Hemorrhoids in Denver, CO
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Find a ProviderWhat are hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids, sometimes referred to as piles, are swollen veins around the lower rectum or anus. The condition typically presents when the walls of the veins in the anus or rectum grow so thin that the veins protrude or bulge. Hemorrhoids can manifest internally (within the rectum) or externally (on the anus).
Hemorrhoids are not uncommon. In fact, approximately three out of four of adults will have hemorrhoids at some time(s). In some cases, a blood clot will grow within a hemorrhoid (referred to as a thrombosed hemorrhoid) and may cause discomfort or pain. The board-certified GI providers at Colorado Gastroenterology specialize in helping patients with this common complication as well as other gastrointestinal (GI) concerns. To locate treatment for hemorrhoids in Denver, CO, please contact our team at your earliest convenience.
What causes and symptoms of hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids may be caused by an array of factors. Reasons a hemorrhoid might occur can include:
- Genetic history of hemorrhoids
- Being overweight
- Pregnancy
- Straining during bowel movements
- Straining too hard to perform a physical activity (like lifting weights)
- Sitting or standing for long periods of time
- The natural aging process
- Chronic constipation
- Chronic diarrhea
Symptoms of piles vary due to the area affected by the hemorrhoids, but typically include:
- Bright red blood in the stool
- Pain during bowel movements
- Pain and/or swelling around the anus
- Itching around the anus
- Pink, blue, or purple bumps that protrude around the anus
- Discomfort around the anus while performing physical activities
To learn more about hemorrhoids and how to fix the issue, contact our team of GI specialists at Colorado Gastroenterology.
What are the treatments for hemorrhoids?
Sometimes, lesser hemorrhoids might resolve without intervention within a week or less. Your Colorado Gastroenterology specialist may prescribe medications or suggest home remedies to alleviate the irritating symptoms of hemorrhoids. When larger hemorrhoids occur, however, medical intervention is available in Denver, CO and could be required to excise or treat hemorrhoids. Typical hemorrhoid treatments include:
- A diet high in fiber
- Maintaining a clean anal region
- Ice packs to reduce anal swelling
- Avoidance of use of dry toilet paper
- Ligation using rubber bands
- Application of topical ointment
- Draining of a clot (thrombosis)
- Coagulation
- Sclerotherapy
- Stapling
- Surgery
- Tub baths multiple times daily in warm water
- Treating constipation or the primary cause of the hemorrhoids
Learn more about hemorrhoid treatment and schedule an appointment with our team at Colorado Gastroenterology.
Prompt treatment for hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids typically do not progress to serious health concerns, but they can still be irritating and wreak havoc on your quality of life. If you are in need of assistance with treatment for hemorrhoids in Denver, CO, the physicians at Colorado Gastroenterology are trained to help. We encourage you to reach out to Colorado Gastroenterology to talk with a GI specialist.
Hemorrhoids FAQs
Is it possible to prevent hemorrhoids?
There are steps you can take to help prevent hemorrhoids or, at the very least, reduce their effect. This often involves lifestyle modifications, such as:
- Staying well-hydrated: Everyone should consume at least 6 – 8 glasses of water per day.
- Eating foods high in fiber: Fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains tend to be high in fiber. A fiber supplement may be ideal if you struggle to get fiber into your diet.
- Using the restroom upon having the urge rather than waiting until later.
- Avoid sitting for extended periods of time: It is important to move around throughout the day, such as taking a short walk every 1 – 2 hours.
- Getting regular exercise.
Should you avoid certain foods if you have a hemorrhoid?
Hemorrhoids are commonly caused by persistent constipation, so it can be helpful to implement certain dietary changes if you have hemorrhoids. Our Denver, CO gastrointestinal specialists advise avoiding foods with little to no fiber, such as ice cream, potato chips, cheese, chips, fast food, and processed foods.
Can an over-the-counter cream improve hemorrhoids?
Over-the-counter (OTC) hemorrhoid creams can help relieve uncomfortable symptoms such as swelling and itching. While these products might help treat more minor hemorrhoids, they often are not the most effective treatment option. Because hemorrhoid creams cannot address the root cause of the condition, hemorrhoids will likely reoccur even with the use of OTC creams.
How long do hemorrhoids last?
The length of time a hemorrhoid persists can depend on the type and severity of the hemorrhoid you are experiencing. Regarding internal hemorrhoids, mild hemorrhoids generally resolve within a few days to a week. Larger hemorrhoids may last a few weeks or might require medical intervention. Cases of external hemorrhoids usually require treatment by a physician. Hemorrhoid treatment options may involve lifestyle and dietary changes, over-the-counter medicaments, hemorrhoid banding, surgical removal, or another method.
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