Hemorrhoid Treatment Panama City | Hemorrhoid Doctor Panama City

• What are the Symptoms of Internal Hemorrhoids?

  Internal hemorrhoids develop in the rectum, so they can’t be seen or felt, and don’t typically cause pain or discomfort.  However, if straining or irritation occurs during a bowel movement there can be signs that you’re experiencing an internal hemorrhoid.  Painless bleed can be indicated by small amounts of bright red blood on the toilet or on the toilet paper.  In extreme cases, an internal hemorrhoid can become prolapsed and protrude through the rectum, which will cause irritation and pain.

• What are the Symptoms of External Hemorrhoids?

  External hemorrhoids have much more obvious signs. Pain and discomfort in that region of your body, along with irritation and itching in and around the anus are symptoms of an external hemorrhoid.  You may also experience bleeding and swelling around your anus.

• What Causes Hemorrhoids?

  There are many habits, conditions, and factors that can lead to the development of hemorrhoids.  Because the veins around the anus are designed to move and stretch under pressure and strain, it is not out of the question that they can swell and bulge.  Increased pressure in the lower rectum can be caused by prolonged sitting periods on the toilet, straining during bowel movements, and chronic constipation or diarrhea.  Other factors can include pregnancy, low fiber diets, and obesity.  

• What Complications Can Arise from Hemorrhoids?

  While complications from hemorrhoids are rare, there are a few that can develop if left untreated.  The development of a strangulated hemorrhoid, which occurs if the blood supply to an internal hemorrhoid is experienced, can cause extreme pain.  Anemia stemming from blood loss from the hemorrhoid, while rare, can deplete your body’s red blood cells which carry oxygen throughout the body.  Blood clots can also form in a thromboses hemorrhoid.  This is not a necessarily dangerous condition but can cause pain.

• How Can Hemorrhoids be Prevented?

  There are several ways to prevent the development of hemorrhoids.  Begin by staying hydrated by drinking pelting of fluids.  Six to eight glasses of water will help to keep your stools soft.  High-fiber diets that include whole grains, fruits, and vegetables can help to reduce or prevent straining.  Minimizing holding a bowel movement and reducing straining are two critical ways to decrease your chance of developing hemorrhoids.  There are also simple habits and activities that can prevent this condition.  Minimize long periods of sitting, specifically on the toilet.  Also, a regular exercise routine can reduce the pressure on your veins and prevent constipation.

• When Should You See a Doctor about Hemorrhoids?

  If you ever experience bleeding during a bowel movement, or your hemorrhoid symptoms don’t improve, you should see your doctor or gastroenterologist.  Any changes in bowel movement habits, consistency, or color doesn’t necessarily mean that it is caused by hemorrhoids but should be assessed by a physician.  

• How Are Hemorrhoids Treated?

  Hemorrhoids can be treated in a variety of ways depending on their type, frequency, and severity.  There are diet changes, topical treatments, and medications that can be used.  There are also minimally invasive treatments like rubber band ligation, coagulation, and injection.  Rubber band ligation requires your doctor to place a very small rubber bands around the base of an internal hemorrhoid to cut off its circulation, causing it to fall off in a week.  Coagulation uses heat or infrared light to harden and shrivel the hemorrhoid.  Injection, or sclerotherapy, has your doctor use a chemical solution to shrink the hemorrhoid tissue.  For extreme conditions, surgery can be implemented.  This is a rare occasion for patients.  A hemorrhoidectomy is the surgical removal of a hemorrhoid.  Hemorrhoid stapling can also be done to block the blood flow to the hemorrhoidal tissue in internal hemorrhoids.  

How to treat hemorrhoids | OSF HealthCare

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National statistics show that hemorrhoids affect about 1 in 20 Americans and about half of adults older than 50. So, there’s a good chance that once you reach 50, you’ll have to deal with hemorrhoids at one point or another.

Hemorrhoid tissues are veins and blood vessels inside and outside the anus that swell slightly during bowel movements. If you exert too much pressure, they may stay enlarged and inflamed. If you have hemorrhoids, you know what problems this can cause.

So what do you do for hemorrhoids?

Julie Maner-Stevenson, advanced practice registered nurse with OSF HealthCare, talks about the different ways you can treat your hemorrhoids.

Julie notes that treatment will depend on your symptoms, age and general health. Depending on how severe your condition has become, your primary care provider (PCP) can advise treating your hemorrhoids.

Important warning

It is important to talk to your PCP if you have blood in your stool. It can also be a sign of other digestive disorders, such as colorectal cancer.

“If you have rectal bleeding, you should seek medical attention. Rectal bleeding warrants a colonoscopy,” Julie said. “This procedure is done by a doctor that has been trained to look in your colon with a surgical scope.”

Speak to your PCP if you find blood in your stool or on your toilet paper for the first time, or see an increase in the usual amount, thereafter.

At-home treatments

Some at-home treatments may relieve symptoms immediately, while others require changes in your diet and exercise habits. Most long-term changes help improve bowel movements and may prevent hemorrhoids from returning.

“If you do have bothersome hemorrhoids, you may get relief with warm baths two to three times a day,” Julie said. “You only need to sit in a few inches of water for about 10 to 20 minutes. Sometimes, your provider may have you add ingredients or use cold water. It depends on your situation.

“There are several over-the-counter preparations in creams or ointments that can reduce symptoms, but talk to your doctor if your symptoms worsen or do not go away.”

Your PCP may also prescribe anti-inflammatory medications and have you use ice packs to ease your symptoms.

Medical intervention

There are times when professional assistance is needed. If necessary, your PCP will refer you to a surgeon or other specialist.

“The OSF general surgery department treats hemorrhoids in a couple of different ways,” Julie said.

• Internal hemorrhoids warrant a procedure in our office. One of our surgeons will insert a very small rubber band over the hemorrhoid. This cuts off the blood supply to the hemorrhoid. The hemorrhoid will usually fall off within seven to 10 days. This procedure is painless, as people do not have pain receptors in this area.