Lifestyle Changes For Managing Hemorrhoids
You may help prevent hemorrhoids from forming or from worsening with some lifestyle changes. These changes include:
- Do not while moving your bowels.
- Limit the amount of time you spend on the toilet.
- Increase fiber in your diet. Fiber helps give stool bulk so it can be moved through your intestines, and it also helps water remain in the stool so it does not become dry and difficult to pass.
- Increase fluid intake. Drink six to eight glasses of water and other liquids to help keep your stool soft.
- Exercise regularly. This will help regulate and stimulate your bowels.
- Apply topical ointments. OTC creams and suppositories can help relieve pain and reduce swelling.
What Is The Best Doctor For Hemorrhoid Surgery
There are many reasons you may see a doctor for your hemorrhoids. But, some cases may require you seek treatment from a doctor who specializes in the treatment of conditions that affect the rectum or anus.
While a proctologist is commonly known as the specialist to handle these types of conditions, it is actually a gastroenterologist that treats hemorrhoids.
Gastroenterologists diagnose and treat conditions that affect the digestive tract. This can include the:
- Stomach
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Bowel changes
Some gastroenterologists perform surgery under anesthesia. In more severe cases, your GI doctor may refer you to a proctologist, or colorectal surgeon.
Most patients who see a colorectal surgeon must see a GI doctor first for a referral.
There Are 2 Types Of Hemorrhoids
Not all hemorrhoids are the same. You can have internal hemorrhoids which are largely painless due to their location unless straining on the toilet causes them to move through your anus to the outside. External hemorrhoids are found around the anal opening and theyre usually swollen, painful, and cause you to have difficulty pooping.
Sometimes external hemorrhoids can have their blood supply blocked by clotting, and they become incredibly painful external thrombosed hemorrhoids which have an added risk of bursting and bleeding. Internal hemorrhoids are largely symptom free, though they may cause a little bleeding. However, external hemorrhoids can involve chronic pain, a struggle to pass stools, and lumps and swellings around the anus.
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What Can My Doctor Do For Hemorrhoids
There are many ways that hemorrhoids can be handled and treated. These options vary depending on the condition, severity and location of the hemorrhoids. Below are methods that may be employed to treat your hemorrhoids.
1. Injections
Internal hemorrhoids may be injected with a solution that causes a scar to be formed and close off the hemorrhoids. This procedure will only hurt a little but is usually very effective.
2. Cauterization or Coagulation
This method is a painless method of burning off, removing and sealing the end of the hemorrhoids with an electric probe, infrared light or laser beam.
The Coagulation method allows the hemorrhoid to close and shrink and is most effective for treating prolapsed hemorrhoids.
3. Rubber band ligation
Rubber band ligations are also mostly employed in cases of prolapsed hemorrhoids as well as protruding internal hemorrhoids that have been pushed outside .
In this treatment, the doctor will put a small rubber band around the hemorrhoid to cut off blood supply to the tissues therein.
Rubber band ligations will usually cause the hemorrhoid to dry up, shrink in size and fall due to the unavailability of blood.
4. Surgery or Hemorrhoidectomy
For large internal or external hemorrhoids that keep on worsening and bring excruciating discomfort to the patient, a surgical procedure may be required to remove the hemorrhoids or a newer technique using staples may be applied.
Most of these medical treatments are effective in treating hemorrhoids.
Why Do Hemorrhoids Often Itch
Your anus is a very sensitive area, and when something isnt right down there, it can lead to inflammation and itchiness. In the case of hemorrhoids, the internal type can drag mucus from the rectum along if they slip outside your anus.
If the hemorrhoid stays prolapsed it may continue to secrete mucus. Your anus can find the mucus incredibly irritating, and this is what creates that unpleasant itchy sensation. Often the itch is made worse when the mucus and your stools combine as you poop.
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What Is The Treatment For Hemorrhoids
Preventing the recurrence of hemorrhoids requires relieving the pressure of straining due to constipation or diarrhea. The most effective method to relieve constipation is increasing the amount of fiber and fluids in your diet. Eating the right amount of fiber and drinking six to eight glasses of fluid result in softer, bulkier stools. A softer stool makes emptying the bowels easier and lessens the pressure on hemorrhoids caused by straining. A reduction in straining also helps prevent the hemorrhoids from protruding.
Good sources of fiber are fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. In addition, we may recommend a bulk stool softener or a fiber supplement.
Medical treatment of hemorrhoids is aimed initially at relieving symptoms and includes:
- Tub baths several times a day in plain, warm water for about 10 minutes
- Application of a hemorroidal cream or suppository to the affected area for a limited time
What Training Does A Proctologist Have
To become a proctologist, you must first become a general surgeon. This includes 5 years of surgical residency after medical school. During their training, the general surgeons learn to perform different types of surgeries, such as hernia surgery, hemorrhoidal surgery, gallbladder surgery, breast surgery, and even vascular surgery. Thereafter, they do an extra year of specialized surgical training in surgeries on the colon, rectum, and anus to practice as a proctologist.
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Continue Learning About Hemorrhoids
Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.
Are You A Good Candidate For Hemorrhoid Removal
The goal of hemorrhoid surgery is to remove the enlarged hemorrhoid tissue and relieve rectal , itching and bleeding. But surgery is not your only option. Hemorrhoid treatments include lifestyle changes, minimally invasive procedures, and surgery. Use the following information as a guide in making the decision to have hemorrhoid removal surgery.
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How Can I Treat My Hemorrhoids
You can most often treat your hemorrhoids at home by
- taking a stool softener or a fiber supplement such as psyllium or methylcellulose
- 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 suppositoriesa medicine you insert into your rectummay 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.
Does A Hemroids Doctor Have Any Specialist Names Like Lasererologist Or Cryologist
They dont really have different names, but they may advertise differently. For example, a colorectal surgeon that specializes in cryosurgery is common, as is a colorectal surgeon specializing in laser surgery, but they dont have any official designation as such.
Each and every colorectal surgeon had to go through school to learn the scalpel method, and whatever certifications they got from there were gotten privately.
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What Kind Of Doctor Do I Need To See For My Hemorrhoids
A number of medical practitioners and doctors are all experienced and qualified to manage your hemorrhoids.
You may speak to the following types of medical professionals or doctors for hemorrhoids:
- General Practicioner
- General Surgeon
- Gynecologist
For Pregnant mothers who are prone to experiencing hemorrhoids in their third trimester, a Gynecologist may be the best person to visit considering these hemorrhoids are most likely present due to the increased pressure of pregnancy on the rectal and anal muscles.
Hemorrhoids during pregnancy can be very difficult to deal with. If you are pregnant with hemorrhoids, worry not, our hemorrhoids during pregnancy guide will help you manage your hemorrhoids in the best possible way.
Depending on the treatment, surgery may or may not be required.
A Colorectal surgeon or Proctologist may be required in severe cases that require operating on your hemorrhoids.
Most of these procedures can be performed in the doctors office to help shrink or remove the hemorrhoids.
Laser hemorrhoid surgery is also an option for your hemorrhoids, and you will want to make sure you choose an experienced hemorrhoid doctor when opting for laser hemorrhoid surgery.
Causes And Risk Factors Of Hemorrhoids
Several conditions and habits are thought to cause hemorrhoids:
- Chronic constipation or diarrhea
- Straining too hard during bowel movements
- Sitting on the toilet for a long time
Straining, constipation, and prolonged sitting can all affect the blood flow in the area, causing blood to not move at its expected rate within the vessels, leading to hemorrhoids.
Factors that raise your risk of developing hemorrhoids:
- Lack of fiber in the diet.
- Obesity: Being overweight can put pressure on the hemorrhoidal tissue.
- Aging: As we get older, the connective tissue in the rectum and anus becomes weaker, potentially resulting in bulging hemorrhoids.
- Pregnancy: As the fetus grows and puts pressure on the abdomen, the veins in the rectum and anus may become enlarged. The problem typically goes away after birth.
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Common Causes Of Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are common, and although theyre often associated with constipation and pregnancy, these arent the only causes. Although the precise mechanism isnt known, theres a correlation between increased pressure on the area, and thinning of tissues that contribute to creating the swollen veins that make up hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoids can be caused by:
- Constipation Chronic constipation can cause you to strain, but even when you do pass stools, they can be very hard and dehydrated, putting pressure on the delicate tissues of your anus.
- Severe straining The action of straining hard on the toilet can cause pressure in the anal area.
- Obesity Obesity and sitting down for long periods of time are both risk factors for hemorrhoids, as it bears increased pressure on the anus.
- Aging As you become older, the tissues supporting the blood supply to the anus weaken and begin to stretch, making you more susceptible to developing hemorrhoids.
- Pregnancy As the pregnancy progresses, the weight of the baby puts pressure on the anal region, making hemorrhoids more likely.
Many of these risk factors can be alleviated by drinking plenty of water, exercising, and eating a healthy diet rich in fiber to aid digestion.
What Type Of Doctor Should I Go To For My Hemorrhoids And Urinary Problems
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Procedures For Hemorrhoids Treatment
Some hemorrhoids can’t be managed with conservative treatments alone, either because symptoms persist or because an internal hemorrhoid has prolapsed. Fortunately, a number of minimally invasive hemorrhoid treatments are available that are less painful than traditional hemorrhoid removal and allow a quicker recovery. These procedures are generally performed in a surgeon’s office or as outpatient surgery in a hospital.
Band it. The most commonly used hemorrhoid treatment in the United States is rubber band ligation, in which a small elastic band is placed around the base of a hemorrhoid . The band causes the hemorrhoid to shrink and the surrounding tissue to scar as it heals, holding the hemorrhoid in place. It takes two to four procedures, done six to eight weeks apart, to completely eliminate the hemorrhoid. Complications, which are rare, include mild pain or tightness , bleeding, and infection. Other office procedures include laser or infrared coagulation, sclerotherapy, and cryosurgery. They all work on the same principle as rubber band ligation but are not quite as effective in preventing recurrence. Side effects and recurrence vary with the procedure, so consult your physician about what’s best for your situation.
How Long Do Hemorrhoids Last
The question Im asked a lot by patients is: Can hemorrhoids go away on their own? Unfortunately, its not a simple yes/no answer.
The length of time youre stuck with a hemorrhoid is dependent on a few factors. If you improve your diet, increase your water intake, apply a topical cream, and use damp toilet paper when wiping, you should alleviate your symptoms within a week if youre dealing with a mild external hemorrhoid.
Unfortunately, if your hemorrhoid issue is more severe, making these changes is not going to be enough . When youre struggling with hemorrhoids that bleed a lot, or cause you severe discomfort whenever you sit down, you may be dealing with a chronic condition that requires specialist help.
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Signs Your Hemorrhoids Warrant A Doctors Visit
Your doctor may also check for blood in the stool, examine the muscle tone of your anus, and perform a rectal exam to diagnose internal hemorrhoids. This is done in the doctors office with a gloved, lubricated finger and an anoscope . Your doctor may also recommend additional tests to rule out other causes of bleeding, especially if you are over age 40.
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When Should I Go To The Doctor For A Hemorrhoid
If you suffer hemorrhoids with strong pain, swelling, a blood clot , itching, inflammation and accompanied by bleeding, and you dont know how to relieve hemorrhoid pain, it is recommended to see your doctor in order to get better treatment.
It is recommended to know how long do external hemorrhoids last by specific external piles treatment. You can learn about pushing hemorrhoids back in for your prolapsed piles.
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How Are Hemorrhoids Diagnosed
Any time bleeding from the rectum or blood in the stool occurs, you need to get a thorough evaluation and proper diagnosis. Bleeding may also be a symptom of other digestive diseases, including colorectal cancer.
We will examine the anus and rectum to look for swollen blood vessels that indicate hemorrhoids and will also perform a digital rectal exam with a gloved, lubricated finger to feel for abnormalities.
Closer evaluation of the rectum for hemorrhoids requires an exam with an anoscope, a hollow, lighted tube useful for viewing internal hemorrhoids, or a proctoscope, useful for more completely examining the entire rectum.
To rule out other causes of gastrointestinal bleeding, we may recommend a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy, diagnostic procedures that also involve the use of lighted, flexible tubes inserted through the rectum.
When Should You Visit A Doctor For Hemorrhoid Treatment
Hemorrhoids may be managed by lifestyle modifications, such as drinking plenty of fluids, having a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and maintaining a healthy weight. This is especially true in the case of small and uncomplicated hemorrhoids in people with good general health. Sitz baths with warm water and potassium permanganate will also help. If you have the following symptoms you must take the doctorâs help right away:
- Hard, tender lumps felt at the bottom
- Anal pain, especially while sitting
- Bleeding from the rectum observed as bright red blood in the stool, on toilet paper, or in the toilet bowl after a bowel movement
- A bulging or swelling may be felt through the anus in case of a prolapsed hemorrhoid
- You have tried over the counter medications for more than a week, but there is no relief of symptoms
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Increasing Your Fibre Intake
You can gradually increase the amount of fibre in your diet by eating foods including:
- fresh fruit and vegetables
- nuts and seeds
- pulses
Commercial fibre supplements are also available and can be useful if you think you are not getting enough of the above foods in your diet.
Make sure you increase your fibre gradually so your digestive system has time to adapt.
Its also important to increase your fluid intake at the same time. This is because fibre in the stools acts like a sponge, absorbing moisture from the body. Try to drink lots of water. Cutting down on sugary drinks will also help you to cut down on calories that cause weight gain.
How Do I Know My Condition Warrants A Doctor Visit
This is one of the most common questions patients with hemorrhoids ask before seeing a doctor.
While all the symptoms of hemorrhoids can be irritating and leave you in serious discomfort, there are some telltale signs that you need to seek the advice of a medical professional.
Here are the signs from hemorrhoids that let you know you need to see a doctor:
- The presence of any type of rectal bleeding – While this is common amongst patients with hemorrhoids, there are some underlying conditions that can present with this symptom as well. Because these conditions are more severe, it is important to have your doctor diagnose your hemorrhoids properly to eliminate the idea that there is another condition causing the bleeding.
- Pain or discomfort that cant be ignored
- Persistence of your symptoms despite at-home remedies and over-the-counter treatments
- Black, maroon, or tarry looking stool, this can be a sign of rectal bleeding
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