Hemorrhoids in Northwest Arkansas
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Find a ProviderWhat are hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids, frequently referred to as piles, are inflamed veins that develop near the lower rectum or anus. Hemorrhoids most commonly occur when the walls of the veins in the rectum or anus come to be so thin that they bulge or protrude under the skin. Hemorrhoids can manifest internally (within the rectum) or externally (on the anus).
Hemorrhoids are quite common. As a matter of fact, close to three-fourths of adults will experience piles occasionally. In some occurrences, a blood clot will develop within a hemorrhoid (referred to as a thrombosed hemorrhoid) and may cause pain or discomfort. The board-certified gastrointestinal specialists at GI Alliance of Arkansas are experienced in helping patients with this common complication as well as other gastrointestinal (GI) situations. To receive care for hemorrhoids in Arkansas, please reach out to our office as soon as possible.
What are the causes of hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids can be traced to many possible factors. Causes of a hemorrhoid can include:
- Straining too hard to perform a physical activity (such as weight lifting)
- Being pregnant
- Obesity
- Ongoing constipation
- Sitting or standing for long periods of time
- Genetic history of hemorrhoids
- Chronic diarrhea
- Aging
- Straining during bowel movements
What are some symptoms of hemorrhoids?
The symptoms you may experience from hemorrhoids will depend on where the hemorrhoids are located. Symptoms commonly include:
- Pain around the anus while conducting physical activities
- Itching around one's anus
- Bright red blood in one's stool
- Purple, pink, or blue raised lesions that protrude near the anus
- Pain during bowel movements
- Pain and/or inflammation surrounding the anus
What are the treatments for hemorrhoids?
Some portion of minor hemorrhoids cases might heal within a few days without the need for treatment. Your GI Alliance of Arkansas gastroenterologist may choose to prescribe pharmaceutical drugs or suggest at-home remedies to alleviate the uncomfortable symptoms of hemorrhoids. When larger hemorrhoids present, however, medical involvement is available in Arkansas and might be needed to remove or address the hemorrhoid. Common hemorrhoid treatments include:
- Surgery
- Treatment of constipation or the cause of the hemorrhoids
- Ice packs for reduction of anal inflammation
- Sclerotherapy
- Draining of a clotted hemorrhoid (thrombosis)
- Ligation using rubber bands
- Good hygiene, specifically in the anal region
- Tub baths several times daily in warm water
- Avoiding the use of dry toilet paper
- A high fiber diet
- Coagulation
- Hemorrhoid stapling
- Application of topical ointment
Hemorrhoids FAQs
Is it possible to prevent hemorrhoids?
There are a few things you can do to help prevent the development of hemorrhoids — or at the very minimum, minimize their impact. This might include lifestyle modifications like:
- Consume plenty of water
- Go to the restroom as soon as you have the urge, rather than waiting until a later time
- Consume foods that are high in fiber: This includes fresh vegetables and fruits, whole grains, and other healthy items. If you find it difficult to eat an adequate amount of fiber, a fiber supplement may be ideal.
- Avoid sitting for long periods of time
- Exercise regularly
Are there foods I should avoid eating if I have hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids often result from persistent constipation, so making certain changes to your diet might be recommended if you have this GI concern. Our Northwest Arkansas gastrointestinal physicians might advise avoiding food items low in fiber. This involves products such as cheese, chips, ice cream, processed foods, and fast food. During your consultation, we can discuss additional information on food items to avoid eating if you've been diagnosed with hemorrhoids.
Can a nonprescription cream address hemorrhoids?
Over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams can be a great way to reduce common symptoms like swelling and itching. In some patients, they may even help address small hemorrhoids. However, they generally do not provide the most effective treatment protocol. Since hemorrhoid creams do not actually address the underlying cause of hemorrhoids, hemorrhoids will likely return even with the use of these over-the-counter treatment creams.
How long does it take for a hemorrhoid to resolve?
The severity and variation of hemorrhoid that has developed will typically dictate the length of time it will last. As far as internal hemorrhoids go, smaller cases commonly clear up over the course of a few days to one week. Bigger hemorrhoids, on the contrary, may take up to several weeks to improve or may need professional medical treatment. External hemorrhoids usually need to be treated by a doctor. Treatment options might involve dietary and lifestyle modifications, the use of nonprescription medications, a procedure like hemorrhoid banding (rubber band ligation), surgery, or a different approach.
Prompt treatment for hemorrhoids
While hemorrhoids only rarely progress to more serious health problems, they can still be irritating and painful, affecting your quality of life. If you are in need of hemorrhoid treatment in Arkansas, our physicians are here to help. We urge you to reach out to GI Alliance of Arkansas today to schedule a consultation with a gastroenterology physician.
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Dr. O'Keefe really took the time to explain things in an easy to understand way & I would highly recommend him! His nurse Claudia is wonderful as well!
I have had nothing but wonderful experiences with Dr. Ellison- in office and during procedures. He is very relatable, easy to speak to with any health concerns, and truly seems to listen to and value my feedback throughout my care. He and his office are both prompt and professional. I feel extremely confident in controlling my Crohns with Ellison heading my care.
Friendly, willing to take time to listen about your concerns. Offers suggestions on how to better treat yourself. Does have a lot of questions to go through upon arrival. Can use tablet or paper. Be prepared to arrive at least 15 minutes before actual appointment to answer questionnaire. I prefer the tablet so you can just press the next button to those pages that haven’t changed since last appointment.
Dr. Paschall & the entire staff were considerate, professional & made me feel at ease. The check-in process went smoothly & my procedure was on time (& it was late afternoon). When I went to pick up the prep at my pharmacy, I was informed that my insurance required a pre-auth for this particular prep. It was suggested I call the clinic to let them know. I did, & another prep was called in with new directions emailed to me the same day by the clinic. This was my first procedure of this kind & I could not ask for a better experience. Dr. Paschall told me my results quickly & he was very cool. The discharge instructions were easy to follow & they made sure I had emergency numbers if needed. 10 out of 10 recommend!
Procedure went well. Very professional manner. Highly recommend Dr. Ellison and North Hills Endoscopy facility.
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