Hemorrhoids in Thibodaux, LA
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Find a ProviderWhat are hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids, also called piles, are swollen veins around the lower anus or rectum. The condition commonly presents when the walls of the veins in the rectum or anus become so thin that the veins protrude or bulge. Piles can manifest internally (within the rectum) or externally (on the anus).
Hemorrhoids are not uncommon. As a matter of fact, almost three out of four adults will have hemorrhoids in their lifetime. In some cases, a blood clot will develop within a hemorrhoid and can result in discomfort or pain. The board-certified GI providers at a Digestive Health Center in your community specialize in treating this common condition, as well as other GI issues. To find treatment for hemorrhoids in Thibodaux, LA, please reach out to our team today.
What causes hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids can be caused by a variety of factors. The most common of these can include:
- Standing or sitting for long periods of time
- The natural aging process
- Obesity
- Excessive strain when performing physical activity (like weight lifting)
- Excessive strain during bowel movements
- Genetic history of hemorrhoids
- Ongoing diarrhea
- Being pregnant
- Ongoing constipation
What are the symptoms of hemorrhoids?
Depending on where your hemorrhoid develops, your symptoms will vary. The most common symptoms of hemorrhoids include:
- Itching around the anus
- Pain during the passing of stool
- Bright red blood in one's stool
- Pain and/or inflammation around the anus
- Pain around the anus while performing physical activities
- Pink, blue, or purple bumps that protrude around the anus
How are hemorrhoids treated?
In some cases, smaller hemorrhoids can resolve on their own within a week or less. Your Digestive Health Center GI provider may choose to prescribe medications or suggest home remedies to relieve uncomfortable symptoms. When larger hemorrhoids develop, however, medical treatment is available in Thibodaux, LA and could be needed to excise or treat hemorrhoids. Common hemorrhoid treatments include:
- Ligation using rubber bands
- Sclerotherapy
- A high fiber diet
- Application of topical ointment
- Avoiding the use of dry toilet paper
- Surgery
- Ice packs to reduce anal inflammation
- Draining a clot (thrombosis)
- Coagulation
- Tub baths several times a day in warm water
- Maintaining a clean anal region
- Treating constipation or the primary cause of the hemorrhoids
- Hemorrhoid stapling
Hemorrhoids FAQs
Is it possible to prevent hemorrhoids?
There are certain factors that can reduce the chance of hemorrhoids — or at the very minimum, lessen their impact. This might involve lifestyle modifications like:
- Avoid sitting for extended periods of time: Give yourself breaks throughout the day. For example, go for a short walk every 1 – 2 hours.
- Eat a high-fiber diet: This involves fresh veggies and fruits, whole grains, and other healthy items. If you struggle to get enough fiber, a fiber dietary supplement could be something to consider.
- Consume plenty of water.
- Exercise regularly.
- Go to the restroom upon having the urge, as opposed to waiting until later.
Are there foods I should avoid if I have a hemorrhoid?
Hemorrhoids are often caused by issues like chronic constipation, so adopting certain dietary changes could be ideal if you have this GI concern. Our Thibodaux, LA gastrointestinal providers may recommend avoiding food items with little to no fiber. This involves foods like potato chips, ice cream, cheese, fast food, and processed foods. During your visit, we can provide further details on food items to avoid when you've been diagnosed with hemorrhoids.
Will an over-the-counter cream address my hemorrhoid?
Over-the-counter (OTC) hemorrhoid creams can be a good method to decrease common hemorrhoid symptoms such as itching and swelling. In some individuals, they may even help treat small hemorrhoids. However, they generally are not the most effective treatment approach. Since over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams fail to treat the underlying cause of hemorrhoids, it's likely that hemorrhoids will return even with the use of these over-the-counter treatment creams.
How long does it take for a hemorrhoid to go away?
The size and severity of hemorrhoid you're experiencing will typically dictate the length of time it might persist. As far as internal hemorrhoids go, minor cases often clear up within a few days to one week. Bigger hemorrhoids, however, can take up to several weeks to resolve or require medical intervention. External hemorrhoids generally need care from a medical provider. Such options could involve nutritional and lifestyle changes, the use of nonprescription medications, a procedure like hemorrhoid banding (rubber band ligation), surgery, or a different approach.
Seek treatment for hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids often do not progress into serious health conditions, but they can still be bothersome and interfere with your quality of life. If you find yourself seeking hemorrhoid treatment in Thibodaux, LA, our providers are ready to assist. Our team of GI providers is dedicated to providing patient-focused care so that all of your GI symptoms are addressed. Please reach out to a Digestive Health Center near you to request a consultation with a GI provider.
Reviews
I just recently moved back to this area and I had a great doctor in Houston. But remembered Dr. Monier from years ago. His office staff was very professional and engaging. Dr. Monier takes him time and listens (rare quality these days). Very happy with the first visit.
The staff is very friendly and professional. The service is thorough, courteous, and easy to understand. Kind of reminds one of the old school bedside mannerism, with new school technology. 🙂
I love this place the nurses and Doctor was so very nice and the PA Kelly was a sweetie she explain everything and was so helpful about getting my stomach problems under control. If you know anyone with digestive problems please go see this Digestive Health Center they are the best and will get down to your digestive problems. Thank you much!!
The staff and Dr. Monier were very professional. Whenever I had an issue I could easily access the nurses with my concerns and got an answer/help immediately.
Very professional and supportive of medical issues!
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