What Kind Of Dr Deals With Hemorrhoids

What Type Of Doctor Should I See

Start with your usual general surgeon or family doctor. Because hemorrhoids are so common, most doctors will have a lot of experience discussing your symptoms and possible treatment.

If your situation calls for referral to a hemorrhoid specialist, your regular doctor will refer you to a hemorrhoid doctor, that is, a proctologist or gastroenterologist.

I Have Had An External Hemorrhoid For Months Is This Normal

Hemorrhoids can last for a several days or several months. The existence of hemorrhoids varies depending on their severity and the treatment. Some hemorrhoids may require medical treatment or surgery.

Many people suffer from hemorrhoids without ever seeking treatment. Depending on how you treat your hemorrhoids will determine how long they last.

Diagnosis And Treatment Of Colorectal Conditions

Your proctologist will ask about your symptoms and give you a physical exam. After narrowing down potential health conditions, they may:

• Order lab work
• Suggest diet changes that can improve your symptoms in the short term
• Suggest over-the-counter or prescription medication
• Do surgery to repair damage

Proctologists usually suggest less-invasive treatment first. You may need to avoid certain foods or make lifestyle changes to improve your symptoms. If this works, you might not need medication or surgery.â

If your condition gets worse, your proctologist may try a procedure to learn more about your condition and repair damage. Common colorectal procedures include:

• Colonoscopy. Your doctor uses a small light and camera to inspect your lower digestive tract. They look for damage and signs that your bodily functions are affected by your health condition.
• Bowel obstruction repair. If you have a blockage that doesnât resolve on its own, you may need surgery. In some cases, a blockage causes damage to your intestines that needs repairs during the removal. â
• Hemorrhoid removal. Some hemorrhoids go away with time, but others stick around and affect your quality of life. Large, painful hemorrhoids are easy to remove to prevent further damage.

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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.

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 Is The Difference Between Internal And External Hemorrhoids

Internal hemorrhoids and external hemorrhoids are different for many reasons. These reasons include, severity, symptoms, and treatment. Internal hemorrhoids donât have many symptoms because of their location. They are far enough inside of the rectum that they canât be felt or seen. The only sign of these may be hemorrhoid bleeding.

External hemorrhoids are under the skin around the anus. Because of their location, external hemorrhoids tend to come with a great deal of symptoms. They are in an area that has more pain-sensing nerves present. That is why hemorrhoid pain is more intense with external hemorrhoids. Check out this blog post for information on how to relieve hemorrhoid pain.

What Does Surgical Treatment Involve

When hemorrhoids are not responding to home care, or are causing intense pain, there are surgical options to remove them.

WakeMeds colorectal surgeons have extensive experience with surgical procedures including:

• Hemorrhoid banding: A small rubber band is placed over the hemorrhoid, which cuts off the blood supply. Both the hemorrhoid and the band will fall off within a few days.
• Stapled hemorrhoidectomy: The hemorrhoid is stapled, and tissue is removed. This procedure can be used for internal hemorrhoids only.
• Excisional hemorrhoidectomy: If other methods are not successful, the hemorrhoid can be removed under anesthesia. This is the most effective way to treat hemorrhoids. This method is painful and may take up to two weeks for recovery.

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Treatment And Medication Options For Rectal Prolapse

Treatment for rectal prolapse depends on the severity of your symptoms. Sometimes prolapses resolve on their own. Initially your healthcare provider might work with you to manage the constipation that might be causing the prolapse through adding fiber to your diet and keeping hydrated. Your doctor might work with you to avoid straining during bowel movements. Kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic muscles might also be advised.

If none of these strategies help, surgery is usually required especially if youre experiencing recurrent episodes.

Surgery can keep rectal prolapse from happening again. Two types of surgical procedures are typically used to treat rectal prolapse:

• Abdominal repair Surgery to fix rectal prolapse is usually done through the belly. Abdominal surgery for rectal prolapse usually involves making a small cut in the lower abdomen. The surgeon will then pull the rectum upward and attach it to a small bone in the lower back so that it cant slip out again.
• Rectal repair In this type of surgery, the surgeon works through the anus rather than making an incision in the abdomen. This surgery is often performed on older patients or those with more medical problems.

The two most common rectal procedures are:

Eat A High Fiber Diet And Drink Plenty Of Fluids

Fiber is excellent for your health in many ways! Hemorrhoids are generally caused by strain on the blood vessels in the anus and rectum. Your first line of defense is to reduce the amount of pressure you put on your body while defecating. If youre not getting enough fiber in your diet, you may want to consider high-fiber supplements.

Fiber keeps your stool softas long as youre drinking enough water. If you are dehydrated, your lower intestine will remove the water it needs from your stool, leaving it compact and difficult to evacuate.

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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.

What Type Of Doctor Treats External Hemorrhoids

Your primary care physician can treat smaller, less severe external hemorrhoids. In some cases, they can prescribe a stronger hemorrhoid cream or suppository. If you have a more serious case of hemorrhoids, or your external hemorrhoids are persistent, your doctor may refer you to a specialist called a gastroenterologist. If you require a surgical procedure for your hemorrhoids, you will want to find a colon and rectal surgeon.

External hemorrhoids are the most bothersome type of hemorrhoids. Although they can be painful and uncomfortable, they are treatable and can often be resolved without a surgical procedure.

External Hemorrhoids Guide 101-Continued

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Hemorrhoids Treatment: Rubber Band Ligation

The principle of rubber band ligation is to encircle the base of the hemorrhoidal clump with a tight rubber band. The tissue cut off by the rubber band dies, and is replaced by an ulcer that heals with scarring.

A similar procedure was described in 460 BC by the Greek physician Hippocrates:

And hemorrhoids you may treat by transfixing them with a needle and tying them with very thick and woolen thread, for application, and do not foment until they drop off, and always leave one behind and when the patient recovers, let him be put on a course of Hellebore.

Rubber band ligation can be used with first-, second-, and third-degree hemorrhoids, and may be more effective than sclerotherapy. Symptoms frequently recur several years later, but usually can be treated with further ligation.

The most common complication of ligation is pain. However, bleeding one or two weeks after ligation or bacterial infection in the tissues surrounding the hemorrhoids may occur.

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?

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Calmovil Vein & Colon Formula

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Sitz Bath For Hemorrhoids

This is a warm bath specifically for the hips and buttocks. You can obtain a small tub that fits over the typical toilet seat or sit in a bathtub in a few inches of warm water. Doctors recommend taking a 20-minute bath after every bowel movement as well as two or three more times daily. After each bath carefully pat the anus and buttocks dry. Do not wipe or rub hard.

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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.

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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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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Internal Vs External Hemorrhoids

Internal and external hemorrhoids are the two main categories most hemorrhoids fall into.

While they are very much the same when it comes to causes and treatment, the characteristics and symptoms of internal and external hemorrhoids differ.

Internal hemorrhoids are not generally associated with any symptoms until they become prolapsed.

The most common symptom of internal hemorrhoids is painless bleeding. Because they are located further in the anal canal, internal hemorrhoids cannot be seen or felt. T

hey are in an area that lacks pain-sensing nerves, so they arenât associated with the pain and discomfort of external hemorrhoids.

Depending on the severity of your condition, you may require different treatments.

Because internal hemorrhoids are not associated with many symptoms, they may require no treatment at all.

External hemorrhoids come with more bothersome symptoms. These include:

• Itching
• Lumps near the anal opening

External hemorrhoids can be seen and felt.

They are located at the opening of the anus and may get worse when you have bowel movements.

The treatments for external hemorrhoids vary depending on the severity and size of your hemorrhoids.

These include at-home treatments, over-the-counter medications, prescription medications, minimally invasive procedures, and surgery.

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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:

How Do Foods Influence Hemorrhoids Diet

Diet is believed to have a big impact in causingand preventinghemorrhoids. People who consistently eat a high-fiber diet are less likely to get hemorrhoids, while those people who prefer a diet high in processed foods face a higher hemorrhoid risk.

A low-fiber diet can leave you constipated, which can contribute to hemorrhoids in two way. For one, it promotes straining on the toilet. It also aggravates the hemorrhoids by producing hard stools that further irritate the swollen veins.

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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