Hemorrhoids in Arizona
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Find a ProviderWhat are hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids, also called piles, are swollen veins in the lower anus or rectum. The condition typically occurs in the event that the vein walls in the anus or rectum become so thin that the veins bulge or protrude. Hemorrhoids can present internally (within the rectum) or externally (on the anus).
Hemorrhoids are quite common. In fact, almost three-fourths of adults will experience hemorrhoids occasionally. In some occurrences, a blood clot will develop within a hemorrhoid (referred to as a thrombosed hemorrhoid) and can result in pain or discomfort. The board-certified gastroenterologists at Arizona Digestive Health specialize in working to resolve this common condition as well as other gastrointestinal (GI) problems. To locate treatment for hemorrhoids in Phoenix, AZ, please contact our office as soon as possible.
What causes hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are likely to be the result of many possible factors. Reasons a hemorrhoid might occur can include:
- Sitting or standing for extended periods of time
- Being pregnant
- Ongoing diarrhea
- The natural aging process
- Ongoing constipation
- Straining too hard to perform a physical activity (such as weight lifting)
- Obesity
- Family history of hemorrhoids
- Straining during bowel movements
What are the symptoms of hemorrhoids?
Presentation of piles vary because of the area affected by the hemorrhoids, but frequently include:
- Pink, blue, or purple bumps that protrude around the anus
- Pain around the anus while conducting physical activities
- Itching around one's anus
- Bright red blood in one's stool
- Pain and/or inflammation around the anus
- Discomfort during bowel movements
What are the treatments for hemorrhoids?
Sometimes, smaller hemorrhoids may resolve on their own within a week or less. Your Arizona Digestive Health provider may choose to prescribe pharmaceutical drugs or suggest at-home remedies to relieve the irritating symptoms of hemorrhoids. When larger hemorrhoids occur, however, medical involvement is available in Phoenix, AZ and may be required to remove or address the hemorrhoid. Typical hemorrhoid treatment includes:
- Tub baths multiple times daily in warm water
- Good hygiene, specifically in the anal region
- Treatment of constipation or the primary cause of the hemorrhoids
- Sclerotherapy
- Applying topical ointment
- A high fiber diet
- Avoiding the use of dry toilet paper
- Ice packs for reduction of anal swelling
- Draining a clotted hemorrhoid (thrombosis)
- Hemorrhoid stapling
- Surgical intervention
- Ligation using rubber bands
- Coagulation
Hemorrhoids FAQs
Is it possible to prevent the development of hemorrhoids?
There are certain things you can do to help prevent the development of hemorrhoids — or at least, reduce their effects. This can involve lifestyle modifications like:
- Exercise regularly.
- Avoid sitting for prolonged periods of time: Give yourself breaks during the day. For example, take a quick walk every 1 – 2 hours.
- Consume a high-fiber diet: This involves fresh fruits and veggies, a variety of whole grains, and more. If you find it difficult to consume enough fiber, a fiber dietary supplement may be ideal.
- Drink adequate amounts of water.
- Go to the restroom as soon as you have the urge, rather than waiting for another time.
Are there specific foods you should not eat if you have a hemorrhoid?
Hemorrhoids are commonly caused by issues like chronic constipation, so making specific changes to your diet might be recommended if you have this GI condition. Our Arizona gastrointestinal providers might advise avoiding food items with little to no fiber. This includes products such as potato chips, cheese, ice cream, fast food, and processed foods. During your visit, we can provide additional information on foods to avoid when you've been diagnosed with hemorrhoids.
Can an over-the-counter cream improve hemorrhoids?
Nonprescription hemorrhoid creams can be a great way to decrease common symptoms like inflammation and itching. They may even help address small hemorrhoids. However, they typically do not provide the most effective approach to care. Since hemorrhoid creams fail to address the underlying cause of hemorrhoids, it's likely that hemorrhoids will reappear without professional treatment.
How long does it take for a hemorrhoid to clear up?
The type and size of hemorrhoid you're experiencing will generally determine how long it might remain. With respect to internal hemorrhoids, minor cases usually improve over the course of a few days to one week. Larger hemorrhoids can take up to a few weeks to resolve or require medical treatment. External hemorrhoids must generally be addressed by a medical provider. Treatment options could involve dietary and lifestyle changes, over-the-counter medications, a procedure like hemorrhoid banding (rubber band ligation), a surgical procedure, or another form of care.
Timely treatment for hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids most often don't progress to serious health concerns, but they can certainly be bothersome and interfere with your quality of life. If you are in need of hemorrhoid treatment in Phoenix, AZ, our specialists are happy to to assist. Please reach out to Arizona Digestive Health today to reserve an appointment with a GI doctor.
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