Hemorrhoids are a common disorder that may clear up with at-home care. However, when your hemorrhoids fail to improve or cause significant pain, Cameron Sikavi, MD, at Innovative GI Health and Wellness in the Beverly Grove neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, can develop a plan to help. Dr. Sikavi takes a holistic approach, creating plans that address your symptoms and prevent problems in the future. There’s no need to suffer with your hemorrhoids—call or schedule an appointment online today.
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins that affect the anus or lower part of the rectum.
Researchers theorize that too much pressure on this part of the body causes the veins to swell and expand, leading to hemorrhoids. Pressure from constipation, diarrhea, or spending too much time sitting on the toilet may play a role in the development of hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoids are common, affecting 1 out of every 20 people in the United States. Your risk of developing hemorrhoids increases as you get older.
The location of your hemorrhoids determines the type and symptoms. Types of hemorrhoids include:
Internal hemorrhoids are located on the lower rectum. These hemorrhoids don’t cause pain but may bleed during a bowel movement. However, an internal hemorrhoid that protrudes through the anus may cause pain.
External hemorrhoids are the hemorrhoids that affect the anus. These hemorrhoids may itch or burn. They may cause severe pain if they develop a blood clot, causing a thrombosed hemorrhoid.
Either type of hemorrhoid may vary in size and level of discomfort.
You should schedule an appointment at Innovative GI Health and Wellness if your hemorrhoids fail to improve after seven days of at-home care or cause significant discomfort. You should also see Dr. Sikavi if you have any blood in your stool.
Though hemorrhoids are a common cause of rectal bleeding, it’s also a symptom of colon cancer. Dr. Sikavi does colon cancer screening and can confirm or rule out this common type of cancer.
During your visit, he asks detailed questions about your symptoms. He also reviews your medical history, bowel habits, usual diet, and exercise routine. Dr. Sikavi does a physical and rectal exam.
Treatment for your hemorrhoids depends on the severity of your symptoms and type. Dr. Sikavi first recommends lifestyle changes to treat hemorrhoids, such as adding more fiber and fluid to your diet and not sitting on the toilet for long periods of time.
He may also recommend a stool softener and sitz baths (warm tub of water to soak your bottom). If conservative care fails to improve your hemorrhoids, Dr. Sikavi may recommend a procedure to get rid of the swollen veins, such as rubber band ligation or hemorrhoidectomy.
Don’t wait too long to get help for your hemorrhoids. Call Innovative GI Health and Wellness or schedule an appointment online today.