Hemorrhoids Causes and Treatment Options
Dr. Hans Burkholder provides consultations and treatment for hemorrhoids. He utilizes surgical and non-surgical treatments to best suit the needs of each patient. As a board certified colon and rectal surgeon, he has specialty expertise and training in the diagnosis and surgical management of diseases of the colon, rectum, and anus. Call us today at 646-967-2020 to discover the best solution for you!
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What are Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are veins located in the rectum or anus. They are a part of normal anatomy, but may cause symptoms when they become larger than normal.
There are two different types of hemorrhoids, internal and external.
There are two different types of hemorrhoids, internal and external.
- Internal hemorrhoids occur on the inside of the rectum. They can cause symptoms such as bleeding, protrusion, swelling, or itching. Unlike external hemorrhoids, they usually do not cause pain.
- External hemorrhoids occur on the skin on or around the anus. When they are enlarged or thrombosed, they can cause symptoms of pain and swelling.
Causes of Hemorrhoids
One common cause of enlarged internal or external hemorrhoids is increased pressure in the hemorrhoid veins. Some of the things that can cause this increased pressure are:
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Lifting
- Exercise
- Pregnancy
- Obesity
- Straining to urinate
- Sitting on the commode
How can I determine whether I have Hemorrhoids?
Anyone experiencing symptoms of hemorrhoids such as swelling, pain or bleeding should be evaluated by a doctor, such as a colorectal surgeon, who is trained in diagnosing conditions involving the colon, rectum and anus.
Your doctor will want to talk to you about the symptoms you are experiencing. Your doctor will also inspect the anus and rectum, often using an anoscope, to look at the hemorrhoids. Your doctor may also recommend a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy to determine whether something else is causing your symptoms.
An evaluation by a specialist is important because many other conditions, such as cancer, may cause symptoms that mimic hemorrhoids. People who incorrectly assume they have hemorrhoids may delay life-saving treatments for more serious conditions.
Your doctor will want to talk to you about the symptoms you are experiencing. Your doctor will also inspect the anus and rectum, often using an anoscope, to look at the hemorrhoids. Your doctor may also recommend a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy to determine whether something else is causing your symptoms.
An evaluation by a specialist is important because many other conditions, such as cancer, may cause symptoms that mimic hemorrhoids. People who incorrectly assume they have hemorrhoids may delay life-saving treatments for more serious conditions.
What Treatments are available for Thrombosed External Hemorrhoids?
There are non-surgical solutions and surgical treatment of hemorrhoids depending on the situation.
- Medical Management: People with pain from thrombosed external hemorrhoids may find some relief by soaking in a warm bath, applying creams to the area, and by taking acetaminophen or an NSAID.
- Surgical Procedures: Thrombosed external hemorrhoids contain clots that cause swelling. Your colorectal surgeon may offer you a procedure such as excision of the thrombosed hemorrhoid or removal of the clot that it contains. These procedures can often be done for you at your doctor’s office.
What Treatments are available for Internal Hemorrhoids?
There are many different hemorrhoid treatment options, a few of which are mentioned below. An evaluation by a colorectal specialist, also known as a proctologist, can determine which treatment is best for you.
- Medical Treatment: People whose hemorrhoids are only mildly enlarged often will find that their symptoms improve by soaking in a warm bath, applying topical creams, and increasing their dietary fiber to 25-30 grams daily.
- Infrared Coagulation (IRC): Infrared coagulation uses an infrared beam to heat the internal hemorrhoid. The goal of this treatment is to cause the hemorrhoid to scar and shrink. This treatment can usually be done in the colorectal surgeon’s office.
- Rubber Band Ligation: Rubber band ligation involves placing a small rubber band around the internal hemorrhoid. This is done to cut off the blood flow to the hemorrhoid. The goal of this treatment is shrink the hemorrhoid and cause the hemorrhoid to scar. This treatment can usually be done in the colorectal surgeon’s office.
- Hemorrhoidectomy: Hemorrhoidectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the most prominent hemorrhoids. This is usually done as a day surgery with anesthesia if the hemorrhoids are too large to be treated by other methods or if the other treatment methods have not worked.