Hemorrhoids are distended, painful veins in the mucosal lining of the anus and rectum. These dysfunctional blood vessels are bulging and twisted, just like varicose veins in the feet, ankles, and legs.
Let’s learn more about what hemorrhoid is, how to deal with the medical complications associated with hemorrhoids, and when you should seek care from a California GI doctor near you.
Hemorrhoids Are More than Bathroom Discomfort
Hemorrhoids may form outside the anus (external) or within the rectum (internal), sometimes in women’s vaginal tissues. Pregnancy is a predisposing factor of hemorrhoid formation in women. Whatever the case, people realize they have hemorrhoids when they see blood on their stool or toilet paper after a bowel movement. Most hemorrhoid patients experience:
- A continued urge to have a bowel movement even after passing stool
- Pain when passing stool and soreness when seated for prolonged periods
- Extreme itching and pain
- Mild bleeding and swelling of anal and rectal tissues
Can a GI Doctor Near Me Cure My Hemorrhoids?
The answer would be yes! You should seek care for hemorrhoids that do not respond to typical at-treatments, especially if symptoms persist beyond a week. Some hemorrhoids are so numerous and severe that they may cause anemia or severe infection due to excessive bleeding.
Additionally, the presence of persistent hemorrhoids may indicate a more serious gastrointestinal condition, such as anal or rectal cancer, Crohn’s disease, or its more limited cousin, ulcerative colitis.
Your board-certified GI doctor at inSite Digestive Health uses visual inspection and a digital rectal exam (DRE) to determine the location and extent of both internal and external hemorrhoids. He may recommend blood work and imaging tests, such as an anoscopy or colonoscopy, to further assess your condition.
How Can I Prevent Hemorrhoids?
Fortunately, rubber band ligation (tying off) or surgical removal can solve more extensive hemorrhoids. Additionally, patients should continue to employ these at-home strategies to prevent the development of new hemorrhoids:
- Maintain a proper body weight, and be as active as possible.
- Avoid sitting for prolonged periods. (Get up, walk, and stretch if you have a desk job.)
- Use a doughnut hole cushion to relieve pressure on your anus and rectum.
- Consume several glasses of water daily to stay well-hydrated and to soften stool.
- Add fiber to your daily diet (fruits, vegetables, bran cereals, multi-grain bread).
- Use creams or ointments (such as Preparation H) over the counter at the first sign of rectal swelling and pain.
The Best GI Care in California
Are you still waiting to get your hemorrhoids evaluated? Hemorrhoids are just one of the many conditions our highly skilled providers at inSite Digestive Health Care diagnose and treat.
We are well equipped with advanced technology and facilities to help you deal with your hemorrhoids and live a pain-free life.
If you have any questions, please select the location of inSite Digestive Health Care nearest you, and give us a call. Alternatively, request your personalized consultation online through our website.
We look forward to being your primary gastroenterology provider!
