Hemorrhoids

Pain, no matter where you experience it, is your body’s way of telling you that something is wrong. Although not life threatening, pain from hemorrhoids can still be pretty severe. It’s important for your own comfort and for your quality of life that these nasty little piles be treated right away.

What Are Hemorrhoids?

Quite simply, hemorrhoids are swollen veins located in the lower part of the rectum and the anus. They occur when the walls of the vein are stretched thin, causing the vein to bulge and become irritated.

There are two types of hemorrhoids: internal and external.

Internal Hemorrhoids develop inside of the rectum and are usually far enough inside that sufferers neither see nor feel them. The lack of pain is due to a dearth of pain sensing nerves within the rectum. Typically, the only sign of internal hemorrhoids is bleeding from the anus.
External Hemorrhoids form on the anal sphincter itself, where there are substantially more pain nerves. These hemorrhoids are easily aggravated and can cause both bleeding and acute pain.

Occasionally, hemorrhoids will prolapse, which means the piles will become swollen and as a result bulge outside of the anal sphincter. These hemorrhoids can be particularly painful.

How Does One Treat Hemorrhoids?

At the first sign of pain or bleeding, sufferers should visit a gastroenterologist. Even though they are the number one cause, bleeding from the anus can be a sign of worse conditions than hemorrhoids. Other potential conditions range from diverticulitis to Crohn’s disease or even colorectal cancer. At the examination, your doctor will determine the nature of your malady and prescribe a course of action.

While flare-ups can disappear, some hemorrhoids are chronic. Even if they appear to go away, chronic cases will inevitably come back and need to be treated. There are several creams, ointments and suppositories than can help alleviate the pain, but ultimately the best methods of fighting hemorrhoids involve treatment in the office.

Consultation

At the Beverly Hills Center for Digestive Health, Dr. Davidson has a couple of potential weapons to use in the battle against hemorrhoids. Those courses of treatment include infrared coagulation and banding, which cuts off the blood flow into the affected area, starving the offending bulge.

Dr. Davidson and his staff are dedicated to helping you rid yourself of these irritations and will employ the best course of treatment for your unique circumstances.

Common Questions and Answers

Q: What are external hemorrhoids?

A: External hemorrhoids can be observed as a grouping of vessels located beneath the skin or tissue surrounding the anus.

Q: What are internal hemorrhoids?

A: In contrast to external hemorrhoids, internal hemorrhoids can be observed as a grouping of vessels located under the lining of the last section of the rectum. It is experienced as a painless rectal bleeding.

Q: How Can Hemorrhoids Be Detected?

A: A gastroenterologist can detect external hemorrhoids following a visual and rectal examination. For internal hemorrhoids, gastroenterologists require the use of an anoscope. Hemorrhoids that do not dissipate within a week may require additional treatment. If you are experiencing rectal bleeding and pain, you may need to be examined by a professional specialist.

Q: Is Surgery an Option for Treating Hemorrhoids?

A: Generally, hemorrhoid banding and sclerotherapy are effective options for treating grade 1 and grade 2 hemorrhoids at an early stage. Surgery may be applicable depending on the individual case. If you need additional information, you can contact Dr. Davidson or schedule a consultation.

Q: Can I Expect Pain from Hemorrhoids Treatments?

A: Most procedures to treat hemorrhoids are minimally invasive. They are safe and cause little or almost no pain. Discomfort may not be experienced during the procedure, but minor pain and light rectal bleeding is expected during the recovery process.

Q: Are there Home-based Remedies for Hemorrhoids?

A: Over-the-counter medications are available, which can relieve external hemorrhoid symptoms such as pain. However, internal hemorrhoids and persistent cases may require professional treatment. In addition, over-the-counter ointments commonly have steroids and may worsen the condition when used extensively.

There’s no reason to live with pain of any sort, least of all pain from hemorrhoids. Call Dr. Davidson and the specialists at Beverly Hills Center for Digestive Health today to schedule an examination.

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