Let's Talk Hemorrhoids

Do you often see blood or mucus in your stool? Perhaps you’ve noticed itchiness or discomfort in the area around the anus.

It could be hemorrhoids, which occur when veins around or inside the anus become swollen and stretched. Internal hemorrhoids develop inside the rectum and may cause bleeding or irritation, but they’re usually not painful.

External hemorrhoids, on the other hand, form under the skin around the anus, creating visible lumps that can be quite painful.

If you suspect you have them, our experts at Carolina Digestive Health Associates explain the cause of hemorrhoids and how you can treat them.

Hemorrhoids causes

Why do people get them?

Hemorrhoids appear when there’s increased pressure on the veins inside the anus. This can occur due to pregnancy, weight gain, straining, or spending most of your time sitting.

Relieving pressure usually involves ensuring regular bowel movements and reducing pressure on the area. For example, if you have an office job, taking a few breaks each day to stand up can be beneficial.

Treating hemorrhoids

Depending on the type of hemorrhoid, whether internal or external, and the severity of the symptoms, the first line of treatment may include ointments to decrease inflammation locally, as well as getting plenty of fluids and fiber to ensure regular bowel movements.

Internal hemorrhoids are initially invisible and don’t cause pain, but may cause bleeding and irritation around the anus. However, left untreated, they can prolapse, and you can notice them as they come down through the anal opening. 

For these, the treatment is straightforward and painless. With the help of banding, the blood supply is cut off, and the hemorrhoid ultimately falls off on its own. Our experts utilize the CRH O’Regan System for hemorrhoid banding, a novel and effective method that removes hemorrhoids with no incisions and minimal downtime.

For external hemorrhoids, banding is also sometimes used as a treatment option. If the external hemorrhoid is large, causing a lot of discomfort, or has developed a blood clot, surgical removal is also possible.

Learn more about what’s causing your hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids often get better with a few lifestyle adjustments. However, once they are present, they can cause unpleasant symptoms such as pain, bleeding, or itchiness. Fortunately, their removal is not so unpleasant.

 In most cases, they can be removed without the need for surgery. When surgery is recommended, it’s only suggested because it could significantly improve your quality of life or prevent serious complications. 

Want to learn more? Achieve peace of mind and alleviate your discomfort by contacting us to schedule an appointment at one of our offices located in Belmont and Charlotte, North Carolina.