Common Questions Ask to Your Hemorrhoid Doctor

Hemorrhoids can develop when excess pressure on the veins around the anus causes them to stretch, bulge, or swell. Increased pressure in the lower rectum can lead to the development of hemorrhoids, which can be caused by:

• Straining during bowel movements
• Sitting for long periods on the toilet
• Having chronic diarrhea or constipation
• Being obese
• Being pregnant
• Having anal intercourse
• Eating a low-fiber diet
• Regular heavy lifting

The risk for hemorrhoids also increases with age because the tissues that support the veins in the rectum and anus can weaken and stretch and often become more delicate with age. This can also happen during pregnancy because the baby’s weight puts pressure on the anal region.

In most cases, hemorrhoids are nothing to worry about as long as they are addressed in a timely manner; they typically respond well to treatment and clear up after a few days. However, they can become serious if they are left untreated for some time. Aside from causing severe discomfort, especially when having a bowel movement, hemorrhoids can develop into serious complications, including infection. If hemorrhoids are causing disquieting symptoms, such as rectal bleeding or severe pain, they should receive professional medical treatment as soon as possible. Other potential symptoms that indicate a visit to the doctor include dark-colored stools, fever, swelling, infection, and fatigue.

Complications of hemorrhoids are rare but include:

• Anemia — In extremely rare cases, chronic blood loss from hemorrhoids may cause anemia, a condition characterized by an inadequate amount of healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body.

• Strangulated Hemorrhoid — Hemorrhoids may become “strangulated” if the blood supply to an internal hemorrhoid is cut off, which can cause extreme pain.

• Blood Clot — Occasionally, a clot can form in a hemorrhoid affected by thrombosis, also known as a thrombosed hemorrhoid. Although not life-threatening, thrombosed hemorrhoids can be extremely painful and sometimes need to be lanced and drained.

Certain foods can trigger hemorrhoids, including:

• Processed foods that cause constipation
• Alcohol
• Highly processed meats
• Dairy and cheese (if a sensitivity exists)
• Nuts, seeds, corn, popcorn
• Spicy foods and hot sauces
• Pickles, relish, ketchup, mustard
• Onion, garlic
• Cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli (if these cause gas)

Doctors can utilize a number of different modalities in the treatment of hemorrhoids, from lifestyle modifications to minimally invasive procedures. In mild cases, doctors will likely recommend lifestyle modifications, including dietary changes, like eating foods high in fiber, as well as more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. In other cases, they may recommend a topical ointment, such as an over-the-counter hemorrhoid cream or suppository containing hydrocortisone. In more severe or recurrent cases, the doctor may recommend minimally invasive procedures, such as sclerotherapy, which shrinks hemorrhoids using an injectable chemical solution, or coagulation, which uses a laser, infrared light, or heat to harden and shrink the hemorrhoids.

If you have hemorrhoids, trust the professionals at Texas Colon and Pilonidal Clinic to provide you with effective relief. Call us today to book an appointment with our hemorrhoid treatment specialist, or visit our clinic. We serve patients from Cypress TX, The Woodlands TX, Shenandoah TX, Rose Hill TX, Conroe TX, Louetta TX, Tomball TX, Hockley TX, Montgomery TX, Cleveland TX, Houston TX, Kingwood TX, and Humble TX, Willis TX, and BEYOND.