Hemorrhoids are common, affecting nearly everybody at some point within their lifetime. In fact, almost 50% of people have experienced hemorrhoids by the time they reach age 50. If you experience pain due to hemorrhoids or symptoms that don’t subside on their own, the experienced gastroenterologists at Gastroenterology Associates of Central Georgia in Macon, Georgia, are here for you. They diagnose and treat hemorrhoids using conservative and surgical techniques. Call Gastroenterology Associates of Central Georgia for an appointment today.
Hemorrhoids are inflamed, swollen veins around your lower rectum or anus. They often occur as a result of constipation or straining during bowel movements and are common with pregnancy and increasing age.
Hemorrhoid symptoms usually subside within a few days on their own, but if they persist or you experience pain or rectal bleeding, see your gastroenterologist for treatment. Bleeding can also be a sign of anal or colorectal cancer, so anytime you have blood in the toilet or on the tissue, it’s best to come in for an evaluation.
The following signs and symptoms may indicate hemorrhoids:
Sometimes severe pain can develop as a result of external hemorrhoids that form blood clots. If you experience long-lasting pain or symptoms that don’t subside within a few days, come in for an evaluation with a gastroenterologist to find out if hemorrhoids or something else is causing your symptoms.
Anybody can develop hemorrhoids from time to time, but the following factors increase your risk of developing them:
Increasing your fiber intake, drinking lots of water, eating a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, getting regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and not straining during bowel movements are a few ways you can lower your risk of developing hemorrhoids.
To help diagnose hemorrhoids, your gastroenterologist reviews your symptoms and medical history. They examine the affected area, and if you have hemorrhoids, they recommend one or more of the following treatments:
Sometimes treating hemorrhoids at home is enough to relieve your symptoms. You might try topical hemorrhoid creams, suppositories, ointments, or pads, or soaking in a warm bath several times daily. Over-the-counter pain relievers help reduce discomfort, too.
If you experience a painful blood clot with hemorrhoids, your gastroenterologist can remove it under local anesthesia to give you immediate relief. Other minimally invasive procedures that help reduce persistent bleeding or painful hemorrhoids include rubber band ligation, injections, and coagulation techniques using a laser, infrared light, or heat.
Don’t let painful or persistent hemorrhoids go untreated. Schedule an appointment with Gastroenterology Associates of Central Georgia over the phone.
