What is a hemorrhoid?
Hemorrhoids, sometimes known as piles, are veins in the rectum or lower anus that have become swollen and irritated. The condition typically occurs when the vein walls in the rectum or anus grow so thin that the veins bulge or protrude. Hemorrhoids can occur internally (within the rectum) or externally (on the anus).
Hemorrhoids are not uncommon. In fact, approximately three out of four adults will experience piles at some time in their lives. In some occurrences, a blood clot will develop inside a hemorrhoid (a condition referred to as a thrombosed hemorrhoid) and can cause pain or discomfort. The board-certified GI providers at Gastroenterology Consultants are experts in helping patients with this common concern and other gastrointestinal (GI) conditions. To receive treatment for hemorrhoids in Houston, TX, please contact our practice today.
What causes hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids might stem from a range of contributing factors. Some of those factors include:
- Sitting or standing for long periods of time
- Ongoing diarrhea
- Obesity
- Straining too hard to perform a physical activity (such as lifting weights)
- Straining during bowel movements
- The natural aging process
- Genetic history of hemorrhoids
- Pregnancy
- Chronic constipation
What are some symptoms of hemorrhoids?
The symptoms that manifest with hemorrhoids can be varied depending on the area affected by the hemorrhoids. Typical signs include:
- Discomfort during the passing of stool
- Discomfort near the anus while conducting physical activities
- Bright red blood in one’s stool
- Discomfort and/or inflammation around the anus
- Itching around the anus
- Purple, pink, or blue raised lesions that protrude near the anus
How are hemorrhoids treated?
Smaller hemorrhoids will often heal without intervention after a few days. Your Gastroenterology Consultants gastroenterologist could prescribe medications or recommend home remedies to relieve the irritating symptoms of hemorrhoids. When larger hemorrhoids occur, however, professional involvement is available in Houston, TX and might be needed to excise or treat the hemorrhoid. Typical hemorrhoid treatments include:
- A high fiber diet
- Ice packs for reduction of anal swelling
- Surgery
- Draining of a clotted hemorrhoid (thrombosis)
- Stapling
- Sclerotherapy
- Ligation using rubber bands
- Good hygiene, specifically in the anal region
- Coagulation
- Avoidance of use of dry toilet paper
- Treating constipation or the primary cause of the hemorrhoids
- Applying topical ointment
- Tub baths several times daily in warm water
Timely treatment for hemorrhoids
While hemorrhoids rarely lead to more serious health issues, they can certainly be irritating and may wreak havoc on your quality of life. If you are in need of hemorrhoid treatment in Houston, TX, our physicians are available to assist. Please contact Gastroenterology Consultants today to connect with a gastroenterology specialist.
