What Is A Hemorrhoid Specialist
A hemorrhoid specialist is a physician who specializes in treating, managing, and preventing hemorrhoids, inflammations around the anus and rectum. General practitioners, internal medicine specialists, gastroenterologists, and proctologists can all choose to pursue careers as hemorrhoid specialists. People who experience recurrent hemorrhoids may find it helpful to see a hemorrhoid specialist for more in-depth care than a regular doctor can provide.
These specialists usually handle other medical issues as well, but have received some special training in hemorrhoids and pursue continuing education to keep up with the latest advances in treatment and management. When a patient goes to a hemorrhoid specialist, the doctor will take a complete patient history, review the patients chart for more information, and conduct a physical exam. This will be used to develop a treatment plan.
How Do Colorectal Surgeons Diagnose Hemorrhoids
A visual exam or digital rectal exam may be enough to diagnose your hemorrhoids. However, depending on your medical history and physical exam, your colorectal surgeon may perform a colonoscopy to rule out other potential causes of rectal bleeding and hemorrhoid symptoms.
Through performing a colonoscopy, your colorectal surgeon will be able to look at the lining of your colon and rectum. This procedure allows your doctor to not only detect internal hemorrhoids but also check for colorectal cancer and precancerous growths.
What Is A Gastroenterologist
A Gastroenterologist is a doctor who has completed training in general internal medicine and has completed further training in gastroenterology or disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. Gastroenterologists diagnose and treat problems affecting any part of the digestive tract. The digestive tract includes the gallbladder, small intestine, colon, pancreas, stomach and liver.
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When Should I See My Doctor
See your doctor if you start to notice pain and discomfort around your anus, especially when you sit or have a bowel movement.
Seek emergency medical attention if you notice any drastic worsening of your symptoms or any of these other symptoms, especially if theyre interfering with your daily activities:
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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.
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What Kind Of Doctor Treats Hemorrhoids
By | Submitted On September 21, 2009
If your hemorrhoidal condition is bothering you a lot, knowing what kind of doctor treats hemorrhoids can be a solution to your misery.
In general, all medical doctors can treat hemorrhoids. With the right treatment and attitude, this is very manageable. However, if you are looking for a specialist, then a proctologist is the one who handles problems in the anus and rectum.
Hemorrhoids take place only in the anus. Anal veins are uniquely designed to cope with the constant contraction and relaxation of the colon to accommodate and pass out stools. But if we do not look after that part of our body, then we can end up suffering from hemorrhoids.
Researchers say that hemorrhoids are common and can happen to anybody. Others would even claim that this is normal only when it gets bothersome, does it become a problem.
Initially, when you find out you have hemorrhoids you may be shocked or fearful. This is when you may start asking questions like, what kind of doctor treats hemorrhoids?
Along with the pain, bleeding also accompanies the swelling. This adds up to your devastation as you become more worried about soiling your underwear and even your clothes.
But if you want to know how to get rid of your hemorrhoids SUPER fast, pay attention!
Is it even possible to get rid of your hemorrhoids in 48 hours naturally, without side effects?
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.
Also Check: When Should You Go To The Hospital For Hemorrhoids
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Bleeding When You Have A Bowel Movement
There are many underlying causes of rectal bleeding, including hemorrhoids. If you have bleeding from internal hemorrhoids, its usually bright red, occurs with bowel movements, causes no pain, and ranges from mild to moderate in quantity.
But never assume rectal bleeding is due to hemorrhoids. If youve never been diagnosed with hemorrhoids or you have noticed a change in the characteristics of the bleeding youve had with hemorrhoids in the past see us for an accurate diagnosis.
Change In Bowel Habits
With a prolapsed internal hemorrhoid you may develop the sensation that you cant fully evacuate your bowels. You may also notice a mucous discharge or difficulty cleaning yourself following a bowel movement because of displaced toilet tissue.
These symptoms can be uncomfortable but easily treated with medical intervention.
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How To Cure Piles
Most patients with hemorrhoids in mild and moderate severity prefer topical treatment. It has been popular information about how to get rid of hemorrhoids fast with a natural home remedy.
Relieving piles with essential oil for shrink hemorrhoids, apple cider vinegar, Epsom salt, ice pack, bilberry, and other natural remedies are commonly used. Apply over-the-counter medicines are also an option for the treatment of hemorrhoids by chemical means.
When Should I Worry About My Hemorrhoids And See A Doctor
You should see a doctor when youre suffering from any of the following symptoms:
- Bleeding from the anus, reddish or tar-colored stools, or spots of blood on your toilet paper.
- Pain in your rectum or anus.
- Milder symptoms like itching that dont stop after a week.
- A feeling of being full in your rectum even after youve had a bowel movement.
- Leaking stool.
- Any tissue coming out of your anus .
While hemorrhoids are generally mild, you should see a doctor to at least rule out anything more serious.
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What Else Works For Hemorrhoids
Once you determine your hemorrhoids causes, you can begin working to prevent them from flaring up.
DIY Witch hazel extracts or medical pads work great.
They help to soothe the area, reduce swelling and inflammation with their astringent, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
We’ve compiled a list of the best hemorrhoid products below.
There are a handful of risk factors that increases ones predisposition to the condition such as constipation, pregnancies, diet and hydration, and the manifestation of hemorrhoids may appear in two to three forms.
There are many different causes of hemorrhoids, and each person may have more than one cause.
The least painful manifestation of hemorrhoids is the internal hemorrhoids that may sometimes pass without any serious hemorrhoid pain or discomfort.
There are also instances where hemorrhoids are developed externally or cases where internal hemorrhoid are pushed outward by stool or harsh physical interactions.
Severe cases are experienced when external hemorrhoids become thrombosed and treating thrombosed hemorrhoids may require incision and laceration to drain the hemorrhoid and provide hemorrhoid relief to the patient.
If your thrombosed hemorrhoid bursts and bleeds, it might bleed for 10 seconds or less. If it bleeds longer than that or there is a lot of blood you should see a doctor immediately.
When Should You Go To The Doctor For Hemorrhoids
Again, before assuming that your condition is hemorrhoids, its a good idea to see your doctor for an examination. After all, its difficult to take a look for yourself. If there is any bleeding, severe pain or fecal incontinence , you should definitely see the doctor. A large amount of bleeding or the sudden onset of severe pain means you should seek medical treatment immediately.
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About Los Angeles Colon And Rectal Surgical Associates
Gary H. Hoffman M.D., Eiman Firoozmand M.D., Liza M. Capiendo M.D. and Stephen Yoo M.D. specialize in colon and rectal surgery and general surgery. Although many of their patients are from countries around the world and from all areas of California and Southern California, most patients are from Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Culver City, the Valley, South Bay, Santa Monica, as well as outlying areas such as Lancaster, Bakersfield, Fresno and San Diego.
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Find A Hemorrhoid Specialist
- sitting on the toilet for extended periods of time,
- blood thinners or other medications, which may increase the risk of hemorrhoidal bleeding,
- frequently moving or lifting heavy objects without proper support, and
- pregnancy or labor.
Increased pressure in the abdominal cavity, constipation in pregnancy, and breastfeeding may lead to excess strain on the tissue around the anus and rectum.
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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.
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.
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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:
What Type Of Doctor Should I Go To For My Hemorrhoids And Urinary Problems
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How To Soar To Self
Different Types of Hemorrhoids
There are two types of hemorrhoids: external and internal. External hemorrhoids arise from the anal canal, while internal hemorrhoids arise from the rectum, immediately above the anal canal. According to Cuckoo Choudhary, MD, associate professor of gastroenterology at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, one type is not worse than the other, but both can cause problems. “It all depends on the size and degree of the hemorrhoid,” Dr. Choudhary says. “Untreated internal hemorrhoids can cause bleeding. External hemorrhoids can cause thrombosis , which gives way to severe pain from hemorrhoidal strangulation.”
If you know you have hemorrhoids and you have acute and severe anal pain, it could be a sign of thrombosed hemorrhoids.
Know When to See Your Doctor
Though the annoyance of hemorrhoids can be reason enough to call your doctor, use this checklist to know when a visit is a must:
- If you’re experiencing any type of rectal bleeding
- If the hemorrhoids are causing you pain or discomfort
- If the problems persist despite trying over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams or other remedies
- If you’re passing stools that look maroon in color or tarry in color, a sign of bleeding
If you experience a large amount of rectal bleeding that is accompanied by dizziness or faintness, be sure to seek emergency medical care immediately.
How Are Hemorrhoids Diagnosed
You likely already know if you have a hemorrhoid. Its often possible to diagnose hemorrhoids just by looking. But if you have internal hemorrhoids, a doctor can perform a quick exam to confirm it. He or she will use a gloved, lubricated finger to feel in and around your rectum. Your doctor may also order a sigmoidoscopy. During a sigmoidoscopy, he or she will insert a small camera to look into your rectum. They also may perform an anoscopy. A small instrument called an anoscope is inserted a few inches into the anus to examine the anal canal.
Its important to see your doctor if you notice bleeding from your rectum. You need to make sure the cause is hemorrhoids and not some other problem. Bleeding from your rectum or anus or bloody stools may be a sign of something more serious such as cancer.
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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.
What Are The Symptoms Of Hemorrhoids
Many other anorectal problems, including fissures, fistulas, and abscesses have similar symptoms to hemorrhoids and are incorrectly referred to as hemorrhoids. The most common symptom of internal hemorrhoids is bright red blood covering the stool, visible on toilet paper or in the toilet bowl. However, an internal hemorrhoid may protrude through the anus outside the body, where it becomes irritated and painful. This is known as a protruding hemorrhoid.
Hemorrhoids usually are not dangerous or life threatening. In most cases, their symptoms will go away within a few days. In fact, not everyone who has hemorrhoids even experiences symptoms.
Symptoms of external hemorrhoids may include painful swelling or a hard lump around the anus that results when a blood clot forms. This condition is known as a thrombosed external hemorrhoid.
In addition, excessive straining, rubbing or cleaning around the anus may cause irritation with bleeding and/or itching, which may produce a vicious cycle of symptoms. Draining mucus may also cause itching.
Read Also: How To Treat Swollen Internal Hemorrhoids
The Right Doctor Will Listen & Answer Your Questions
A doctor should listen to your questions and concerns and answer them in a way you understand. They will also help you understand your treatment options and feel comfortable discussing the problem.
After treatment, your doctor should thoroughly go over aftercare and how you can treat yourself at home to lessen symptoms and heal.
Talk About Their Most Commonly Performed Procedures
If in-office treatments and medications do not cure your hemorrhoids within a couple of weeks, some doctors may want to jump directly into discussing an invasive surgical procedures to remove the offending tissue. While a hemorrhoidectomy is occasionally necessary, there are other options that are better suited to most cases.
Since hemorrhoidectomies are only absolutely necessary in very specific cases, you want to find someone who performs more minimally invasive procedures. Consider those who first opt for alternative hemorrhoidal operations such as the procedure for prolapse and hemorrhoids or laser hemorrhoidectomies. These alternatives result in a faster recovery and less postoperative pain without significantly increasing the risk of recurrence.
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Noticing An Anal Bulge That Retracts After Passing Stools
When you have internal hemorrhoids, they can prolapse your anal opening during a bowel movement. At first, the tissue may retract on its own, or you can easily push it back inside. But a prolapse can worsen over time and can eventually cause significant irritation, bleeding, itching, and pain as this internal tissue becomes trapped outside of your anus.
Get early treatment to prevent a prolapse from growing worse.