What are the common symptoms of hemorrhoids. How are internal and external hemorrhoids diagnosed. Which medical professionals specialize in treating hemorrhoids. What treatment options are available for different types of hemorrhoids.

Understanding Hemorrhoids: Causes and Risk Factors

Hemorrhoids are a common medical condition characterized by swollen and inflamed veins in the skin around the anus or in the lower rectum. While the exact cause of hemorrhoids is not fully understood, several risk factors and conditions are associated with their development:

• Aging: As we get older, muscle tone in the anal area can decrease, weakening the tissue and causing hemorrhoids to bulge.
• Obesity: Excess weight can increase pressure on the anal and rectal tissues, leading to hemorrhoid formation.
• Pregnancy: The additional weight and pressure during pregnancy can contribute to hemorrhoid development.
• Chronic constipation: Repeated straining during bowel movements can put excessive pressure on the anal area.
• Prolonged sitting: Spending long periods on the toilet or in a seated position can increase the risk of hemorrhoids.

While hemorrhoids are generally not life-threatening, they can cause significant discomfort and pain for those affected. Understanding the underlying causes and risk factors can help individuals take preventive measures and seek appropriate treatment when necessary.

Recognizing Hemorrhoid Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Attention

Identifying the symptoms of hemorrhoids is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment. Common signs to watch for include:

• Bright red blood on toilet paper, in stool, or in the toilet bowl after a bowel movement
• Anal itching or irritation
• Pain around the anus, especially while sitting
• Discomfort during bowel movements
• One or more hard, painful lumps around the anus

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to avoid excessive straining, rubbing, or cleaning around the anal area, as these actions can exacerbate irritation and potentially lead to bleeding. When should you consult a doctor for hemorrhoids? It’s advisable to seek medical attention if you notice persistent bleeding, severe pain, or if symptoms don’t improve with home remedies.

Internal vs. External Hemorrhoids: Understanding the Differences

Hemorrhoids are classified into two main types: internal and external. Each type has distinct characteristics and may require different approaches to treatment.

Internal Hemorrhoids

Internal hemorrhoids develop inside the lower rectum and are often painless. They can, however, cause bleeding during bowel movements. Internal hemorrhoids are graded based on their level of prolapse:

1. Grade 1: No prolapse
2. Grade 2: Prolapse that retracts on its own
3. Grade 3: Prolapse that requires manual pushing back
4. Grade 4: Prolapse that cannot be pushed back

External Hemorrhoids

External hemorrhoids form under the skin around the anus and can be itchy or painful. They may feel lumpy and can sometimes develop blood clots, a condition known as thrombosed hemorrhoids. These thrombosed hemorrhoids can be particularly painful, especially within the first 48 hours of formation.

How can you differentiate between internal and external hemorrhoids? Internal hemorrhoids are typically not visible without medical examination, while external hemorrhoids can often be seen or felt as lumps around the anus.

Diagnostic Procedures: How Doctors Identify Hemorrhoids

When you visit a doctor for potential hemorrhoids, they will employ various diagnostic procedures to accurately identify the condition and rule out other potential issues. The diagnostic process typically includes:

1. Medical history review: Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, eating habits, toilet routines, and any use of enemas or laxatives.
2. Physical examination: This involves a visual inspection of the anal area to check for external hemorrhoids, skin irritation, or anal fissures.
3. Digital rectal examination: Using a gloved, lubricated finger, the doctor checks for abnormalities within the lower rectum.
4. Anoscopy: A hollow, lighted tube is inserted into the anus to examine the anal canal and lower rectum.

Why is a comprehensive diagnostic approach important for hemorrhoids? Accurate diagnosis helps differentiate hemorrhoids from other conditions with similar symptoms, such as anal fissures, abscesses, or even colorectal cancer. This ensures that you receive the most appropriate treatment for your specific condition.

Specialized Healthcare Providers for Hemorrhoid Treatment

Various healthcare professionals can diagnose and treat hemorrhoids, depending on the severity of the condition and the required level of intervention. The primary specialists involved in hemorrhoid care include:

• Primary Care Physicians: Often the first point of contact for patients with hemorrhoid symptoms, they can diagnose and treat mild cases.
• Gastroenterologists: Specialists in digestive system disorders, including hemorrhoids and other anorectal conditions.
• Colorectal Surgeons: Experts in surgical treatments for hemorrhoids and other disorders of the colon, rectum, and anus.
• Proctologists: Specialists focused specifically on disorders of the anus, rectum, and colon.

Which specialist should you see for hemorrhoid treatment? For initial evaluation and mild cases, start with your primary care physician. They can refer you to a gastroenterologist or colorectal surgeon if more specialized care is needed.

Conservative Treatment Options for Hemorrhoids

Many cases of hemorrhoids can be managed with conservative treatments and lifestyle changes. These approaches aim to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications:

• Dietary modifications: Increasing fiber intake and staying hydrated to soften stools and reduce straining.
• Sitz baths: Soaking the anal area in warm water for 10-15 minutes, 2-3 times daily.
• Over-the-counter medications: Creams, ointments, and suppositories containing hydrocortisone or witch hazel to reduce inflammation and itching.
• Pain relievers: Non-prescription pain medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to manage discomfort.
• Cold compresses: Applying ice packs to reduce swelling and numb the area.

How effective are conservative treatments for hemorrhoids? Many patients find significant relief with these methods, especially for mild to moderate cases. However, persistent or severe symptoms may require more advanced interventions.

Advanced Treatment Procedures for Hemorrhoids

When conservative measures fail to provide adequate relief, doctors may recommend more advanced treatment options. These procedures are typically performed by gastroenterologists or colorectal surgeons:

1. Rubber band ligation: A rubber band is placed around the base of an internal hemorrhoid to cut off its blood supply, causing it to shrink and fall off.
2. Sclerotherapy: A chemical solution is injected into the hemorrhoid, causing it to shrink.
3. Infrared coagulation: A device is used to burn and seal off the hemorrhoid.
4. Hemorrhoidectomy: Surgical removal of large external hemorrhoids or grade 3 or 4 prolapsed internal hemorrhoids.
5. Stapled hemorrhoidopexy: A procedure that pulls prolapsed tissue back into place and staples it there.

What factors determine the choice of treatment for hemorrhoids? The selection of treatment depends on the severity of symptoms, the type and grade of hemorrhoids, and the patient’s overall health status. Your doctor will discuss the most suitable options based on your individual case.

Preventing Hemorrhoid Recurrence: Long-term Strategies

After successful treatment, preventing the recurrence of hemorrhoids is crucial for long-term comfort and health. Key strategies for prevention include:

• Maintaining a high-fiber diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Staying adequately hydrated throughout the day
• Engaging in regular physical activity to promote healthy bowel function
• Avoiding prolonged sitting or straining during bowel movements
• Responding promptly to the urge to have a bowel movement
• Using the toilet in a squatting position to reduce strain on the anal area

How can lifestyle changes impact hemorrhoid prevention? Adopting these habits can significantly reduce the risk of developing new hemorrhoids or experiencing a recurrence of previous ones. Consistency in maintaining these lifestyle modifications is key to long-term prevention.

In conclusion, understanding the types, symptoms, and treatment options for hemorrhoids is essential for effective management of this common condition. By recognizing early signs, seeking appropriate medical care, and implementing preventive measures, individuals can minimize the impact of hemorrhoids on their daily lives. Remember, while hemorrhoids can be uncomfortable and sometimes painful, they are treatable, and with proper care, their recurrence can be significantly reduced.

Hemorrhoid Symptoms and Diagnosis: Internal and External Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids occur when veins in the skin around the anus or in the lower rectum get swollen and inflamed. It’s not exactly clear what causes people to get hemorrhoids, but there are some common, accepted risk factors and conditions that lead to their development.

Aging can decrease muscle tone in the area, weakening the tissue and causing hemorrhoids to bulge, while obesity and pregnancy can increase the risk for hemorrhoids due to increased pressure on tissue in the area. (1)

Repeated straining to make a bowel movement, as well as constipation, are also associated with hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoids are generally not dangerous or life-threatening, but they may be painful.

Common Hemorrhoid Symptoms to Watch For

The following signs and symptoms may indicate hemorrhoids:

• Bright red blood on toilet paper, in stool, or in the toilet bowl after a bowel movement
• Anal itching
• Pain around the anus, especially while sitting
• Pain during bowel movements
• One or more hard, painful lumps around the anus

If you have any symptoms of hemorrhoids, try to avoid excessive straining, rubbing, or cleaning around the anus.

Doing these things can make any irritation and itching worse, and can sometimes lead to bleeding.

Internal Hemorrhoids vs. External Hemorrhoids

There are two main types of hemorrhoids:

Internal Hemorrhoids These hemorrhoids develop inside the lower rectum. Internal hemorrhoids usually don’t hurt, but they often bleed painlessly, resulting in bright red blood you might notice when you go to the bathroom and wipe.

Most of the time, internal hemorrhoids are not visible to the naked eye. But in some cases, internal hemorrhoids may protrude through the anus, which is known as becoming prolapsed. When this happens, they will usually shrink back inside the rectum on their own. Protruding hemorrhoids can become irritated and itchy, and patients may find it difficult to clean themselves after a bowel movement.

Internal hemorrhoids are categorized by how prolapsed they are, which helps determine how they should be treated.

Grade 1 hemorrhoids means there is no prolapse. A prolapse that goes back in by itself is categorized as grade 2. Prolapse that needs to be pushed back in by the patient is considered grade 3. Grade 4 is when the prolapse can’t be pushed back in. (2)

External Hemorrhoids These hemorrhoids develop under the skin around the outside of the anus. They can be itchy or painful, and may feel lumpy.

External hemorrhoids are called thrombosed hemorrhoids when a blood clot develops within the hemorrhoid. The increased pressure can be very painful, especially within the first 48 hours after it develops. (1)

Thrombosed hemorrhoids tend to be bluish in color due to the clot. Sometimes the blood clot will go away on its own, but because the clot has stretched the skin, it may result in an anal skin tag — excess skin left when the blood clot in a thrombosed hemorrhoid is absorbed by the body. Skin tags do not require removal, but if it’s particularly bothersome to a patient, excision is an option. (1)

If a thrombosed hemorrhoid has been present for longer than two days, the pain has often peaked and you might try home treatments while waiting for the clot to clear up on its own. When the clot first forms, it can be very painful; if you make it to your doctor’s office during this time, an in-office surgical procedure, involving local anesthesia and excision of the hemorrhoidal tissue, may be available. (2)

RELATED: 8 Myths You’ve Been Told About Hemorrhoids

How Hemorrhoids Are Diagnosed by Your Doctor

See your doctor if you think you might have hemorrhoids, especially if you notice bleeding from your anus or rectum, or have bloody stools. Your doctor will want to rule out more serious problems that can cause bleeding from the anus or rectum, such as cancer.

Hemorrhoid symptoms may also be similar to those of other anal and rectal problems, including anal fissures, abscesses, warts, and polyps.

Your doctor will ask about your medical history and will ask you to describe your symptoms. Questions about your eating habits, toilet habits, and enema and laxative use are likely to come up. (3)

Your doctor will also perform a physical exam to look for lumps or swelling, prolapsed internal hemorrhoids, external hemorrhoids, skin irritation, skin tags, and anal fissures, which are small tears in the anus that can result in itching and bleeding. (3) This will involve a visual examination of the area.

Your doctor may also perform a rectal exam to diagnose internal hemorrhoids, check the muscle tone of your anus, and check for blood in the stool. This is done with a gloved, lubricated finger (called a digital rectal examination) and a tool called an anoscope.

An anoscope is a type of endoscope — a hollow, lighted tube that is inserted a few inches into the anus to help the doctor see any problems inside the lining of the rectum. This procedure is performed in the doctor’s office and doesn’t require anesthesia. (3)

Your doctor may also recommend additional tests to rule out other causes of bleeding, especially if you are over age 40.

These tests may include:

Colonoscopy After you’re sedated with medicine, your doctor uses a thin, flexible tube called a colonoscope to look at the inner lining of your colon.

A colonoscopy can help discover ulcers, polyps, tumors, and other areas of inflammation or bleeding.

Sigmoidoscopy This procedure is similar to a colonoscopy, but it uses a shorter tube called a sigmoidoscope to examine the lining of the rectum and the sigmoid colon (the lower part of the colon).

Barium Enema X-ray This is a special type of X-ray of the colon and rectum in which your doctor inserts a liquid solution containing barium sulfate into the rectum. The solution helps highlight specific areas in the colon for your doctor to examine in the X-ray images.

RELATED: 4 Signs Your Hemorrhoids Warrant a Doctor’s Visit

Additional reporting by Deborah Shapiro.

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What Is a Gastroenterologist and What Do They Treat?

Are There Different Types of Gastroenterologists?

While some gastroenterologists treat general GI diseases, others cultivate an area of expertise within their specialty. For instance, they may have specific knowledge or experience in managing:

• Inflammatory bowel diseases
• Pancreatic disease
• Liver disease
• Liver transplantation
• GERD
• Conditions that require complicated endoscopic procedures

A gastroenterologist may choose to become a hepatologist: a doctor who specializes in diseases of the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and pancreas. A hepatologist must complete a three-year fellowship in gastroenterology with an additional year of concentrated training in hepatology.

Gastroenterologists often work closely with surgeons, oncologists (doctors who specialize in cancer), and radiologists (doctors who specialize in imaging).

How Do I Find the Best Doctor for Gastroenterology?

Your primary care physician is a good place to start. Your doctor likely knows some of the best specialists in your area and can provide you with a list of gastroenterologists to consider.

Word of mouth is another way to find a gastroenterologist who fits your needs. Try asking friends or family members for recommendations.

You can also do a little research yourself. A practice’s website will often feature the doctor’s bio, which includes information like their credentials, education, areas of special interest, and more. Reading online reviews can supply you with feedback from other patients.

How Can I Find Out if a Gastroenterologist Accepts My Insurance?

Your insurance company should supply you with a hard copy or online list of gastroenterologists in your area who accept your coverage. However, it’s a good idea to call your insurance provider and confirm that the specialist you’re considering is on your policy. Physician lists are often out of date.

What Other Factors Should I Consider When Selecting a Gastroenterologist?

When choosing a gastroenterologist, you might want to consider the following factors:

• The location of the office in relation to where you live
• The doctor’s experience, education, and credentials
• The doctor’s subspecialities or special interests
• The procedures the doctor performs or doesn’t perform
• The doctor’s personality
• Hospitals that the doctor is affiliated with
• Whether the practice offers telemedicine options
• How long you’ll have to wait for an appointment
• Whether the office accepts new patients

Some gastroenterologists offer in-person or telehealth consultations for prospective patients. This visit gives you a chance to ask questions and determine if you and the physician are well matched.

How Do I Find a Gastroenterologist Who Will Be Sensitive to My Racial or Ethnic Background and Sexual Orientation?

It’s important to feel comfortable with your doctor, but finding a gastroenterologist who is sensitive to your race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation may take a little bit of effort. If you are having trouble finding a doctor who shares your background, it could be helpful to research your prospective doctor’s memberships and affiliations. This information could help you determine if they make an active effort in educating themselves or advocating about inequities in the healthcare system.

Telemedicine visits also give you an opportunity to see a doctor of your choice who isn’t necessarily located in your area.

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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

articles from the Oxford Medical Center Kryvyi Rih

Hemorrhoids is a disease that is always heard, BUT many patients are not serious about its first signs. Wikipedia tells us that HEMORRHOIDS is a disease in proctology, a pathological expansion of hemorrhoidal veins, their inflammation, which contributes to the development of hemorrhoids.

Symptoms of hemorrhoids are very diverse and only a doctor can deal with them. The signs that are characteristic of this disease coincide with the manifestations of rectal cancer, and only an experienced proctologist can make a correct diagnosis and prescribe treatment. It is important to recognize the first symptoms in time and immediately consult a doctor, because hemorrhoids can lead to serious consequences:

With all the inconvenience that accompanies this disease, people do not rush to see a doctor for help, they all hope for “maybe it will go away on its own” – this is the whole reason for such a large percentage of chronic diseases.

Our proctologists at the appointment always try to explain to the patient in an accessible way that inflamed hemorrhoids will not disappear anywhere and it is necessary to immediately use the treatment in order not to bring it to the chronic stage. In the chronic stage, the disease can resume at any time with more serious symptoms and at the most inopportune moment due to the slightest misconduct: nutrition, heaviness, stress.

What are the conditions for visiting a proctologist?

• if you are 30 years old or older and your relatives suffered from hemorrhoids (there is a predisposition to varicose veins), then you should have an annual examination by a proctologist even if you do not have symptoms. In this case, prevention is the best treatment;

• there is discomfort in the anus – this is the first signal that can warn you about the development of hemorrhoids;

• swelling, inflammation or displacement of anal folds at certain times;

• anal itching, mucus, burning already indicate prolapsed hemorrhoids;

• bleeding on toilet paper, in feces – a characteristic symptom of hemorrhoids.