Hemorrhoids in Texas
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Find a ProviderWhat are hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids, also called piles, are inflamed veins around the lower anus or rectum. The problem commonly presents in the event that the vein walls in the rectum or anus become so thin that the veins protrude or bulge. Hemorrhoids can present internally (within the rectum) or externally on the anus.
Hemorrhoids are quite common. As a matter of fact, almost three out of four adults will suffer from hemorrhoids at some time. In some instances, a blood clot will develop inside a hemorrhoid (known as a thrombosed hemorrhoid) and can result in discomfort or pain. The board-certified gastrointestinal specialists at Texas Digestive Disease Consultants are experts in working to resolve this common condition as well as other gastrointestinal (GI) problems. To locate treatment for hemorrhoids in Texas, please request a consultation at your nearest TDDC location today.
What are the causes of hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are likely to be the result of many possible factors. Causes of a hemorrhoid can include:
- Aging
- Pregnancy
- Sitting or standing for long periods of time
- Straining too hard to perform physical activity (like weight lifting)
- Ongoing constipation
- Family history of hemorrhoids
- Chronic diarrhea
- Obesity
- Excessive strain during bowel movements
What are the symptoms of hemorrhoids?
Presentation of piles vary depending on the area affected by the hemorrhoids, but frequently include:
- Itching around one's anus
- Bright red blood in one's stool
- Pain and/or swelling around the anus
- Pink, blue, or purple raised lesions that protrude around the anus
- Discomfort during the passing of stool
- Discomfort surrounding the anus while performing physical activities
What are the treatments for hemorrhoids?
In some cases, smaller hemorrhoids might resolve on their own after a few days. Your Texas Digestive Disease Consultants provider may prescribe pharmaceutical drugs or suggest home remedies to relieve the bothersome symptoms of hemorrhoids. When larger hemorrhoids present, however, medical involvement is available and may be needed to remove or address the hemorrhoid. Typical hemorrhoid treatment includes:
- Sclerotherapy
- Applying topical cream
- Avoidance of dry toilet paper
- Surgical Intervention
- Treating constipation or the cause of the hemorrhoids
- Tub baths multiple times a day in warm water
- Maintaining a clean anal region
- A high fiber diet
- Ice packs to reduce anal swelling
- Coagulation
- Ligation using rubber bands
- Hemorrhoid stapling
- Draining a clotted hemorrhoid (thrombosis)
Hemorrhoids FAQs
Is it possible to prevent the development of hemorrhoids?
There are several factors that can reduce the risk of hemorrhoids — or at the very least, decrease their impact. This may include lifestyle changes such as:
- Avoid sitting for long periods of time: Give yourself breaks periodically throughout the day. For example, go for a quick walk every 1 – 2 hours.
- Consume a high-fiber diet: This involves fresh vegetables and fruits, a variety of whole grains, and more. If you find it difficult to consume an adequate amount of fiber, a fiber dietary supplement may be ideal.
- Drink plenty of water
- Get regular exercise
- Use the restroom as soon as you have the urge, as opposed to waiting for another time
Are there foods I should avoid if I have a hemorrhoid?
Hemorrhoids are commonly caused by issues like chronic constipation, so adopting certain changes to your diet could be suggested if you have this GI issue. Our Texas gastrointestinal doctors might suggest avoiding food items that have little to no fiber. This involves foods such as ice cream, cheese, fast food, potato chips, and processed foods. During your consultation, we can provide additional information on what to avoid eating if you have hemorrhoids.
Will an over-the-counter cream take care of my hemorrhoid?
Over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams can be an effective way to decrease common hemorrhoid symptoms such as inflammation and itching. In some individuals, they could even help address small hemorrhoids. However, they often do not offer the most effective treatment approach. Because hemorrhoid creams don't actually address the root cause of hemorrhoids, hemorrhoids will likely return without professional treatment.
How long does it take for a hemorrhoid to go away?
The severity and variation of the hemorrhoid that has developed will determine the length of time it will last. As far as internal hemorrhoids go, mild cases generally clear up over the course of a week or so. Bigger hemorrhoids, on the contrary, might take a few weeks to improve or may need medical intervention. External hemorrhoids usually need to be treated by a physician. These treatment options might include nutritional and lifestyle changes, using nonprescription medications, a procedure like hemorrhoid banding (rubber band ligation), surgery, or a different form of care.
Timely treatment for hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids typically do not progress to serious health issues, but they can certainly be uncomfortable and wreak havoc on your quality of life. If you are needing assistance with hemorrhoid treatment in Texas, our doctors are ready to assist. We urge you to contact Texas Digestive Disease Consultants to request a consultation with a gastroenterology provider near you.
Hemorrhoids Videos
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Very nice Dr. Informative and polite. This was my first visit.
Dr.Nathan Smallwood was so professional and caring, I would recommend him and his Staff to everyone.
Dr. Seif took care of my hemorrhoids non surgically. I now have no symptoms.
Dr.Sri Naveen Surapaneni is such a humble person I have ever seen in my life,friendly,supportive,super understandable,full of knowledge about what procedures patients need.He did two procedures at a time endoscopy and Colonoscopy to help me use my time and expense wisely.After the procedure I haven't experienced any post procedure complications.The procedures he planned to perform was absolutely correct because he found some cases such as polyps in my transverse colon,internal hemorrhoids,some lesions,and others.He was able to take some biopsies from my stomach,colon to investigate for more diagnosis. He is one of the best GIT Specialist and let him be your Doctor!
Very friendly. He informed me in great detail what he is going to do.
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