How to Get Rid of Hemorrhoids and When to Seek a Doctor’s Help

How to Get Rid of Hemorrhoids and When to Seek a Doctor’s Help

Dealing with hemorrhoids can be uncomfortable and painful. Fortunately, treatment is available. Bergen Medical Associates has a team of highly trained and qualified gastroenterology experts who provide treatment for hemorrhoids at locations near you in northern New Jersey. Here, we discuss how to get rid of hemorrhoids and when it’s time to seek medical help.

What Are Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are swollen or enlarged veins that have formed inside or outside the anus and rectum. Also known as piles, hemorrhoids are accompanied by discomfort, irritation, and sometimes rectal bleeding. They are a very common problem, with an estimated one in 20 Americans dealing with symptomatic hemorrhoids. This number increases with age, as over 50% of individuals over the age of 50 are likely to have them. In many cases, hemorrhoid sufferers may only feel a manageable amount of pain. However, they could be a sign of a more serious underlying condition.

What Are the Symptoms of Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids come in a few varieties, and each comes with its own set of symptoms.

Internal Hemorrhoids

Internal hemorrhoids are found inside the rectum. While they may bleed, they are generally not painful. They can cause bleeding during bowel movements, but this doesn’t often create discomfort. However, an internal hemorrhoid may prolapse, which means it has begun to protrude outside of the anus. This may be accompanied by pain and bleeding.

External Hemorrhoids

External hemorrhoids form underneath the skin around the anus. This type of hemorrhoid is more commonly known to cause itchiness and pain in the area, but it may also cause swelling and bleeding.

Thrombosed Hemorrhoids

External hemorrhoids can occasionally start to pool blood. This can form a blood clot known as a thrombus, which can cause inflammation and swelling, severe pain, and even the formation of a hard lump close to the anus.

What Causes Hemorrhoids?

Because they involve the veins, hemorrhoids can develop in a variety of ways. Significant straining during bowel movements is one of the most common causes. One could also develop hemorrhoids from extended periods of sitting, especially on the toilet. Being pregnant or obese can also result in hemorrhoids because of the additional strain the body may be put through. You may also suffer from hemorrhoids if you don’t have enough fiber in your diet or if you’re struggling with chronic diarrhea or constipation, each of which can add pressure to the lower rectum.

You will be at a higher risk of getting hemorrhoids as you age, and the tissues supporting these veins weaken over time. You may also be at a higher risk if your lifestyle or workplace requires you to consistently lift heavy items.

How to Get Rid of Hemorrhoids

To get rid of hemorrhoids, you’ll first want to meet with a medical professional. They will assess your symptoms and provide a physical exam. This is especially helpful for hemorrhoids because of where they are located, as it is a difficult area to see on your own. A gastroenterology specialist will consider your medical history and may recommend additional testing to help make a proper diagnosis. This may include a digital rectal exam, a sigmoidoscopy, or an anoscopy.

As far as treatment goes, a doctor will evaluate the severity of your condition to decide the best course of action. The hemorrhoids may go away on their own, but there are other treatment options to get relief.

Medications

Medication is an option for treating hemorrhoids. It is often suggested if discomfort and itchiness are a concern. A doctor might recommend laxatives if constipation is the cause. There are also topical treatments, such as creams, suppositories, and sitz baths, which may be able to help relieve pain.

Procedures

If a procedure is necessary to treat the hemorrhoids, there are a few options available. The best one will depend on the type of hemorrhoids you have. External hemorrhoid thrombectomy is an option for those with external hemorrhoids, using local anesthetic to help with blood clots. Other minimally invasive procedures include:

• Rubber band ligation, which uses tiny rubber bands to help prevent blood flow to internal hemorrhoids
• Coagulation, which uses heat, lasers, or infrared light to eliminate small internal hemorrhoids
• Sclerotherapy, which involves the injection of chemicals for a nearly painless solution

Surgical options are also available, but they are typically reserved for severe cases or instances where no other treatment has worked. A hemorrhoid removal, or hemorrhoidectomy, involves removing additional tissue with help from a local anesthetic. Meanwhile, hemorrhoid stapling aims to block blood flow to the affected tissue and offers quicker recovery.

How Can You Prevent Hemorrhoids?

To prevent hemorrhoids in the first place, you’ll want to do what you can to avoid strain on these veins. Adding more fiber to your diet and making sure you’re drinking enough fluids can help soften stools. You can also opt for fiber supplements.

Finding ways to avoid sitting for long periods can also make a big difference. If your work requires a lot of sitting, take a minute or two during each hour of your workday to stretch your legs. Exercise in general is another good way to keep hemorrhoids at bay. If you’re experiencing prolonged pain, excessive bleeding, or symptoms that last more than a week, seek medical attention.

Find Hemorrhoid Treatment Near You in New Jersey

While hemorrhoids may seem like only a minor inconvenience, leaving them unaddressed could be a big mistake. Seeing a gastroenterologist at Bergen Medical Associates allows you to get peace of mind, knowing you’re getting an accurate diagnosis and personalized care. Serving northern New Jersey, our practitioners have vast knowledge and experience, which has helped create our dependable reputation in our communities.

We also offer an on-site ambulatory surgical suite and other local ambulatory surgical centers to help ensure you get the comprehensive care you need. Contact us today if you’d like to learn more about how to get rid of hemorrhoids or to schedule an appointment. We have locations in Emerson, Montvale, Northvale, Paramus, and Ridgewood, NJ, making it easy to find treatment near you.