Hemorrhoids

About 3 in 4 adults have hemorrhoids occasionally, but many don’t realize that simple and effective treatment solutions exist. At Digestive & Liver Disease Center of San Antonio PLLC, caring gastroenterologist Robert Narvaez, MD, MBA, specializes in effective treatment options for uncomfortable or painful hemorrhoids.

What are hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are irritated and swollen veins within your rectum or anal canal. Hemorrhoids are extremely common. In fact, more than 15 million American adults receive medical care for hemorrhoids that cause uncomfortable or painful symptoms. Hemorrhoids develop because of straining during bowel movements, chronic constipation, pregnancy, sitting on the toilet for extended periods, and other reasons. Aging and genetics can also contribute.

What are the types of hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids usually occur externally, but can also occur internally.

External hemorrhoids

External hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the skin around your anal opening. They can feel like little bumps or even loose flaps of skin. Symptoms of external hemorrhoids can include itchiness around your anal opening and anal pain. External hemorrhoids can make it uncomfortable to wear some types of underwear. Badly swollen external hemorrhoids can make sitting, walking, and other movements painful or itchy.

Internal hemorrhoids

Internal hemorrhoids aren’t visible because they’re inside your rectum. They don’t cause symptoms as often as external hemorrhoids do. They may cause painless bleeding during bowel movements. Internal hemorrhoids may also cause itchiness, soreness, and a sensation of tissue protrusion during bowel movements. Internal hemorrhoids can swell significantly and prolapse, protruding from your anus. They may also cause difficulty with bowel movements as they grow larger. If you suspect you have hemorrhoids, don’t suffer in silence. Dr. Narvaez is a highly experienced specialist who uses the most advanced hemorrhoid diagnostic and treatment approaches.

How do you treat hemorrhoids?

At Digestive & Liver Disease Center of San Antonio PLLC, Dr. Narvaez determines the ideal medical approach for your hemorrhoids. This often begins with options like warm bath soaks or sitz baths, topical creams, or suppositories. If home care or over-the-counter solutions don’t work, Dr. Narvaez may prescribe a steroid cream or more powerful suppository for a brief period. Hemorrhoids often resolve with conservative treatment. If you’re suffering serious symptoms or have repeated bleeding, Dr. Narvaez may recommend an in-office procedure like rubber band ligation, in which he places tiny bands around your hemorrhoids to restrict their blood supply. Within several days, the hemorrhoids fall off. Other in-office procedures for hemorrhoids may include infrared treatment and sclerotherapy. If you have severe hemorrhoids, especially highly dilated external ones, you may need surgical removal. Hemorrhoids aren’t a permanent problem, so don’t let them keep you from loving your life.

Prioritize Your Digestive Health Today

From routine screenings to advanced digestive treatment, our board-certified gastroenterologists are here to help you feel your best. Schedule an appointment with Digestive Health Specialists of Louisiana and take the first step toward a healthier gut and a better quality of life.