Can Hemorrhoids Be Prevented Or Avoided
Just about everyone has hemorrhoids at some time. But some things may make you more likely to get them. People whose parents had hemorrhoids may be more likely to get them. Pregnant women often get hemorrhoids because of the strain from carrying the baby and from giving birth. Being very overweight or standing or lifting too much can make hemorrhoids worse.
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:
These usually contain an emollient . In addition, there may be an anesthetic and/or steroid . 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 and also helps reduce the size of hemorrhoids.
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, single bands are applied once a week for several weeks. This is done as an outpatient in the doctors 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 doesnt 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.
The advantages include:
Is Bright Red Blood In My Stool Worse Than Darker Blood
The longer the blood is in your digestive tract, the darker it will typically look. This is because there are digestive chemicals in your body that naturally break down everything that moves through your digestive tract. The blood gets darker the longer its in contact with these chemicals. If your bleeding is higher up in the digestive tract, it might appear darker in the toilet. If you see bright red blood, that can mean its lower in your digestive tract or is moving through your body very quickly. While there are many benign causes of bright red bleeding, there are fewer benign causes of darker blood for this reason, dark blood may be more concerning, and warrants workup by your healthcare provider.
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What Are The Signs That You Need To See A Doctor For Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids can be misdiagnosed easily if a person tries to self-diagnose the disease. Most people cant recognize the disease, especially in the earlier stages of internal hemorrhoids when the swollen and inflamed veins are not visible externally. Hence, it is important that you go and see a doctor about your hemorrhoids. Here are four signs that indicate that your hemorrhoids need medical intervention at the earliest.
1. Rectal Bleeding
Bleeding during the bowels is the first sign you will notice if you have hemorrhoids. Both internal and external hemorrhoids bleed even in the early stages. Over time, the bleeding will become more severe and it could lead to mild to moderate anemia. However, rectal bleeding can be a sign of other underlying conditions too. Hence, you should never ignore this sign and get diagnosed right away. Only a professional doctor will be able to diagnose the disease accurately.
3. Feeling of Fullness
4. Long-lasting Discomfort & Irritation
Most people try to bear the pain caused by hemorrhoids for a long time and avoid seeking treatment. But you should understand that it is not possible to live with hemorrhoids. The mild pain, discomfort, and irritation will increase if hemorrhoids are left untreated for a long time.
Why Should I Visit My Jackson Clinic Doctor Who Uses The Nexus Ligator System
- Quickest treatment option for internal hemorrhoids
- Non-allergenic, with latex-free rubber bands
- Completely disposable, eliminating the risk for cross-contamination
- Can treat single or multiple internal hemorrhoids during one procedure
- Non-disruptive before or after the procedure
- Gives doctors the clearest possible view of the procedure, ensuring safety
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When To See A Gastroenterologist For Rectal Bleeding
Seeing blood after moving your bowels can be worrisome, but there are many conditions which might cause this and not all are serious or life threatening. However, in some circumstances a trip to a gastroenterologist might be in order. Lets find out when to see a gastroenterologist for rectal bleeding.
How Does The Nexus Ligator Work
A doctor first examines the rectum with one of his or her fingers and then inserts a small device called an anoscope into the rectum. This allows the doctor to see the internal hemorrhoids and determine if they should be treated. Next, the Nexus Ligator System will be inserted through the anoscope. In a matter of seconds, the doctor squeezes the handle on the instrument and applies a tiny, latex-free rubber band on to one of the hemorrhoids. Typically, patients experience very minimal, if any, discomfort during the procedure.
The rubber band disrupts the blood supply to the hemorrhoid, and within a few days, the hemorrhoid will shrivel up and then pass, usually unnoticed, with a normal bowel movement. Thats it! The entire procedure takes less than 10 minutes. Who knew that getting rid of your hemorrhoids could be so easy?
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Will My Doctor Use A Colonoscopy To Diagnose My Hemorrhoid
If your doctor feels something unusual or wants to look further to ensure accuracy in their diagnosis, they may perform a colonoscopy.
A colonoscopy gives your doctor the ability to examine your entire colon. A colonoscopy is performed at a medical treatment center or hospital under anesthesia.
During the procedure, your doctor will insert a small medical camera into the rectum to look closer at what is going on inside the rectum.
Modify Your Daily Activities
- Avoid prolonged sitting or standing. Take frequent short walks.
- If possible, avoid lifting heavy objects frequently. If you must lift heavy objects, always exhale as you lift the object. Dont hold your breath when you lift.
- If you are pregnant, sleeping on your side will lower pressure on the blood vessels in your pelvis. This can help keep hemorrhoids from becoming bigger.
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How Do You Treat Hemorrhoids
Simple preventive measures can reduce your risk of hemorrhoids in North Carolina. Simple home remedies include the following:
- Exercise regularly. Obesity is a significant risk factor when it comes to hemorrhoid development, and regular exercise can help you stimulate your bowels. Aim to get at least 20 minutes of moderate exercise each day.
- Sit on cushions. Sitting on a soft surface rather than a hard surface can help reduce swelling and reduce the pressure.
- Facilitate regular bowel movements. Holding stool in can lead to increased pressure and straining during bowel movements. Scheduling time to go to the bathroom or going to the bathroom immediately can reduce hemorrhoid risk.
Look At Your Insurance
Its important to understand what your insurance does and doesnt cover. Review your benefits and ask questions if you dont understand any part of the coverage. This is also a good time to make sure you understand what costs youre responsible for especially for some genetic testing.
Find out which hospitals and providers are considered in-network, where youll receive care at a lower price. Going out-of-network can be costly. The bills can add up if theres a complication and you or your baby needs special care, such as a stay in the neonatal intensive care unit .
Generally, I dont think its worthwhile to look out-of-network, especially for pregnancy care and labor and delivery. However, there are exceptions.
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Hemorrhoids Are Common So Dont Be Shy About Seeking Relief
Most people dont want to talk about hemorrhoids. But keeping silent could stand in the way getting relief for a condition thats very common. And your doctor certainly doesnt mind addressing the topic of hemorrhoids. In fact, they want to discuss your symptoms. Because what you think is a hemorrhoid could be something more serious. Its best to get your hemorrhoids checked out early, for your peace of mind and to protect your health.Doctors have seen and heard everything, so you dont have to feel embarrassed when talking about hemorrhoids especially since nearly half of all adults experience them by age 50, says Dr. Christopher Buzas, a colorectal surgeon at Geisinger. However, its essential to get a medical diagnosis to rule out other conditions, like colon cancer or irritable bowel syndrome, and not rely on your own opinion about whats causing the problem.
What Questions Should I Ask My Doctor About Rectal Bleeding During An Appointment
If youre experiencing rectal bleeding, calling your healthcare provider and going in for an appointment is often a good idea. Your provider will figure out whats causing the bleeding and develop a plan to stop the bleeding.
Its important to ask any questions you might have during this appointment. Dont be embarrassed to talk about your bowel movements or details about your poop. This information might seem disgusting, but it will help your provider know whats happening and find the best way to help you feel better.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 08/13/2020.
References
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How Are Bleeding Hemorrhoids Treated At Home
A bleeding hemorrhoid is usually a sign of irritation or damage to the wall of the hemorrhoid. This should resolve on its own over time, but there are several things you can do at home to speed up the process and soothe any discomfort.
However, if theres no clear source of bleeding or if the bleeding doesnt go away within a week, see your doctor.
Experts note that hemorrhoids are often self-diagnosed, which can be dangerous. Many medical conditions, including cancer and inflammatory bowel disease , can have similar symptoms. For this reason, its important to receive a proper diagnosis from your doctor.
If you have been diagnosed with a hemorrhoid thats itchy or painful, start by gently cleaning the area and reducing inflammation. These strategies can help:
Next, try to soften your stools to keep your digestive system in good working order and reduce your risk of further irritation or damage to a bleeding hemorrhoid. Here are some tips:
If youre still noticing blood or a lot of discomfort after a week of home treatments, you may need to revisit your doctor for additional treatment.
If home treatments arent providing any relief, there are several surgical treatments that can help. Many of them can be done in the office and dont require general anesthesia.
These include:
If your bleeding hemorrhoids are larger or more severe, your doctor may recommend more advanced treatment, such as more extensive surgery.
What Treatment Methods Are Used By Hemorrhoid Specialists
A visual examination by a primary care doctor is often enough to diagnose a simple case of hemorrhoids, which can then be treated by using:
- corticosteroid cream, which can help to reduce swelling and pain
- hemorrhoid cream containing lidocaine, which helps to reduce pain
- stool softeners designed to minimise straining and constipation
Other useful home treatments include:
- applying witch hazel with a cotton swab
- wearing cotton underwear
- avoiding perfumed and coloured toilet tissue
- avoiding scratching the area
- using a warm-water Sitz bath to relieve the symptoms
In more complex cases, these treatments may not be enough to cure the problem. Where surgery is a recommended option, it will usually involve one of these procedures:
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Lifestyle Changes And Over
Often, with a milder case of hemorrhoids, lifestyle changes can relieve symptoms in as little as a week. Some changes your doctor might recommend for your lifestyle include adding more fiber to your diet, drinking more water, getting additional moderate exercise and avoiding sitting for long periods of time. You may also need to supplement your diet with stool softeners if you have trouble getting enough fiber. Maintaining these lifestyle changes will help prevent hemorrhoids from developing as well.
In addition to lifestyle changes, over-the-counter medications such as hemorrhoid creams and medicated pads can offer relief from symptoms. Rectal suppositories that contain hydrocortisone are also helpful.
Another home remedy that can provide relief from symptoms of hemorrhoids is a sitz bath. For a sitz bath, sit in about 3 inches of warm water for about 15 minutes at a time several times a day. This can be done in a bathtub, or by using a sitz bath that sits on your toilet seat for more convenience.
Lifestyle changes and over-the-counter remedies may not be able to completely clear up hemorrhoids. Other options include:
- Office-based ligation Rubber-band ligation cuts off blood supply to the hemorrhoid, causing it to fall off.
- Surgical procedures Not all hemorrhoids respond to ligation, so our team offers advanced surgery options to remove excess tissue or reduce the size of hemorrhoids.
What Are The Treatment Options For Hemorrhoids
Knowing when to see your doctor for hemorrhoids is essential as it will determine what treatment options you have. If hemorrhoids havent advanced to the chronic stage, they can be treated using either home remedies or non-surgical methods, such as:
- Rubber band ligation, where a rubber band is placed at the base of the hemorrhoid to cut off the blood supply. The hemorrhoid tissue shrinks due to the shortage of blood and falls off within a week leaving scar tissue behind.
- Sclerotherapyis another non-surgical technique where a chemical is injected into the hemorrhoids to shrink them.
- Coagulationis also effective for the treatment of internal hemorrhoids where an infrared light or electric current is used to halt the blood flow and shrink the hemorrhoid tissue.
If your condition is chronic, these non-surgical methods wont be a suitable choice for you as they will require repeated sittings. As a result, it will take weeks to get rid of hemorrhoids completely. So, instead of using these methods, the doctor may suggest that you opt for a surgical procedure to cure hemorrhoids. The surgical methods include:
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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
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.
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Talking To Your Health Care Provider
When your body is going through physical changes that may be completely new to you, it isnât always easy to talk to your health care provider. Maybe youâre wondering whether you can have sex or what to do about hemorrhoids or constipation, or maybe youâre feeling feeling worried about the delivery.
You might feel embarrassed to ask these or other questions, but itâs important to do so and remember, your health care provider has heard them all before. Keep a running list of questions, and take it with you to each visit.
Also, if you have:
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Are There Any Foods That Can Change The Color Of My Stool In A Similar Way To Rectal Bleeding
There are certain foods that can make your poop an unusual color. You can have green, yellow and even black stool. This can happen for a variety of reasons having too much bile during digestion, having a medical condition like inflammatory bowel disease or celiac disease, being on antibiotics, or even just eating foods with strong color pigments.
Often, blood can make your stool look very dark and almost black. Foods like black licorice, beets, dark berries and red gelatin can all make your poop look very dark. This can easily be confused for blood in your stool. If you notice very dark poop during a bowel movement, think back to what you ate recently. Theres a chance that what you ate could be the cause for the usually dark stool.
The Most Common Symptom Of Internal Hemorrhoids Is Bleeding
Internal hemorrhoids form when blood vessels inside the rectum become swollen and engorged. Although they form in the lowest part of the rectum, internal hemorrhoids are still far enough inside you may not even know that theyre there. In fact, everyone actually has internal hemorrhoids, but we only notice them once they become a problem. Internal hemorrhoids can worsen over time, but since there are very few pain-sensing nerves in the lower rectal area, you are unlikely to feel any pain. In fact, the most common symptoms of mild internal hemorrhoids is bleeding. You can read more about hemorrhoid bleeding on our blog: here. However, when internal hemorrhoids become moderate to severe, you will likely begin to experience those hard-to-ignore hemorrhoid symptoms.
by Robert Cutler, D.O. | Feb 8, 2019 | Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids can cause you to feel many things. But painfully excruciating shouldnt be one of them. Hemorrhoids are the results of and occur when heavy straining or pressure is put on the veins of this area. There are many types of hemorrhoid relief treatments however, if your treatment options arent working, it may be time to see your proctologist on other best hemorrhoid treatment options.
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