Hemorrhoids (also known as piles) are very common, especially as you get older. They tend to be more common in men and women over the age of 50, but anyone can get them. There are different types of hemorrhoids, and while they can clear up on their own, some people do require medical treatment for their hemorrhoids.
At Digestive Disease Consultants of Orange County, our team of gastroenterologists offer treatment options for hemorrhoids and other digestive conditions and illnesses. We have four convenient office locations in Irvine, Huntington Beach, Tustin, and Foothill Ranch, California.
Treatment options for hemorrhoids
In some cases, hemorrhoids may go away on their own without medical treatment and/or with self care and over-the-counter treatments you can use at home, depending on the type of hemorrhoid.
For starters, staying hydrated and eating enough fiber are the best ways to prevent hemorrhoids. Pregnancy and obesity are also common risk factors for developing hemorrhoids. Sitting on the toilet for long periods of time and straining to push a bowel movement through when you’re constipated can also aggravate hemorrhoids.
Some of the most common at-home treatments for hemorrhoids include:
- Topical ointment to relieve pain and itching
- Soaking in a warm bath
- Over-the-counter pain relievers
When hemorrhoids become problematic or don’t respond to self care, medical treatment may be needed. Our gastroenterologists offer hemorrhoid banding with the CRH O’Regan System® to treat internal hemorrhoids. This is one of the most effective procedures for treating hemorrhoids. It’s a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that takes just a few minutes and has virtually no downtime or recovery period.
When to see a doctor for hemorrhoids
Sometimes hemorrhoids are a symptom of a digestive problem or secondary health issue, so pay attention to your symptoms and schedule an appointment if your hemorrhoid gets larger, if it becomes painful and uncomfortable, and if you notice bleeding. Hemorrhoids can develop blood clots, and the skin around the anus is especially delicate and prone to tearing, which can increase your risk of infection. Hemorrhoids can also become chronic, so you should also keep track of the frequency of any flare-ups.
Our gastroenterologists will perform a comprehensive exam and recommend the best hemorrhoid treatment for your circumstances.
For more information about hemorrhoid relief and the treatment options available to you, schedule an appointment with Digestive Disease Consultants of Orange County today by calling our office most convenient to you or booking an appointment online.
