What Kind Of Doctor Treats Bleeding Hemorrhoids

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.

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.

Should I See A Gastroenterologist Or Proctologist For Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids, commonly called piles, are swollen, inflamed veins around the anus or the lower part of the rectum . They may be felt as tiny lumps in and around the anus. Hemorrhoids may often get better on their own within a few days, but some may need medications and even surgery to go away.

Both gastroenterologists and proctologists can provide you treatment for hemorrhoids. Whether you should visit a gastroenterologist or proctologist depends on the type and severity of hemorrhoids you have. Hemorrhoids are of two main types:

• External hemorrhoids: They form under the skin around the anus.
• Internal hemorrhoids: They form in the lining of the anus and lower rectum.

Talk to a general physician to understand which doctor you need for hemorrhoid management.

A gastroenterologist is a doctor trained in the branch of internal medicine that focuses on the disorders of the gut, gallbladder, liver, bile ducts, and pancreas. A gastroenterologist can diagnose hemorrhoids, provide medications, and advise lifestyle modifications. They can also do certain procedures, such as endoscopy and hemorrhoid banding .

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What Natural Home Remedies Soothe Or Cure Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoid symptoms of pain and itching can be treated at home by doing the following.

Warm Sitz Baths

• Sitting in a few inches of warm water three times a day for 15 to 20 minutes may help decrease the inflammation of the hemorrhoids.
• It is important to dry off the anal area completely after each Sitz bath to minimize irritation of the skin surrounding the anus.

Dietary Changes

• Increased fluid intake and dietary fiber will decrease the potential for constipation and lessen the pressure on the rectum and anus during a bowel movement, minimizing further swelling, discomfort, and bleeding. Dietary fiber supplements also may help bulk up the stools

Stool Softeners

• Stool softeners may help. A health-care professional or a pharmacist are good resources to discuss their use.

Exercise

• Individuals with hemorrhoids should not sit for long periods of time and may benefit from sitting on an air or rubber donut available at most local pharmacies.
• Exercise is helpful in relieving constipation and in decreasing pressure on the hemorrhoidal veins. Individuals should be encouraged to have a bowel movement as soon as possible after the urge arises and not sit on the toilet for long periods of time. Once that urge passes, stools can become constipated and straining with a bowel movement may occur.

The Four Grades Of Hemorrhoids

There are four grades of hemorrhoidal disease, which makes it easy for doctors to diagnose and treat them accordingly.

Grade 1 hemorrhoids bleed, but they do not protrude out from the anal canal. Grade 2 hemorrhoids protrude out, but they go back inside simultaneously. Grade 3 hemorrhoids also protrude, but they require manual help to push them back in. Grade 4 disease protrudes and bleeds, and the manual reduction does not help in this grade.

The hemorrhoidal disease has been thoroughly researched to date, and effective treatments are available for every stage of the disease, both through medication or surgery. Unfortunately, most people do not seek medical advice because of privacy concerns and a fear of being ridiculed, resulting in the disease progressing to a higher grade when they finally seek medical intervention. This stigma concerning piles should be progressively dealt with and reduced.

Different methods and tests are present to diagnose hemorrhoids. The first-line test is a digital rectal examination where the doctor inserts a well-lubricated finger inside the patient’s anus to check for any mucosa abnormalities. Other more advanced tests include proctoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, and colonoscopy.

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What Is Stapled Hemrroidectomy

The following are pictures of the stapled hemorrhoidectomy procedure.

• Picture of Hollow Tube Inserted into the Anal Canal and Pushing up the Hemorrhoids
• Picture of Internal Hemorrhoids in Anal Canal
• Picture of Suturing the Anal Canal Through the Hollow Tube
• Picture of Bringing Expanded Hemorrhoidal Supporting Tissue into the Hollow Tube by Pulling on Suture
• Picture of Hemorrhoids Pulled Back Above Anal Canal After Stapling and Removal of Hemorrhoidal Supporting Tissue

Complications Of Rectal Prolapse

• Ulcers in the rectum. These can lead to bleeding.
• A prolapse that cant be pushed back into the rectum. Emergency treatment is necessary in this case because the blood supply to the prolapse will be cut off, resulting in pain.
• Damage to the muscles and nerves in the sphincter. These can worsen fecal incontinence.

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Easy Ways To Prevent Hemorrhoids

There are a number of easy, healthy ways to incorporate more fiber into your diet. Fiber-filled foods include fruits such as berries, avocados, and pears . Broccoli, artichokes, and Brussels sprouts are among the vegetables that can up your fiber intake. Whole grains, such as brown rice, quinoa, and oatmeal, are also an important source. Legumes, including lentils, various beans, and green peas, are a great way to get fiber. Nuts and seeds make for a great fiber-filled snack, too.

If you’re having trouble getting enough fiber in your regular diet, consider a fiber supplement.

If you experience chronic constipation and suspect that may be contributing to your hemorrhoids, avoid eating too many foods that contain little or no fiber, such as cheese and fast and processed foods.

Drink plenty of water and other fluids. Recommendations for daily water intake vary and depend on the individual, but the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies has set adequate intake levels at 2.7 liters for men and approximately 3.7 liters for women. This can come from beverages and food, but caffeinated beverages and alcohol can be dehydrating and should not be counted in reaching this intake goal.

Exercise regularly. Exercise, especially 20 to 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity a day, can help keep bowel movements regular. And regular exercise may help you lose weight, which may be contributing to the formation of hemorrhoids.

Other tips for preventing hemorrhoids include:

Feeling You Cant Empty Your Stool Completely

If you have prolapsed internal hemorrhoids, they can cause the sensation that you have stool stuck at your anus. You may also have difficulty cleaning yourself or notice a mucous discharge following a bowel movement because of the displaced tissue.

Dr. Paonessa can remedy these symptoms by treating the hemorrhoid.

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Dr Kane Performs Infrared Treatment Of Hemorrhoids And Band Ligation Of Hemorrhoids

The Basics

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins. Each of us has veins around the anus that tend to stretch under pressure. One set of veins is inside the rectum and another is under the skin around the anus . Hemorrhoidal tissue is thought to be helpful in holding back stool at rest and in cushioning the sphincter muscles when we empty our bowels.When these veins swell and bulge, they are called hemorrhoids or piles. Swelling can be caused by straining to move your bowels, from sitting too long on the toilet, or from other factors such as pregnancy, obesity or liver disease.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of internal hemorrhoids is bright red blood covering the stool, on toilet paper or in the toilet bowl. Bleeding starts when the swollen veins are scratched or broken by straining or rubbing. This can be aggravated by medicines that thin the blood. An internal hemorrhoid may protrude through the anus outside the body, becoming irritated and painful. This is known as a protruding or prolapsed hemorrhoid.

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.

How Common Are Problems with Hemorrhoids?

Diagnosing Hemorrhoids

Treatment

Your doctor might also recommend cold packs, tub bath, warm soaks or bed rest.

Procedural Treatments

Prevention

Modified and reprinted from the American Gastroenterological Association.

When Is It Time To Seek Medical Care For Hemorrhoids

Drinking more water, eating more fiber, and taking over-the-counter medications may help hemorrhoids to resolve on their own at home. However, often a doctor can help you get effective relief faster than you might on your own. And, in some cases, your symptoms could indicate a condition more serious than hemorrhoids. Thats why its always better to be safe than sorry and get your hemorrhoids evaluated sooner rather than later.

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When To Consider Hemorrhoid Removal Surgery

Your doctor may decide that you are a good candidate for hemorrhoid removal surgery if:

• You have combined internal and external hemorrhoids.

• You have grade 3 or 4 prolapsed internal hemorrhoids. Prolapse means that the hemorrhoids are dropping, or slipping out of the anus. Grade 3 prolapse occurs with a bowel movement, but you can manually push the hemorrhoid back through your anus. A grade 4 prolapse cannot be put back.

• You have additional anorectal conditions that require surgery.

• Youve had minimally invasive procedures or other treatments that have not corrected the problem.

• You have significant amounts of bleeding from your hemorrhoids.

• You have a strangulated internal . This occurs when the anal sphincter traps the hemorrhoid and cuts off blood supply to the tissue.

• You have a hemorrhoid with that recur after less invasive treatments.

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Signs Your Hemorrhoids Warrant A Doctor’s 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 doctor’s 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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General Surgeon & Colorectal Specialist

A general surgeon and a colorectal specialist can perform surgeries on hemorrhoids if they are severe enough in the form of a hemorrhoidectomy. Hemorrhoids may require surgery when they dont respond to non-surgical treatments or if it prolapses.

These doctors can perform hemorrhoid surgery and send you home that day after a brief observation and discussing aftercare to you and a trusted family member.

Ingredients In Calmovil Vein & Colon Formula

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Bleeding During Bowel Movements

There are many underlying causes of rectal bleeding, including hemorrhoids. Blood associated with internal hemorrhoids is typically bright red, causes no pain, occurs with bowel movements, and may be mild to moderate in amount.

You cant assume, however, that your symptoms are due to hemorrhoids. If youve never been diagnosed with hemorrhoids or have noted a change in the characteristics of the bleeding youve associated with hemorrhoids, see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis.

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.

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Common Causes Of Hemorrhoids

Doctors are unable to pinpoint the exact cause of hemorrhoids, but numerous activities and risk factors can increase their presence in North Carolina patients. Common causes of hemorrhoids include:

• Straining during bowel movements
• Increased pressure due to obesity
• Sitting for long periods of time on the toilet
• Eating a low-fiber diet

As we age, hemorrhoids become more common. By age 50, half of older adults experience one or more common symptoms of hemorrhoids. While this condition is not usually dangerous, hemorrhoids can be a significant and painful intrusion in daily life.

December 22, 2017 by inx Medical

If you suffer from hemorrhoids, the good news is that lower grade hemorrhoids can resolve on their own with at-home treatments. But what if they get to the point where you need to see a doctor to treat them? How do you choose where to go and what doctor is right for you?

Heres what you should know about finding the right doctor for you:

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 Does A Colorectal Surgeon Treat Hemorrhoids

With the assistance of nurses and other highly-trained medical professionals, colorectal surgeons are able to treat hemorrhoids through a myriad of techniques and specialties. If these traditional hemorrhoid treatments are unsuccessful, your colorectal surgeon may perform hemorrhoidectomy or hemorrhoid laser treatment to further treat this medical issue.

How Hemorrhoids Are Diagnosed By Your Doctor

See your doctor if you think you might have hemorrhoids, especially if you notice bleeding from your anus or rectum, or have bloody stools. Your doctor will want to rule out more serious problems that can cause bleeding from the anus or rectum, such as cancer.

Hemorrhoid symptoms may also be similar to those of other anal and rectal problems, including anal fissures, abscesses, warts, and polyps.

Your doctor will ask about your medical history and will ask you to describe your symptoms. Questions about your eating habits, toilet habits, and enema and laxative use are likely to come up.

Your doctor will also perform a physical exam to look for lumps or swelling, prolapsed internal hemorrhoids, external hemorrhoids, skin irritation, skin tags, and anal fissures, which are small tears in the anus that can result in itching and bleeding. This will involve a visual examination of the area.

Your doctor may also perform a rectal exam to diagnose internal hemorrhoids, check the muscle tone of your anus, and check for blood in the stool. This is done with a gloved, lubricated finger and a tool called an anoscope.

An anoscope is a type of endoscope a hollow, lighted tube that is inserted a few inches into the anus to help the doctor see any problems inside the lining of the rectum. This procedure is performed in the doctors office and doesnt require anesthesia.

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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