Change Your Lifestyle To Decrease Strain On Your Bowels
When you feel the urge to defecate, dont hesitate! The longer stool remains within the body, the more your body draws water from it. However, when youre defecating, dont bear down or strain to push the stool out of your body. If youre straining to move your bowels, its time to get more fluids and fiber in your diet.d
You can also help move your bowels by getting regular exercise. A twenty-minute daily constitutional can provide all kinds of health benefits, including helping your bowels move.
If you can avoid sitting for prolonged periods, it will help keep weight and strain off your bottom!
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When Do Hemorrhoids Require Medical Intervention
Your hemorrhoids can be an embarrassing topic to discuss with anyone, even your doctor. But hemorrhoids are common and affect 5% of adults in the United States every year, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Its estimated, in fact, that as many as three in four adults will experience problems with hemorrhoids at some point in their lives.
Though you can find many treatments for hemorrhoids at your local pharmacy, home remedies dont help everyone. At Rivas Digestive Center, located in Hollywood, Florida, our expert gastroenterologist, Dr. John Rivas, wants you to know when its time to get medical help for your hemorrhoids.
A Noticeable Bulge At The Anus That Seems To Retract Following A Bowel Movement
Internal hemorrhoids can prolapse or fall outside of the anal opening during a bowel movement. Initially, the tissue may retract on its own or be easily pushed back inside. But prolapse can worsen over time and can eventually cause significant irritation, itching, bleeding, and pain as this internal tissue becomes trapped outside of the anus. Early treatment helps prevent the prolapse from worsening.
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Causes And Risk Factors Of Rectal Prolapse
Theres no single definitive cause of rectal prolapse, although a number of known factors can increase your risk of developing this condition.
- Chronic constipation
- Chronic diarrhea
- History of straining during bowel movements
- Weak muscles in the pelvic area
- Being of older age
- Previous injury in the anal or pelvic area
- Nerve damage
How Can I Prevent Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are common as you get older. These steps can help prevent hard stools and constipation that can lead to hemorrhoids:
- Dont sit too long or push too hard on the toilet.
- Go the toilet when the urge hits dont delay bowel movements.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Eat more high-fiber foods or take supplements. Generally, women should aim for 25 grams of fiber per day, while men should get 35 grams of fiber.
- Stay physically active. Being on the move keeps bowels moving.
- Take laxatives or use enemas only as recommended by your healthcare provider. Too many laxatives or enemas can make it hard for your body to regulate how you poop.
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Prevention Of Rectal Bleeding
The best way to prevent rectal bleeding is to prevent its chief causes.
People at high risk for colorectal cancer should undergo regular screenings, primarily colonoscopy. Colorectal cancer screenings can detect precancerous polyps in the colon or rectum so that they can be removed before they turn into cancer. Screenings can also identify colorectal cancer early, when treatment is more likely to be successful.
What Are The Risks Of Treatments For Hemorrhoids
Most non-surgical treatments have few risks. Possible problems may include:
- Pain or discomfort. For some people, the pain may be so bad that they will not be able to do their normal activities for a day or so.
- Bleeding, which may require another doctor visit to treat.
- Temporary trouble urinating because of pain. If you are completely unable to urinate, you’ll need treatment.
- Infection or abscess.
Rubber band ligation appears to cause more pain than other types of non-surgical procedures. Infrared photocoagulation usually causes fewer side effects.footnote 2
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How To Find A Hemorrhoids Doctor Near Me
There are many ways to find a hemorrhoid doctor in your area. For starters, your primary care physician is a great place to start.
Not only can they treat your hemorrhoids, they can refer you to a specialist if there is a need.
Because some insurance companies require a referral to cover the expenses associated with specialists, you may be required to see your general practitioner first.
Although hemorrhoids are extremely common, most patients dont like to talk about the fact that they have them.
Close family members you are comfortable with may have suggestions for a hemorrhoid doctor.
If you dont feel comfortable talking to a family member about hemorrhoid treatment, there are many online websites that review medical providers.
Search for hemorrhoid doctors near me online. Online review sites like Yelp and Google can show real reviews from patients who have experience working directly with the provider you are looking at.
Do some research on the provider and their medical practice.
You want to find a hemorrhoid doctor that has both the ability to treat your condition effectively and the experience to give you the confidence in your provider.
Which Illnesses Do Hemorrhoid Specialists Treat
There are two different types of hemorrhoids that can exist together, namely:
- internal hemorrhoids, which will be located in the lower rectum
- external hemorrhoids, which can occur under the skin immediately around the anus itself.
The most discomforting type are the external hemorrhoids because the overlying skin in this area, which is sensitive to pain and temperature, can soon become irritated and tends to wear away. If a blood clot should then form inside an external hemorrhoid, the pain is often sudden and can be severe. There may be a lump in the anal area, which can be felt or seen. The clot then typically dissolves, leaving a skin tag which may often itch or become irritated.
Unlike the external type, internal hemorrhoids are typically painless, even if they produce bleeding. Thus, you may notice bright red blood on the toilet paper, or else blood dripping into the toilet bowl. In addition, internally forming hemorrhoids can also prolapse, and thus extend beyond the anus. This can result in a number of potential problems because a protruding hemorrhoid may then collect microscopic stool particles and small amounts of mucus. This may then cause an irritation, which is called pruritus ani, and constantly wiping in an effort to relieve the itching may simply make the problem worse.
Based on the degree of prolapse, a standard medical classification recognises the following four grades of prolapsed hemorrhoid:
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What Types Of Hemorrhoids Are There
- External hemorrhoids are near the opening of the anus. They may be painful, but home treatments usually work to control them.
- Internal hemorrhoids are inside the anal canal. They usually don’t cause pain. But they can itch, cause a feeling of pressure, and make it hard to clean around the anus. They may also bleed or leak mucus. Sometimes they stick out of the anus.
When To See A Doctor About Hemorrhoids
Talking about rectal problems like hemorrhoids can feel embarrassing. But this common problem affects an estimated 3 in 4 Americans sometime during their lifetimes half of them by the time they turn 50.
With hemorrhoids being such a widespread problem, its no surprise that local drugstores have plenty of treatments promising to help. But what if over-the-counter treatments dont help? Can medical care solve your problem and relieve your discomfort?
At Paonessa Colon & Rectal Surgery, we say, Yes. And the good news? Getting medical hemorrhoid treatment doesnt always mean you need surgery. In fact, you can rest easy knowing that most of the time, it doesnt.
Board-certified general surgeon and proctologist Nina J. Paonessa, DO, leads our team. Shes a specialist who is well-known for her medical expertise as well as her passion for making her patients feel comfortable when addressing this sometimes embarrassing condition. Dr. Paonessa is also the only female colorectal surgeon in Ocean and Monmouth counties, New Jersey.
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How Do You Get Rid Of A Hemorrhoid Without Going To The Doctor
Home remedies
Nonsurgical Treatment For Hemorrhoids
- Dietary planning. Your doctor may recommend that you include more water and high-fiber foods in your diet to promote good bowel habits, which can reduce your risk of developing hemorrhoids.
- Medications. For mild cases of hemorrhoids, your doctor may recommend treatment using creams, suppositories, ointments, or medicated pads.
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Recovering From Hemorrhoid Surgery
1 to 3 Days post-op For the first 24 hours after your hemorrhoid surgery or hemorrhoidectomy, you should not drive, operate heavy machinery, make important decisions, or sign legal documentation. You should also refrain from consuming alcohol and large or heavy meals. The patient should be prepared to experience discomfort in the first two to three days. I recommend using prescribed pain medication along with lotions, suppositories, and anti-inflammatories to assist in all facets of recovery. You most probably will need to use painkillers for the first 24-72 hours after hemorrhoid surgery and then I recommend switching to Tylenol or Ibuprofen for the next one to two weeks.
2 to 5 Days post-op It is common to not have a bowel movement for 2-3 days after your hemorrhoid surgery, so stay well hydrated, eating fruits and vegetables daily, and consider taking a mild laxative to help this process along. You may need to use painkillers for the first 24-72 hours after hemorrhoid surgery. On day 3, we recommend switching to Tylenol or Ibuprofen. You will need to avoid stress to the operative site for 3-5 days.
1 to 2 Weeks post-op Epsom salt baths are a lifesaver and assist in not only the healing process, but also pain control as well.
And of note, most anal procedures, including hemorrhoid surgery, see full healing around 6-8 weeks, with us seeing you two times during this period to assist in the healing process.
Some specifics most clients ask:
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Do You Really Have Hemorrhoids
Many people who experience pain, irritation or anything outof the ordinary in the anal region probably assume its a hemorrhoid. But dontgo reaching for the medicated cream or pads just yet. Manyother conditions could be the culprit, including anal fissure, analwarts, an infection, anal cancer in serious cases, or even just a cut.
Work with a doctor to rule out those things and determinewhat treatment you need.
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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.
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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Prevention Tips & How To Find Relief
There are many different treatment options for patients looking for at-home solutions. Smaller hemorrhoids can be successfully treated at home through a combination of dietary changes and OTC medicines.
- Get more fiber in your diet. Eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help ease digestion. If you have trouble changing your diet, talk to your doctor and ask if a fiber supplement may work for you. Drinking more water can also help.
- Use over-the-counter pain relievers and hemorrhoid creams. Oral pain relievers containing acetaminophen and ibuprofen can help reduce discomfort. Topical creams can also relieve pain and itching.
- Soak in a sitz bath. A sitz bath involves sitting in a warm, shallow bath for 10 to 15 minutes to promote blood flow and keep the perianal area clean. Some manufacturers make sitz bath apparatuses that can be attached directly to a toilet seat, but you can also use a regular bathtub.
- Sit on a donut cushion. Donut-shaped cushions can help reduce the pressure on your tailbone when sitting. Cushions like these can help alleviate anal pain and discomfort, especially for patients who spend most of their day sitting at work.
- Limit your time on the toilet. Sitting on the toilet for too long can increase pressure in the veins in your anus and rectum, which can lead to hemorrhoids. Dont stay on the toilet for longer than you need toit may help to keep your phone out of the bathroom and remove any magazines or books that you keep nearby.
Carolina Digestive Health Associates
Carolina Digestive Health Associates is a group of gastroenterologists serving the residents of North Carolina. We have fourteen highly rated GI doctors who provide service at eight offices and five endoscopy centers. Our doctors work in all major hospitals in the Charlotte metropolitan area.
Our physicians, together with our highly trained physician assistants and nurse practitioners, cover a wide range of specialties and are skilled in diagnosis and treatment. Whether you have chronic problems with your digestive tract, a recent, acute attack or simply want a checkup, our team is here in North Carolina to help you reach your healthcare goals.
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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.
Experiencing Anal Discomfort Or Irritation
You dont have to live with hemorrhoids symptoms until the pain becomes so severe it disrupts your life. Dr. Paonessa offers several effective, nonsurgical treatments that can resolve your hemorrhoids, including:
- Rubber band ligation
- Sclerosis treatment
During rubber band ligation, Dr. Paonessa blocks blood flow to the hemorrhoidal tissue by wrapping a rubber band around it. Within a few days, the hemorrhoid shrivels, dies, and simply drops off. With sclerosis, Dr. Paonessa injects a chemical solution into your hemorrhoid, causing the vein to collapse and wither away.
You can rely on Dr. Paonessa to focus first on accurately diagnosing your condition. Then she recommends the most conservative and effective hemorrhoid treatment available, along with tips that help prevent hemorrhoids from recurring.
Dont live with hemorrhoid discomfort contact us to schedule your appointment today at Paonessa Colon & Rectal Surgery in Brielle and Manahawkin, New Jersey.
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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.
Is It Internal Or External Hemorrhoids
If your symptoms include internal itching, anal bleeding anda bulge that comes and goes with bowel movements, an internal hemorrhoid is thelikely culprit.
However, some people are more bothered by externalhemorrhoids, which can cause swelling, itching and bleeding, and be unsightly.Visible bumps and tags are common with external hemorrhoids.
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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: