WHAT ARE HEMORRHOIDS?
Among the many anorectal conditions that can affect men and women of all ages, hemorrhoids are one of the most commonly occurring. In fact, it's been reported that roughly 75% of all adults will get a hemorrhoid at some point in their life. Also called piles, hemorrhoids form when veins in the rectum or around the anus swell and become enlarged, which then fills with blood and form an internal or external mass. To aid patients experiencing difficulties with hemorrhoids, our skilled team of board-certified surgeons utilizes innovative techniques and technologies to detect and eliminate these painful lumps. Houston Colon and Rectal Surgery is pleased to provide local residents with diverse surgical and nonsurgical solutions that can be tailored to suit their unique situation.
Hemorrhoids Reviews
Signs and Symptoms
There are two primary types of hemorrhoids: internal and external. Hemorrhoids are considered internal if they develop within the rectum while external hemorrhoids exist outside of the anus. Both internal and external hemorrhoids cause symptoms to manifest, such as:
- Isolated bleeding
- Bleeding during bowel movements
- Pain or discomfort
- Swelling, itching, or irritation in the anal region (for external hemorrhoids)
- Lumps that are sensitive to the touch
- Protrusion of skin during bowel movements (for internal hemorrhoids)
In addition to these two types, there are also thrombosed hemorrhoids, which are external blood clots that form in the skin of the anus. When they're larger in size, they can cause a significant amount of pain. Many of the symptoms for hemorrhoids can mirror those of other colorectal conditions, such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and colon cancer, so it's important to have any and all potential warning signs checked out by experienced colorectal specialists.
WHAT CAUSES HEMORRHOIDS?
While an exact cause of hemorrhoids is unknown, there are certain risk factors that can give an individual a greater probability of developing one of these masses. These risk factors often include:
- Pregnancy
- Obesity
- Struggling or straining to pass stool
- Spending extended periods of time sitting on the toilet
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Lifting heavy objects regularly
- Possessing a diet that is low in fiber
DIAGNOSIS
At Houston Colon and Rectal Surgery, our board-certified surgeons detect and diagnose hemorrhoids by conducting a thorough physical exam and an anoscopy. Prior to your examination, a member of our team will ask about your medical history and learn about your normal bowel habits. This information often helps our colorectal specialists narrow down the potential cause of your hemorrhoid.
After this, we will look for any abnormalities in the anal area, like swelling, irritation, lumps, anal fissures, or skin tags. Throughout your DRE (digital rectal exam), we will evaluate the sphincter muscles and look for certain indicators, like lumps, blood, or other concerns. If hemorrhoids are found, we will assess their size and location and help you formulate a personalized plan for treatment.
GET HEMORRHOID RELIEF TODAY
Chances are, you or somebody you know will develop a hemorrhoid at some point in life. Since these varicose vein-like masses are so common, it's important to seek guidance from a credentialed medical professional as soon as you notice something wrong. If you are experiencing bleeding or pain while making a bowel movement, or if you have another reason to suspect that you could have a hemorrhoid, contact a member of our team at Houston Colon and Rectal Surgery. Our board-certified colorectal specialists look forward to relieving your pain and improving your quality of life.