Let’s start with the good news — yes, hemorrhoids may go away on their own.
But when they don’t, you may have to give your bum a helping hand. Several at-home remedies can ease your symptoms and shrink swollen anal veins, but not all hemorrhoids respond to self-care.
Dr. Nirav Naik at New Life Medical in Bakersfield, California, specializes in hemorrhoid surgery, and he can banish them all, big or small. In this blog, we address where hemorrhoids come from, which types subside with minimal treatment, and which need professional care.
Why me? If you have hemorrhoids, you’re looking for quick relief, but you’re also probably wondering how you got them in the first place.
Hemorrhoids can strike unexpectedly and happen to anyone, but certain habits and circumstances can put you at higher risk. Among the primary triggers are:
Fortunately, there are ways to deal with the problems and prevent them from causing further discomfort. For example, eating more fiber can improve your digestion, minimize the pressure on your anal veins, and promote healing.
Mild hemorrhoids can make you mighty uncomfortable for a few days, but severe hemorrhoids can lead to extreme swelling and bleeding. If you ignore them — which is tough to do — hemorrhoids can become strangulated (blocking blood supply) or lead to blood clots, anemia, and infection.
Hemorrhoids can be a real pain — literally. The itching, burning, and discomfort can leave you desperate for relief. While you can easily manage minor hemorrhoids with self-care, others may require a little extra help.
If you're dealing with small hemorrhoids, you can take some simple steps to ease your symptoms. Adding more fiber to your diet, staying hydrated, and using an over-the-counter cream can be effective treatments. And remember, avoiding prolonged sitting on the toilet is key.
But for larger hemorrhoids, you may need more targeted treatments. Dr. Naik understands how difficult it can be to live with this condition. That's why we offer a range of options to help you find relief. Don't hesitate to give us a call if you're struggling — we're here to help.
And by all means, call us right away if you see blood in your stool. Bleeding hemorrhoids often produce bright, red blood, but other serious conditions can produce dark red or brown blood. Don’t take chances with your health.
When your at-home efforts don’t do the job, it’s time to seek professional care for your hemorrhoids. Dr. Naik bases his treatment recommendations on his experience and your symptoms. He typically employs one of the following methods to eliminate stubborn hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoid banding may offer relief for those with smaller hemorrhoids. It may not be a permanent solution, but banding can yield positive results for six months to several years. Banding is also convenient in that it’s a simple, relatively painless in-office procedure.
Although your hemorrhoids may return, when paired with aggressive fiber therapy and management of bowel issues, intermittent banding can be a viable option if you have grade 1-2 hemorrhoids and want to avoid surgery.
Dr. Naik recommends this gold standard treatment for stubborn, large internal and external hemorrhoids — excision, or removal. Ideal for those with significant hemorrhoids, this surgery involves cutting out troublesome veins to achieve more lasting results. While there may be some post-operative pain, the long-term results are worth it.
If you're dealing with internal hemorrhoids and want to avoid a painful surgery, PPH may be for you. This procedure does away with the hemorrhoids using staples, without disrupting the flow of the vein.
The best news is that PPH is done above the pain fibers around the anus, resulting in fewer painful sensations. It's most effective if you have internal hemorrhoids only. Recurrence is unlikely, but even if your hemorrhoids return, they're usually not as severe and you can manage them more easily.
Don’t let hemorrhoids keep you from enjoying life — contact us by calling 661-230-7344. We can remove your stubborn hemorrhoids and restore your comfort.
