What are hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids, or piles, are irritated, swollen veins in the anal area. The swollen veins are a source of general discomfort and may cause symptoms such as:

• Pain
• Itching
• Bleeding
• Burning sensation

There are two types of hemorrhoids, both of which the team at Gastroenterology Associates of Western Colorado treat.

Internal hemorrhoids

Internal hemorrhoids aren’t normally painful, and you may be unaware of them unless they rupture and bleed during the passage of a hard stool. It’s possible for internal hemorrhoids to drop out of the anal opening, which cuts off the circulation in the veins. This is a serious condition that needs prompt medical intervention.

External hemorrhoids

External hemorrhoids are typically very painful, as there are many more nerve endings at the anal opening than inside the anal canal. External hemorrhoids sometimes develop blood clots that cause them to turn into hard, painful lumps known as thrombosed hemorrhoids.

What causes hemorrhoids?

The chief cause of hemorrhoids is straining when having a bowel movement. Frequent bouts of constipation that lead to straining are most often due to a poor diet, so eating healthy, fiber-rich foods and keeping yourself hydrated significantly reduces your risk of developing hemorrhoids.

Other factors that can make you more likely to develop hemorrhoids include:

• Aging
• Heredity
• Using laxatives
• Frequent bouts of diarrhea
• Pregnancy

Modern toilets are another contributory factor as their design encourages straining and the position puts pressure on the hemorrhoidal veins. For that reason, you should avoid spending longer on the toilet than necessary.

How are hemorrhoids treated?

Your body can heal hemorrhoids more often than not, so if you avoid the causes of hemorrhoids, that should resolve the problem. However, if you continue to strain on the toilet, hemorrhoids are likely to return, and if the veins are weak from previous bouts, they are more likely to flare up in the future.

If you need medication to relieve the discomfort of mild hemorrhoids, the team at Gastroenterology Associates of Western Colorado may recommend creams, pads, or suppositories to help with the pain and itching. Other potential treatments for persistent or severe hemorrhoids include:

• External hemorrhoid thrombectomy
• Rubber band ligation
• Sclerotherapy
• Infrared, laser, or bipolar coagulation
• Hemorrhoidectomy
• Stapled hemorrhoidectomy

Your doctor at Gastroenterology Associates of Western Colorado can advise you which treatment is right in your case.

If you notice blood in your stool or when you wipe or are experiencing anal discomfort, the team at Gastroenterology Associates of Western Colorado can treat your piles and also check that there’s no other cause for the bleeding. Call the clinic today to schedule a hemorrhoid consultation.