Los Angeles Hemorrhoids Specialist

Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swollen and inflamed blood vessels in the rectum and anus. They can cause discomfort, pain, and bleeding. Hemorrhoids can be internal, external, or a combination of both. Here are some key points about hemorrhoids.

Types of Hemorrhoids

• Internal Hemorrhoids: These occur inside the rectum and are usually painless. However, they can cause bleeding during bowel movements.
• External Hemorrhoids: These are under the skin around the anus and can be felt as a lump. They can be painful and may cause bleeding when irritated or during bowel movements.
• Thrombosed Hemorrhoids: When blood pools in an external hemorrhoid and forms a clot, it can become extremely painful. This condition is known as thrombosed hemorrhoids.

Common Symptoms

• Rectal bleeding during bowel movements is often seen as bright red blood on toilet paper or in the toilet bowl.
• Itching or irritation in the anal area.
• Pain or discomfort, especially during bowel movements.
• A feeling of fullness or discomfort in the rectum.
• A lump or swelling near the anus in the case of external hemorrhoids.

Causes

• Increased pressure on the rectal and anal blood vessels, which can be caused by straining during bowel movements, chronic constipation or diarrhea, obesity, and pregnancy.
• Aging, as the tissues supporting the blood vessels in the rectum and anus may weaken over time.

Prevention and Self-Care

• Eating a high-fiber diet to soften stools and prevent straining during bowel movements.
• Drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• Avoiding prolonged sitting on the toilet.
• Engaging in regular physical activity.
• Over-the-counter creams or ointments, warm baths, and moist towelettes can provide relief for mild symptoms.

Medical Treatment

• A healthcare provider may recommend over-the-counter medications or prescribe topical creams or suppositories for symptom relief.
• In some cases, procedures such as rubber band ligation, sclerotherapy, or infrared coagulation may be recommended to treat internal hemorrhoids.
• External hemorrhoids that become thrombosed may require surgical removal.

Seeking Medical Advice

• If you experience rectal bleeding, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider to rule out other more serious conditions such as colorectal cancer.
• Persistent or severe symptoms, or if you suspect you have a thrombosed hemorrhoid, should prompt a visit to a healthcare professional for evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Hemorrhoids are a common condition and can usually be managed effectively with lifestyle changes and conservative treatments. However, it’s essential to seek medical advice from a Los Angeles hemorrhoids specialist, Armen Gregorian, MD, if you have symptoms to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.