When To Seek Help For Hemorrhoids

When To Seek Treatment

You should seek treatment under the following circumstances:

• Youve tried over-the-counter remedies and they arent providing relief
• Youve noticed dark, tarry stools
• Youve noticed any rectal bleeding or any form of discharge
• The pain worsens or the lump becomes larger
• You are experiencing any digestive difficulties or constipation

Hemorrhoids also carry the risk of potential complications. A prolapsed hemorrhoid can lead to significant pain and often requires surgical resolution. A thrombosed hemorrhoid means that a blood clot has occurred. These can cause extreme pain and may require medical attention.

If you are experiencing considerable hemorrhoid pain, or any of the circumstances above, you should request an appointment with Premier Surgical Hemorrhoid Treatment Centers.

How Do Doctors Treat Hemorrhoids

Doctors treat hemorrhoids with procedures during an office visit or in an outpatient center or a hospital.

Office treatments include the following:

• Rubber band ligation. Rubber band ligation is a procedure that doctors use to treat bleeding or prolapsing internal hemorrhoids. A doctor places a special rubber band around the base of the hemorrhoid. The band cuts off the blood supply. The banded part of the hemorrhoid shrivels and falls off, most often within a week. Scar tissue forms in the remaining part of the hemorrhoid, often shrinking the hemorrhoid. Only a doctor should perform this procedureyou should never try this treatment yourself.
• Sclerotherapy. A doctor injects a solution into an internal hemorrhoid, which causes scar tissue to form. The scar tissue cuts off the blood supply, often shrinking the hemorrhoid.
• Infrared photocoagulation. A doctor uses a tool that directs infrared light at an internal hemorrhoid. Heat created by the infrared light causes scar tissue to form, which cuts off the blood supply, often shrinking the hemorrhoid.
• Electrocoagulation. A doctor uses a tool that sends an electric current into an internal hemorrhoid. The electric current causes scar tissue to form, which cuts off the blood supply, often shrinking the hemorrhoid.

Outpatient center or hospital treatments include the following:

Sometimes complications of hemorrhoids also require treatment.

Common Hemorrhoid Symptoms To Watch For

The following signs and symptoms may indicate hemorrhoids:

• Bright red blood on toilet paper, in stool, or in the toilet bowl after a bowel movement
• Anal itching
• Pain around the anus, especially while sitting
• Pain during bowel movements
• One or more hard, painful lumps around the anus

If you have any symptoms of hemorrhoids, try to avoid excessive straining, rubbing, or cleaning around the anus.

Doing these things can make any irritation and itching worse, and can sometimes lead to bleeding.

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Related Conditions And Causes Of Hemorrhoids

Gastrointestinal problems such as constipation and diarrhea can lead to or worsen hemorrhoids. The prolonged sitting or straining that may occur when you’re dealing with these issues puts pressure on the hemorrhoidal tissue.

Hemorrhoids also often develop during pregnancy. This is similarly due to greater pressure in the area but can also be due to an increase in blood volume and as a result of hormonal changes that increase the likelihood of swelling. Constipation during pregnancy is a common cause of hemorrhoids.

How Can I Treat My Hemorrhoids

You can most often treat your hemorrhoids at home by

• taking a stool softener or a fiber supplement such as psyllium or methylcellulose
• drinking water or other nonalcoholic liquids each day as recommended by your health care professional
• not straining during bowel movements
• not sitting on the toilet for long periods of time
• taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin
• sitting in a tub of warm water, called a sitz bath, several times a day to help relieve pain

Applying over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams or ointments or using suppositoriesa medicine you insert into your rectummay relieve mild pain, swelling, and itching of external hemorrhoids. Most often, doctors recommend using over-the-counter products for 1 week. You should follow up with your doctor if the products

• do not relieve your symptoms after 1 week
• cause side effects such dry skin around your anus or a rash

Most prolapsed internal hemorrhoids go away without at-home treatment. However, severely prolapsed or bleeding internal hemorrhoids may need medical treatment.

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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.

If Your Symptoms Continue Worsening

While many home remedies may provide temporary relief of inflammation, pain, or discomfort caused by hemorrhoids, they dont necessarily cure the issue. Thats why its important to seek medical care for hemorrhoids, especially if your symptoms get worse. On top of treating your hemorrhoids, your doctor can help you reduce the chances of another hemorrhoid flare-up by discussing things like your diet, staying hydrated, and changing your bathroom habits.

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Can Hemorrhoids Be Prevented

You can help prevent hemorrhoids by

• Eating foods that are high in fiber
• Taking a stool softener or a fiber supplement
• Drinking enough fluids every day
• Not straining during bowel movements
• Not sitting on the toilet for long periods of time

NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

How Long Do Hemorrhoids Last

How long hemorrhoids last will vary from person to person.

In general, small hemorrhoids can go away on their own in a few days. Larger hemorrhoids, particularly ones that cause a lot of pain, swelling, and itchiness, cant go away on their own and may require treatment from a doctor to heal. Pregnant patients may find that hemorrhoids only go away after they give birth.

Its possible for hemorrhoids to return after theyve been treated. A gastroenterologist can help recommend solutions if you find youre struggling with hemorrhoids that dont go away or keep coming back.

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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.

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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Signs And Symptoms Of Hemorrhoids

Seeing blood in your toilet bowl after a bowel movement is no doubt alarming, but its one of the main symptoms of hemorrhoids. Other symptoms include:

• Bright red blood on toilet paper or in your stool after a bowel movement
• Itching in the anal area
• Pain in the anal area, especially when sitting
• Pain during bowel movements
• One or more hard, painful lumps around the anus

If you experience any of these hemorrhoid symptoms, avoid excess straining, rubbing, or cleaning around the anus, which can make irritation and itching worse, and can even lead to bleeding. In addition, try to pat the area dry instead of wiping it.

When To Treat Hemorrhoids:

If left untreated, hemorrhoids can worsen over time, to the point that they may require surgery. If treatment is sought early, hemorrhoids can often be treated painlessly in a matter of seconds, and the chance of recurrence is reduced. Dont wait if youre experiencing hemorrhoid signs & symptoms, learn about the fast and painless treatment options now.

Anal fissures, though different in nature, share many signs, symptoms, and even causes with hemorrhoids and will require you to see a colorectal surgeon. Additionally, many patients suffering from hemorrhoids also suffer from fissures. The best way to know for sure is to come in for a consultation. If youre experiencing any hemorrhoid signs & symptoms, make an appointment today for diagnosis and treatment.

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Questions To Ask Your Doctor

• Why do I have hemorrhoids?
• Are there any lifestyle changes I can do that can relieve or prevent hemorrhoids?
• I saw blood on toilet paper. Is this serious?
• Are having hemorrhoids a sign of another health condition?
• Will I always have hemorrhoids?
• Is there medicine I can take for hemorrhoids? Are there side effects?

How Long Does It Take To Recover

Having a bowel movement after any hemorrhoid procedure can be uncomfortable. This is especially true after surgery.

Your doctor will probably want you to have a bowel movement within 48 hours. You may be given a stool-softening medication to make it less painful.

It may take up to four weeks or longer before you can resume your usual activities after a hemorrhoidectomy. Recovering from the less-invasive procedures, such as sclerotherapy, coagulation, and rubber band litigation, may take just a few days. Sclerotherapy and coagulation may take a few sessions to be successful.

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How Long Do Thrombosed Hemorrhoids Bleed

When a thrombosed hemorrhoid ruptures, it may bleed anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. Importantly, it shouldnt last more than 10 minutes. If it lasts more than 10 minutes, you should seek medical attention. It can mean an underlying clotting abnormality or some other problem.

Once the major bleeding episode is over, you may find intermittent traces of blood in your stool.

And while a ruptured hemorrhoid doesnt require any treatment, you may want to take a Sitz bath to keep the area clean and help it heal well.

Research And Statistics: Who Gets Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are very common in both men and women, affecting about 1 in 20 Americans. The most common time to get hemorrhoids is between ages 45 and 65. Hemorrhoids are also common in pregnant women.

By age 50, about half of us have experienced hemorrhoid symptoms, such as itching, bleeding, and rectal pain. At any given time, about 10 million Americans roughly 4 percent of adults have hemorrhoids. Its estimated that 75 percent of Americans will have hemorrhoids at some point in their lives.

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Hemorrhoid Treatment At Home

Hemorrhoid symptoms can be quite uncomfortable but there are several treatments you can do at home that may help relieve the pain and discomfort.

• Take a warm bath or sitz bath for 10 to 15 minutes after each bowel movement.

• Clean around your anal area gently each day with warm water.

• Do not use alcohol-based or perfumed cleaning wipes around your anus. These cause drying and irritation.

• Moisten toilet tissue before using it to clean after a bowel movement.

• Apply cold compresses to your anus.

• Use stool softeners.

• Take over-the-counter pain relievers, including acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , such as ibuprofen or naproxen.

You may help prevent hemorrhoids from forming or from worsening with some lifestyle changes as well. They include:

• Dont while moving your bowels.

• Limit the amount of time sitting 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 doesnt get too dry and difficult to pass.

• Increase fluid intake. Drink 6 to 8 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. Over-the-counter creams and suppositories can help relieve pain and reduce swelling.

When To Seek Care For Hemorrhoids

Most cases of hemorrhoids do not require immediate care, but you should visit your provider for any discomfort or worsening symptoms. Your provider will work with you to identify proper treatment and make sure your symptoms are not due to a larger health issue .

Seek care right away if you:

• experience severe pain around your anus, or during bowel movements.
• have rectal bleeding, which may indicate more severe underlying conditions that require treatment.
• have symptoms that worsen or persist after one week.
• notice any unusual changes in the tissue in or around your anus.

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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:

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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.

What Are The Symptoms

The main sign that you have a prolapsed hemorrhoid is the presence of one or more lumps around the anus. This will only occur if the prolapse is significant.

In some cases, you can gently push a lump back through the anus. While that changes the hemorrhoids location and may ease some symptoms, the hemorrhoid is still present.

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When To Seek Treatment For Hemorrhoids

Jul 31, 2019 | Blog

Hemorrhoids can be an embarrassing problem. If you are struggling with hemorrhoids, you might be reluctant to seek medical help. While hemorrhoids are a common condition and many people find relief using over-the-counter products, others will need to see a doctor for proper treatment. Keep reading to learn when to seek professional help for your hemorrhoid problem.