Hemorrhoids

What are hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are inflamed and swollen veins found in the lower portion of your rectum or external anal tissue. It’s a common condition that affects people of all ages.

Hemorrhoids develop from excess tension on these veins. Straining during a bowel movement because of constipation or spending long periods sitting on the toilet may cause the pressure that leads to inflamed, swollen veins.

Pelvic pressure from pregnancy or weight gain, as well as lifting heavy items, may also cause hemorrhoids.

What are the symptoms of hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoid symptoms vary depending on whether you have external or internal hemorrhoids.

External hemorrhoids

External hemorrhoids develop under the sensitive skin of your anus and may cause anal pain or itching.

If a blood clot forms in an external hemorrhoid, you might experience severe pain and feel a hard lump when you sit down. When this occurs, you likely have a thrombosed hemorrhoid.

Internal hemorrhoids

Internal hemorrhoids develop in the lower rectum. Though you may not experience any pain with internal hemorrhoids, they may bleed during a bowel movement, causing bright red blood to appear in the toilet bowl.

Prolapsed hemorrhoid

A prolapsed hemorrhoid means your hemorrhoid has fallen outside the anus. External and internal hemorrhoids may prolapse and cause pain and bleeding.

What happens during an evaluation for hemorrhoids?

Lakeside Gastroenterology takes a patient-centered approach to care, and you can expect a compassionate and comprehensive evaluation when you come in with concerns about your hemorrhoids.

The gastroenterologist reviews your symptoms, bowel habits, usual diet, and medical history during your visit. They also perform a physical assessment, including a rectal exam, to determine the type of hemorrhoids you have.

How are hemorrhoids treated?

Your gastroenterologist customizes your hemorrhoid treatment plan based on the type of hemorrhoids you have and the severity of your symptoms. Initially, your provider may suggest lifestyle changes to improve your hemorrhoids and your symptoms, such as:

• Increasing fiber in your diet
• Drinking more water
• Adding a stool softener
• Limiting the amount of time you sit on the toilet
• Sitz baths
• Over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams

If you have irritating, swollen, or bleeding hemorrhoids that fail to improve with lifestyle changes, your gastroenterologist at Lakeside Gastroenterology may recommend the CRH O’Regan System® for your hemorrhoids.

The non-surgical banding system uses a special suction device to place a small rubber band around your swollen vein. The rubber band cuts off blood supply to your hemorrhoid, causing it to dry out and fall off within a few days.

You can get relief from your hemorrhoids now by calling Lakeside Gastroenterology or scheduling a consultation online today.