Hemorrhoids in Denver, CO
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Find a ProviderWhat are hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids, also called piles, are swollen veins around the lower rectum or anus. The problem commonly occurs in the event that the walls of the veins in the anus or rectum become so thin that the veins protrude or bulge. Hemorrhoids can present internally (within the rectum) or externally (on the anus).
Hemorrhoids are quite common. As a matter of fact, almost three out of four adults will have hemorrhoids occasionally. In some cases, a blood clot will grow within a hemorrhoid (called a thrombosed hemorrhoid) and can result in pain or discomfort. The board-certified GI providers at Denver Digestive Health Specialists specialize in working to resolve this common concern and other gastrointestinal (GI) problems. To find care for hemorrhoids in Denver, CO, please reach out to our facility as soon as possible.
What are the causes of hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids can be attributed to many possible things. Causes of a hemorrhoid can include:
- Being overweight
- Excessive strain when performing a physical activity (like lifting weights)
- Family history of hemorrhoids
- Straining during bowel movements
- The natural aging process
- Sitting or standing for extended periods of time
- Pregnancy
- Ongoing constipation
- Chronic diarrhea
What are some symptoms of hemorrhoids?
Presentation of piles can be varied because of the area affected by the hemorrhoids, but typically include:
- Discomfort and/or swelling near the anus
- Discomfort during bowel movements
- Itching around the anus
- Discomfort around the anus while performing physical activities
- Bright red blood in the stool
- Pink, blue, or purple raised lesions that protrude near the anus
What are the treatments for hemorrhoids?
In some cases, smaller hemorrhoids may resolve without intervention after a week or less. Your Denver Digestive Health Specialists provider could choose to prescribe pharmaceutical drugs or suggest home remedies to alleviate the uncomfortable symptoms of hemorrhoids. When larger hemorrhoids occur, however, medical involvement is available in Denver, CO, and could be required to remove or address the hemorrhoid. Typical hemorrhoid treatment includes:
- Maintaining a clean anal region
- Rubber band ligation
- Treatment of constipation or the cause of the hemorrhoids
- Ice packs for reduction of anal swelling
- Surgical Intervention
- Coagulation
- Application of topical ointment
- Avoiding the use of dry toilet paper
- Stapling
- Tub baths multiple times daily in warm water
- A diet high in fiber
- Draining a clotted hemorrhoid (thrombosis)
- Sclerotherapy
Hemorrhoids FAQs
Are hemorrhoids preventable?
There are a few things you can do to help prevent the development of hemorrhoids — or, at the very minimum, lessen their effect. This might include lifestyle changes like:
- Drink plenty of water.
- Exercise regularly.
- Go to the restroom as soon as you have the urge, as opposed to waiting until a later time.
- Avoid sitting for extended periods of time: Ensure you take breaks during the day. For instance, go for a short walk every 1 – 2 hours.
- Eat a high-fiber diet: This includes fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and other healthy items. If you find it challenging to consume an adequate amount of fiber, a fiber dietary supplement may be ideal.
Are there certain foods you should not eat if you have a hemorrhoid?
Hemorrhoids commonly result from issues such as persistent constipation, so adopting specific dietary changes could be suggested if you have this condition. Our Denver, CO digestive health specialists may advise that you avoid foods containing little to no fiber. This includes foods like cheese, chips, ice cream, processed foods, and fast food. During your consultation, we can discuss additional information on what to stay away from if you've been diagnosed with hemorrhoids.
Will a nonprescription cream treat hemorrhoids?
Over-the-counter (OTC) hemorrhoid creams can be a good option to alleviate common symptoms, such as inflammation and itching. In some instances, they could even help address small hemorrhoids. However, they are not typically the recommended treatment approach. Since hemorrhoid creams don't actually address the root cause of hemorrhoids, hemorrhoids will likely return without professional medical care.
How long does it take for a hemorrhoid to go away?
The type and severity of the hemorrhoid will often determine how long it will last. Small internal hemorrhoids generally clear up over the course of a few days to one week. Larger hemorrhoids, on the contrary, could take several weeks to improve or may need professional medical care. External hemorrhoids typically need treatment from a physician. Such treatment options may involve nutritional and lifestyle modifications, nonprescription medications, a procedure like hemorrhoid banding (rubber band ligation), surgery, or another type of care.
Timely treatment for hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids typically do not lead to serious health concerns, but they can be uncomfortable and wreak havoc on your quality of life. If you need assistance with hemorrhoid treatment in Denver, CO, our specialists are happy to help. We encourage you to contact Denver Digestive Health Specialists to request a visit with a gastroenterology provider.
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All staff were great. Kat was super nice and informative. Dr. Miller was great. Attentive and non-judgemental. Definitely felt comfortable expressing my concerns and he he listened and I left feeling like I had a plan together and all questions for now answered.
DR FISHMAN WAS VERY NICE I FOUND HIM TO BE VERY CONCERNED ABOUT WHAT WAS HAPPENING WITH ME AND HE KEPT ME INFORMED THE WHOLE TIME I WAS THERE. WOULD DEFINITELY RECOMMEND TO ANYONE WHO NEEDS A GI DOCTOR
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