Hemorrhoids in Hattiesburg, MS
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Find a ProviderWhat are hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids, sometimes referred to as piles, are swollen veins near the lower anus or rectum. The problem typically occurs in the event that the walls of the veins in the anus or rectum become so thin that the veins protrude or bulge. Piles can manifest internally (within the rectum) or externally (on the anus).
Hemorrhoids are quite common. As a matter of fact, approximately three out of four adults will have piles at some point in their lives. In some cases, a blood clot will develop within a hemorrhoid (known as a thrombosed hemorrhoid) and may cause discomfort or pain. The board-certified GI doctors at Hattiesburg GI Associates, PLLC are experts in treating this common condition as well as other gastrointestinal (GI) problems. To find care for hemorrhoids in Hattiesburg, MS, please contact our team as soon as possible.
What are the causes of hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids may be attributed to a wide array of things. Reasons a hemorrhoid might occur can include:
- Ongoing diarrhea
- Chronic constipation
- Excessive strain during bowel movements
- The natural aging process
- Sitting or standing for long periods of time
- Family history of hemorrhoids
- Being overweight
- Straining too hard to perform a physical activity (like lifting weights)
- Pregnancy
What are some symptoms of hemorrhoids?
Presentation of piles can be varied because of the area affected by the hemorrhoids, but commonly includes:
- Pain during bowel movements
- Purple, pink, or blue raised lesions that protrude around the anus
- Itching around one's anus
- Pain and/or swelling near the anus
- Bright red blood in one's stool
- Discomfort surrounding the anus while performing physical activities
What are the treatments for hemorrhoids?
Minor hemorrhoids will often resolve on their own after a few days. Your Hattiesburg GI Associates, PLLC provider could choose to prescribe pharmaceutical drugs or suggest home remedies to alleviate the bothersome symptoms of hemorrhoids. When a larger problem is present, however, medical intervention is available for hemorrhoids in Hattiesburg, MS and could be required to excise or address the hemorrhoid. Common hemorrhoid treatment includes:
- Rubber band ligation
- Surgery
- Coagulation
- Treatment of constipation or the cause of the hemorrhoids
- Applying topical cream
- Maintaining a clean anal region
- Tub baths multiple times daily in warm water
- Stapling
- Draining a clot (thrombosis)
- Avoiding dry toilet paper
- Ice packs to reduce anal inflammation
- A high-fiber diet
- Sclerotherapy
Hemorrhoids FAQs
Can you prevent hemorrhoids?
There are certain things you can do to help prevent the development of hemorrhoids — or at minimum, diminish their effects. This can include lifestyle changes like:
- Go to the restroom as soon as you have the urge, as opposed to waiting until later
- Exercise on a regular basis
- Avoid sitting for long periods of time: Take breaks periodically during the day. For instance, go for a brief walk every 1 – 2 hours.
- Eat foods that are high in fiber: This includes fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and more. If you find it challenging to eat an adequate amount of fiber, a fiber dietary supplement may be ideal.
- Drink adequate amounts of water
Are there foods you should avoid eating if you have hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are often caused by persistent constipation, so making specific changes to your eating habits may be recommended if you suffer from this GI issue. Our Hattiesburg, MS gastrointestinal specialists might recommend that you avoid foods containing little to no fiber. This includes items such as processed foods, ice cream, cheese, chips, and fast food. During your appointment, we can provide further information on foods to stay away from if you suffer from hemorrhoids.
Can a nonprescription cream treat a hemorrhoid?
Hemorrhoid creams purchased over the counter can be a good option to decrease symptoms like itching and swelling. In some instances, they could even help treat small hemorrhoids. But, they often do not provide the most effective treatment option. Because over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams do not actually address the underlying cause of hemorrhoids, the condition will likely recur without professional treatment.
How long does it take for a hemorrhoid to go away?
The extent and type of hemorrhoid you're experiencing will determine the length of time it might persist. With internal hemorrhoids, minor cases usually improve over the course of a week or so. Larger hemorrhoids, however, could take a few weeks to resolve or may need medical intervention. External hemorrhoids usually need to be treated by a medical provider. Such options may involve nutritional and lifestyle changes, over-the-counter medications, a procedure like hemorrhoid banding, surgery, or another approach.
Timely treatment for hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids most often don't progress to serious health problems, but they can still be irritating and wreak havoc on your quality of life. If you find yourself in need of assistance with hemorrhoid treatment in Hattiesburg, MS, our physicians are trained to assist. We urge you to reach out to Hattiesburg GI Associates, PLLC to schedule a consultation with a local gastroenterology provider.
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Dr. Stephen Buckley was a very thorough and attentive doctor. As strange as my symptoms are he did a fantastic job of diagnosing me. I will highly recommend him to anyone that may have need of his services.
I've been a patient of Dr. Buckley for close to 10 years and I love the way he interact with me. Even when he's telling me something serious he does it in a way that doesn't beat you down. I will continue to see him with my problems.
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