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Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids
Nearly 3 of 4 adults deal with the pain and frustration of hemorrhoids from time to time. Some people get hemorrhoid relief from simple at-home treatments, but other cases are persistent and require a doctor’s guidance. At Arlington Gastroenterology Services, board-certified gastroenterologist Hamid Kamran, MD, FACG, provides effective, nonsurgical treatment for hemorrhoids, as well as guidance in preventing them from recurring. If hemorrhoids are causing you trouble, schedule an appointment online or over the phone at the Arlington, Texas, office.

Understanding Hemorrhoids and Treatment Options

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins located in the lower rectum or around the anus, which can cause discomfort, itching, pain, and sometimes bleeding during bowel movements. This common condition can develop due to factors such as prolonged sitting, chronic constipation, straining during bowel movements, pregnancy, or a low-fiber diet. Hemorrhoids may be internal (inside the rectum) or external (under the skin around the anus). Treatment for hemorrhoids often focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing further irritation. Doctors may recommend dietary changes such as increasing fiber intake, drinking more water, and adopting healthy bowel habits. In some cases, medications or minimally invasive procedures may be used to reduce swelling and discomfort. With proper care and lifestyle adjustments, most people can effectively manage hemorrhoids and improve their overall digestive health.

What is a hemorrhoid?

Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swollen veins in the lower part of your rectum and anus that bulge and become irritated. This common condition results from straining during bowel movements or putting excess pressure on those veins. Risk factors for developing hemorrhoids include:
  • Not getting enough fiber in your diet
  • Sitting or standing for extended periods at work
  • Lifting heavy objects
  • Being pregnant
Most adults have endured at least one hemorrhoid, which can affect both the inside of your rectum (internal hemorrhoids) and the skin surrounding your anus (external). They’re not always symptomatic (other than being noticeably swollen), but they may bleed, itch, or cause pain. External and internal hemorrhoids typically cause different symptoms. Because the skin surrounding your anus contains a lot of nerves, external hemorrhoids are more likely to be painful. While internal hemorrhoids affect an area that has few pain-sensing nerves, they can bleed and sometimes prolapse externally, causing pain and irritation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do hemorrhoids require medical attention?

Hemorrhoids usually aren’t dangerous. Typically, you can judge whether they require medical attention based on how much they bother you. If your hemorrhoid causes only minor discomfort, you may try to treat it at home first. Most hemorrhoids go away within a couple of weeks and respond to simple at-home treatments, including over-the-counter creams and warm water baths (“sitz baths”).
When you have a hemorrhoid, it helps to drink more water and eat more fiber. This reduces the strain on your bowels, helping your hemorrhoid to heal. When you stick to these dietary changes, you can also prevent most hemorrhoids from developing in the future.
Hemorrhoids usually aren’t dangerous, but they can cause significant discomfort. If your hemorrhoid isn’t getting better, the pain is bad enough to interfere with your everyday life, or it’s persistently bleeding, schedule an appointment at Arlington Gastroenterology Services. Keep in mind that rectal bleeding isn’t always the sign of a hemorrhoid, and Dr. Kamran may perform an examination to check for other possible causes.

What treatment options are available for hemorrhoids?

Several treatments have proven effective for lingering, bleeding, and/or large hemorrhoids. Dr. Kamran offers a selection of nonsurgical, in-office treatments, including:
  • Banding: Using a tiny rubber band to cut off the blood supply to the hemorrhoid
These treatments cause hemorrhoids to go away within about a week. To have a hemorrhoid examined and treated, and to receive guidance on preventing hemorrhoids in the future, schedule an appointment at Arlington Gastroenterology Services online or over the phone.