Which Doctor Do You Go To For Hemorrhoids

Who To Consult For Hemorrhoid Treatment

Usually, your family doctor or primary care provider can help to manage and control hemorrhoid symptoms. The doctor will suggest home remedies and conservative treatment methods if the symptoms are mild. If advanced treatment is required, the doctor will refer you to a colorectal surgeon or general surgeon. They are the specialists in treating hemorrhoids both surgically and non-surgically.

The doctor will diagnose the disease thoroughly and determine the most appropriate treatment method for you.

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 .

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.

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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

Check With Your Family Physician First

Your family physician is likely not extremely well versed when it comes to hemorrhoids or anal fissure treatment, but they can certainly help you get on the right path. Your family doctor will be familiar with gastroenterologists and proctologists in your area and will likely provide you with a referral, especially if your case is severe.

Visiting your family doctor to ask about hemorrhoids or anal fissure treatment is one thing youve probably built up a trusting report with your doctor over the years. But disclosing information to a new doctor can be a little bit daunting and goes double for medical conditions that many people find embarrassing, like hemorrhoids.

But you shouldnt worry about that. Gastroenterologists and proctologists have spent years studying and treating patients with problems just like yours.

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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.

What Do Hemorrhoids Look Like

What hemorrhoids look like depends on whether you have internal or external hemorrhoids and if they are prolapsed or thrombosed. Its not possible to see internal hemorrhoids because they are located on the inside of the rectum. They are very similar to varicose veins.

Internal hemorrhoids become visible only when they prolapse and protrude outside the anus. In this case, you will most likely feel a bump, which may or may not be tender. This bump is caused by the swollen veins that have been pushed out of the anal opening.

External hemorrhoids are much easier to diagnose because they are almost always clearly visible. The skin is usually tender, there is swelling and itching. The inflamed lump is often quite painful.

Sometimes you may notice a blue-ish, purple hue. This is often a sign you have thrombosed hemorrhoids. The blue-ish skin tone appears because of a blood clot that has formed inside the swollen blood vessel. These hemorrhoids take longer to clear up and you may need medications to speed up the healing process.

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When Should You See A Doctor

Although severe complications from hemorrhoids are extremely rare, it is crucial that you know when to see a doctor for hemorrhoids treatments. Generally speaking, anytime that you feel rectal pain, a lump in your anus, or bleeding, you should visit your doctor in Salt Lake City just to make certain that the cause of your symptoms is not very serious.

In some cases, even less serious circumstances could prompt a consultation with your doctor. For example, if you have been trying to get rid of your hemorrhoids with at-home remedies to no avail, a visit to your physician makes perfect sense. In addition, if you have a history of recurring hemorrhoids and suddenly find that your typical go-to treatments in the past are no longer working, then visit your doctor as soon as possible.

While having bothersome hemorrhoid symptoms could be reason enough for some people to go see their physician, you can use this simple checklist to determine when a visit to your doctor is a must.

• If your hemorrhoids are causing significant discomfort and pain
• If you have any kind of rectal bleeding
• If you are passing stools that look like they have blood
• If you are experiencing a substantial amount of bleeding in your rectum along with faintness or dizziness this could be an emergency for some people
• If your symptoms worsen despite OTC and home remedies

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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What Causes Haemorrhoids

Haemorrhoids are usually caused by constipation . Constipation causes you to strain when you go to the toilet. This puts pressure on the blood vessels in the anus, making them swell.

Other things can increase the chance you will get haemorrhoids:

• ageing
• spending long periods of time on the toilet
• regularly lifting heavy objects

Haemorrhoids are particularly common during pregnancy. This is because constipation is quite common in pregnancy, but also:

• the growing baby places pressure on the abdomen
• there is more blood flowing through the body
• the hormones produced during pregnancy soften the blood vessels

Haemorrhoids may also be more common in some families than in others.

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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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.

How Do You Treat Hemorrhoids

Simple preventive measures can reduce your risk of hemorrhoids in North Carolina. Simple home remedies include the following:

• Exercise regularly. Obesity is a significant risk factor when it comes to hemorrhoid development, and regular exercise can help you stimulate your bowels. Aim to get at least 20 minutes of moderate exercise each day.

• Seek topical treatments. Many drugstores in North Carolina sell hemorrhoid creams that can help soothe pain in the anal area while hemorrhoids heal. Placing an ice pack on the affected area can also reduce swelling in the area.

• Sit on cushions. Sitting on a soft surface rather than a hard surface can help reduce swelling and reduce the pressure.

• Facilitate regular bowel movements. Holding stool in can lead to increased pressure and straining during bowel movements. Scheduling time to go to the bathroom or going to the bathroom immediately can reduce hemorrhoid risk.

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When Should You Visit A Doctor For Hemorrhoid Treatment

Hemorrhoids may be managed by lifestyle modifications, such as drinking plenty of fluids, having a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and maintaining a healthy weight. This is especially true in the case of small and uncomplicated hemorrhoids in people with good general health. Sitz baths with warm water and potassium permanganate will also help. If you have the following symptoms you must take the doctorâs help right away:

• Hard, tender lumps felt at the bottom
• Anal pain, especially while sitting
• Bleeding from the rectum observed as bright red blood in the stool, on toilet paper, or in the toilet bowl after a bowel movement
• A bulging or swelling may be felt through the anus in case of a prolapsed hemorrhoid
• You have tried over the counter medications for more than a week, but there is no relief of symptoms

What Can My Doctor Do For Hemorrhoids

There are many ways that hemorrhoids can be handled and treated. These options vary depending on the condition, severity and location of the hemorrhoids. Below are methods that may be employed to treat your hemorrhoids.

1. Injections

Internal hemorrhoids may be injected with a solution that causes a scar to be formed and close off the hemorrhoids. This procedure will only hurt a little but is usually very effective.

2. Cauterization or Coagulation

This method is a painless method of burning off, removing and sealing the end of the hemorrhoids with an electric probe, infrared light or laser beam.

The Coagulation method allows the hemorrhoid to close and shrink and is most effective for treating prolapsed hemorrhoids.

3. Rubber band ligation

Rubber band ligations are also mostly employed in cases of prolapsed hemorrhoids as well as protruding internal hemorrhoids that have been pushed outside .

In this treatment, the doctor will put a small rubber band around the hemorrhoid to cut off blood supply to the tissues therein.

Rubber band ligations will usually cause the hemorrhoid to dry up, shrink in size and fall due to the unavailability of blood.

4. Surgery or Hemorrhoidectomy

For large internal or external hemorrhoids that keep on worsening and bring excruciating discomfort to the patient, a surgical procedure may be required to remove the hemorrhoids or a newer technique using staples may be applied.

Most of these medical treatments are effective in treating hemorrhoids.

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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.

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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Alabama Colon & Rectal Institute Is Centered Around Treating Diseases Of The Colon Rectum And Anus

Alabama Colon & Rectal Institute has been in practice since 1990 as a free standing, private practice located in downtown Birmingham, Alabama. We are known for our efficiency and patient care, in a more relaxed office-based setting. Our doctors are known regionally for their expertise and are active in teaching surgical residents and other physicians. We are also a major sponsor of The Rumpshaker 5K, a race that promotes awareness about colorectal cancer. Check out our website for more information, or give us a call to make an appointment at 458-5000, or email us at .

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.

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What Are The Signs That You Need To See A Doctor For Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids can be misdiagnosed easily if a person tries to self-diagnose the disease. Most people cant recognize the disease, especially in the earlier stages of internal hemorrhoids when the swollen and inflamed veins are not visible externally. Hence, it is important that you go and see a doctor about your hemorrhoids. Here are four signs that indicate that your hemorrhoids need medical intervention at the earliest.

1. Rectal Bleeding

Bleeding during the bowels is the first sign you will notice if you have hemorrhoids. Both internal and external hemorrhoids bleed even in the early stages. Over time, the bleeding will become more severe and it could lead to mild to moderate anemia. However, rectal bleeding can be a sign of other underlying conditions too. Hence, you should never ignore this sign and get diagnosed right away. Only a professional doctor will be able to diagnose the disease accurately.

2. Bulge from Anus

Hemorrhoids start bulging out from the anus when it reaches the prolapsed stage. If the bulge prolapses during bowel movements and you have to push it back inside, it is time to see a doctor. Prolapsed hemorrhoids will only become worse over time and it increases the risk of strangulation of the hemorrhoidal mass. Thats why early treatment is necessary to prevent the condition from getting worse.

3. Feeling of Fullness

4. Long-lasting Discomfort & Irritation

The Initial Exam By A Hemroids Doctor Proctologist

A proctologist is a specific kind of specialist hemroids doctor, that works with the anorectal canal and subsequent structures. In other words, if it has to do with your hemroids, this is probably the hemroids doctor that will be looking at it first.

The hemroids doctor will want to take a look at the area, which will involve a lot of draping and quite a bit of effort to help you feel as though you and your privacy are safe and respected. The draping helps both you and the hemroids doctor to psychologically separate looking at such a private area from any loss of comfortable mental space to communicate in.

As I found in my first gynecological exam at the age of twenty two, while under normal circumstances I would be highly upset at someone I didnt know really, really well, even seeing such a part of me, hemroids doctors are well trained to make it as painless as possible.

After draping and initial external visual examination have taken place, the hemroids doctor may insert an anoscope to check for internal hemroids. This is a small, metal tube that has a port through which to see one quarter of the anal canals wall at a time. You can have it warmed up to a decent temperature first, if necessary.

After the proctologist one specialist type of hemroids doctor has taken a thorough look at the entire area to find anything that he or she needs to, a recommendation will be made from there as to further treatment.

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