Hemorrhoids in St. Louis, MO
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Find a ProviderWhat are hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids, sometimes referred to as piles, are swollen veins near the lower rectum or anus. The condition commonly occurs when the walls of the veins in the rectum or anus become so thin that the veins protrude or bulge. Piles can manifest internally (within the rectum) or externally (on the anus).
Hemorrhoids are not uncommon. As a matter of fact, three out of four adults will deal with piles at some time(s). In some cases, a blood clot will grow inside a hemorrhoid (knowns as a thrombosed hemorrhoid) and can cause pain or discomfort. The board-certified GI providers at Specialists in Gastroenterology specialize in helping patients with this common concern and other gastrointestinal (GI) conditions. To connect to treatment for hemorrhoids in St. Louis, MO, please reach out to our office as soon as possible.
What are the causes of hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids can be the result of many different factors. Causes of hemorrhoids can include:
- Aging
- Excessive strain when performing physical activities (like weight lifting)
- Standing or sitting for extended periods of time
- Being overweight
- Pregnancy
- Genetic history of hemorrhoids
- Excessive strain during bowel movements
- Chronic constipation
- Chronic diarrhea
What are some symptoms of hemorrhoids?
Symptoms of hemorrhoids will vary depending on the location of the piles. Some of the most common symptoms patients experience include:
- Itching around one's anus
- Bright red blood in the stool
- Pain near the anus while conducting physical activities
- Pain and/or inflammation around the anus
- Pink, blue, or purple bumps that protrude around the anus
- Pain during bowel movements
How are hemorrhoids treated?
Sometimes, smaller hemorrhoids can resolve without treatment after a week or less. Your Specialists in Gastroenterology provider may prescribe pharmaceutical drugs or suggest at-home remedies to relieve the uncomfortable symptoms of hemorrhoids. When larger hemorrhoids are present, medical involvement is available in St. Louis, MO and might be needed to excise or treat the hemorrhoid. Typical hemorrhoid treatments include:
- Sclerotherapy
- Surgical Intervention
- Draining of a clot (thrombosis)
- A high fiber diet
- Hemorrhoid stapling
- Coagulation
- Applying topical cream
- Avoiding the use of dry toilet paper
- Good hygiene, specifically in the anal region
- Tub baths several times daily in warm water
- Ligation using rubber bands
- Ice packs to reduce anal swelling
- Treating constipation or the cause of the hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids FAQs
Can you prevent the development of hemorrhoids?
There are certain things you can do to reduce the risk of hemorrhoids — or, at the very least, minimize their impact. This might include lifestyle modifications like:
- Avoid sitting for long periods: Take breaks throughout the day. For instance, take a brief walk every 1 – 2 hours.
- Consume a high-fiber diet: This involves fresh veggies and fruits, whole grains, and other healthy items. If you struggle to get enough fiber, a fiber dietary supplement could be ideal.
- Consume adequate amounts of water
- Exercise regularly
- Use the restroom upon having the urge, as opposed to waiting for another time
Are there specific foods you should avoid eating if you have a hemorrhoid?
Hemorrhoids are often caused by issues like ongoing constipation, so adopting specific changes to your eating habits might be suggested if you suffer from this GI issue. Our St. Louis, MO gastrointestinal physicians might advise avoiding food containing little fiber. This involves things like potato chips, ice cream, cheese, fast food, and processed foods. During your visit, we can provide further details on food items to avoid if you suffer from hemorrhoids.
Can an over-the-counter cream improve hemorrhoids?
Over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams can be an effective option to minimize common hemorrhoid symptoms such as itching and swelling. In some instances, they may even help treat minor hemorrhoids. However, they usually do not offer the most successful approach to care. Since hemorrhoid creams don't treat the underlying cause of hemorrhoids, hemorrhoids will likely reappear without professional treatment.
How long does it take for a hemorrhoid to clear up?
The extent and type of hemorrhoid you're experiencing will typically determine the length of time it might remain. With internal hemorrhoids, mild cases often improve within a few days to one week. Larger hemorrhoids, on the contrary, can take up to a few weeks to resolve or require professional medical care. External hemorrhoids typically need to be addressed by a medical provider. Such treatment options could involve dietary and lifestyle modifications, over-the-counter medications, a procedure like hemorrhoid banding (rubber band ligation), surgery, or a different form of care.
Get help for hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids typically do not lead to serious health issues, but they can certainly be irritating and interfere with your quality of life. If you find yourself in need of treatment for hemorrhoids in St. Louis, MO, our providers are ready to help. We urge you to contact your nearest Specialists in Gastroenterology location to request a consultation with a gastroenterology provider.
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