What are Hemorrhoids?

The lower intestine is a vital but vulnerable part of your digestive system. When problems arise, they can significantly impact your quality of life. One such condition is hemorrhoids. Though not immediately dangerous, this condition can lead to irritation and discomfort.

However, treatment is readily available. When you visit the premier gastroenterologist Los Angeles has to offer, you can receive expert care tailored to your needs. Call us today to learn more about treatment options.

Hemorrhoids Overview

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lower regions of the anus and rectum. When swollen, hemorrhoids are also called piles and become more frustrating. As this condition develops, the veins in this region can stretch out and thin. When this happens, it can result in bulging and irritation, especially during bowel movements.

Though hemorrhoids rarely become serious, it is vital to visit a specialist. The reason is that many of the symptoms could also indicate other conditions, which might be more serious. When you visit Dr. Tabib, you will not only receive peace of mind. But through his treatment plans, you can also achieve comfort.

What Causes Hemorrhoids?

There are a couple of potential causes for hemorrhoids. The leading cause is often due to straining from constipation. Almost everyone becomes constipated at some point in their life, so this is far from uncommon. Also, the pressure of the fetus in pregnant women can cause them. Their presence isn’t considered severe or dangerous in itself. In the US, about half of all adults experiencing them before the age of 50. The good news is that there are ways to treat them.

What Are The Symptoms of Hemorrhoids?

What makes this condition tricky is that it can share similar symptoms as other conditions. As such, they can be very difficult to diagnose on your own. And, these other conditions can be much more serious than hemorrhoids. So, patients often misdiagnose themselves with this condition while putting themselves at risk without knowing it.

Hallmark symptoms of hemorrhoids include:

Itching / Irritation Around Your Anus
Pain / Discomfort
Swelling
A Sensitive Lump
Anal Leakage
Painless Bleeding During Bowel Movements, with Bright Red Blood in the Stool

Some hemorrhoids are internal and will not present all of the symptoms listed above. Usually, they cause no discomfort at all. Because they have a delicate surface, a bowel movement can cause them to rupture and bleed without pain.

However, if internal hemorrhoids push through the anus opening, it becomes irritated and painful. With external hemorrhoids, blood clots can cause pain, swelling, and inflammation.

Causes of Hemorrhoids

As noted earlier, pressure on the anus and lower rectum is the primary cause of hemorrhoids. The pressure may be the result of many factors, including:

Constipation
Diarrhea
Obesity
Pregnancy
Anal Intercourse
Low-Fiber diet
Sitting on the Toilet for Extended Periods

Age also factors in as putting you more at risk. As we age, the tissues that support our veins become weaker the older you get. This makes them more vulnerable to developing this condition.

Diagnosis

We cannot stress enough how vital a professional examination is. If you have another condition, then you could put yourself at serious risk. However, if you have timely treatment, then your risk is kept low.

When you come to Dr. Tabib, you will receive a professional and compassionate experience. He will check for hemorrhoids during a physical examination. If found, he will usually recommend a course of treatment designed to treat your symptoms. If he detects something else, he will also work with you to develop a treatment plan.

For this condition, special creams or suppositories can provide relief for a limited time. Warm baths of 10 minutes may also be recommended. They should be taken in plain water several times a day.

When the cause of your hemorrhoids goes away, they should also disappear on their own. So treatment mostly focuses on providing relief and helping your bowels return to a healthy state.

Treatment of Hemorrhoids

Treating constipation is often the key to preventing the recurrence of hemorrhoids. If you have experienced this condition, you likely will not want to repeat it.

Usually, this can be accomplished by introducing more fiber to your diet and drinking eight glasses of water a day. Dr. Tabib may also recommend a fiber supplement like Metamucil or Citrucel.

Some cases may require medical treatment. Often the case when internal hemorrhoids become strangulated. This means the blood supply has been cut off. Such cases are more serious, as they can lead to gangrene if left untreated.

In certain instances, Dr. Tabib may employ one of the following methods to remove the hemorrhoids:

Rubber Band Ligation – the band cuts off blood supply, causing the hemorrhoid to wither away in a few days
Sclerotherapy – a chemical injected into the blood vessel causes it to collapse
Infrared Coagulation – cauterized with heat
Hemorrhoidectomy–surgical removal

The treatment that is best for you will depend on your situation. For some patients, all they need is relief from symptoms. For others, you may require more intervention. During your consultation with Dr. Tabib, he will work to develop a plan that matches your needs perfectly.

Schedule a Consultation

Today, gastroenterology conditions can be treated effectively. If diagnosed early with a colonoscopy, hemorrhoids can be cured with excellent outcomes. When you schedule your consultation, you will meet personally with a top specialist, Dr. Tabib. Working closely with each patient, we provide a personalized gastroenterology treatment plan to meet your unique needs. Contact our gastroenterology center to schedule a consolation with Los Angeles’ preferred gastroenterologist, Dr. Tabib.

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Siamak Tabib, M.D., Inc.
8631 W 3rd St Suite 1015E,
Los Angeles, CA 90048

(310) 683-4911

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2010-2025