an appointment with a doctor at a convenient time

To make an appointment with a proctologist, just call: +7 ((495) 152-47-53.

Do not delay treatment, contact a doctor right now:

• Proctologist appointment

Which doctor should I contact for treatment of hemorrhoids?

Home / Useful information / Worried about hemorrhoids – which doctor should I contact for treatment? / Proctology

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Despite the fact that hemorrhoids are perhaps one of the most common diseases of the rectum, it is not customary to talk about it out loud. False modesty and delicacy makes a person not only hide his own suffering, but also feel embarrassed even just to find out: which doctor treats hemorrhoids? But there is no point in being ashamed. After all, the sooner you turn to the doctor you need, the sooner and more accurately you will receive a satisfactory solution to the problem.

By the way, in most medical institutions (and, of course, our specialized international network of clinics is no exception!) this disease is treated by a coloproctologist (or, as most people are more accustomed to, a proctologist). This is the doctor you need to go with hemorrhoids.

When to see a doctor?

Of course, any physician will tell you that the disease is easier to cure in its earliest stages. Therefore, as soon as you begin to notice the symptoms of hemorrhoids, you should immediately undergo an examination. And it would be best to immediately contact a doctor who specializes in the treatment of hemorrhoids and other diseases of the rectum.

It is quite possible, by the way, that an examination by a proctologist will please you and the doctor will say that you do not have any hemorrhoids. And there is, for example, a simple inflammation that can be cured in just a couple of weeks.

But if, nevertheless, you are diagnosed with this disease, which is unpleasant in every sense, then it is also important not to start the problem by starting qualified treatment as early as possible. Do not bring the disease to a chronic stage!

Acute or chronic disease

Both the acute and chronic stages of the disease have a fairly similar clinical picture. The only difference is that the chronic form includes periods of relapse and prolonged remission, in addition, a patient who has been suffering from hemorrhoids for a long time knows firsthand which doctor to contact. Starting rapidly, the acute manifestation of the disease has the following symptoms:

• Profuse discharge of blood after stool.
• Drawing in the anus, sometimes accompanied by the illusion of a foreign body there.
• Discomfort and pain when trying to defecate, sitting or walking for a long time.
• Burning in the anus.
• Swelling of the mucous tissues of the anus.

Any of the above signs is a serious reason to seek medical help for a diagnosis.

What awaits you at the appointment with the proctologist?

The diagnostic activities that await you in the doctor’s office are hardly pleasant. However, when determining hemorrhoids, what doctor can do without palpation of the anus, which helps to find inflamed nodes?

A specialist can also get a visible picture of the disease with the help of anoscopy – a procedure for examining the rectum using a special mirror instrument.

The most complete and informative way to diagnose hemorrhoids for the attending physician was and remains sigmoidoscopy. A special tube with a lighting element expands the opening of the rectum by supplying air, then with the help of magnifying optics, allows you to examine the rectal mucosa.

Only after collecting the primary history and obtaining the results of the above studies, the doctor prescribes the treatment of hemorrhoids, taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient’s body.

Only a doctor can cure hemorrhoids!

Fans of self-treatment, as well as those who hope that hemorrhoids will resolve on their own, should remember that without qualified therapy, the disease will continue to progress and, most likely, will become chronic.

Some patients with hemorrhoids, when deciding which doctor to contact, choose all kinds of traditional healers who can relieve pain without eliminating the cause of the problem. During the time spent on pseudo-treatment, the disease reaches the last, fourth stage, in which the prolapse of nodes occurs with any, even the weakest, physical stress, and sharp unbearable pain becomes a constant companion of the patient.