Hemorrhoids Specialist
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Stephen Steele, MD
Gastroenterologist & Internal Medicine Specialist located in Texarkana, TX
Hemorrhoids are a common problem, affecting 1 in 20 people in the United States. However, many people suffer with their hemorrhoids for a long time before seeking help. Stephen Steele, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist in Texarkana, Texas, who provides expert care for hemorrhoids to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. You don’t have to suffer from hemorrhoids. Call the office or book an appointment online today.
Hemorrhoids Q&A
What are hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are a common rectal disorder, occurring when the veins in your lower rectum or anal tissue enlarge and bulge. Hemorrhoids are similar to varicose veins.
Your veins are lined with valves that open and close to push blood back to your heart and lungs. Excess pressure on the veins in your lower rectum or anus places extra stress and strain on the blood vessels, causing the walls of the blood vessels to stretch, damaging the valves.
Damage to the walls or valves in these veins allows blood to pool, creating the enlarged, bulging vein.
What are the types of hemorrhoids?
There are two primary types of hemorrhoids:
Internal hemorrhoids
Internal hemorrhoids refer to the bulging veins that develop in the lower rectum. These types of hemorrhoids may cause bleeding during a bowel movement, but typically no discomfort.
However, internal hemorrhoids may protrude through the rectum, causing a prolapsed hemorrhoid that may result in anal itching or pain.
External hemorrhoids
External hemorrhoids are the hemorrhoids that affect the sensitive anal tissue. With these types of hemorrhoids, you may have anal pain and itching.
External hemorrhoids may also become thrombosed hemorrhoids, meaning a blood clot forms in the blood vessel. Thrombosed hemorrhoids cause severe pain and discomfort.
No matter what type of hemorrhoids you have or the severity of your symptoms, Dr. Steele can help.
What happens during an evaluation for hemorrhoids?
Dr. Steele conducts a comprehensive history and physical when you come in with concerns about hemorrhoids. He reviews your symptoms and medical history, as well as your bowel habits and diet.
He then performs a physical that includes a rectal exam to assess your hemorrhoids and determine their type.
How are hemorrhoids treated?
Dr. Steele creates a personalized treatment plan for your hemorrhoids based on the type and severity of your symptoms. In most cases, patients get relief from their hemorrhoids with medical interventions such as:
- Over-the-counter hemorrhoids creams or wipes
- Sitz baths (soaking your hemorrhoids in warm water for 15 minutes several times a day)
- Adding more fiber to your diet
- Drinking more fluids
- Limiting time spent sitting on the toilet during a bowel movement
If medical treatments fail to improve your hemorrhoids, Dr. Steele may perform procedures to get rid of your bothersome hemorrhoids, such as rubber band ligation (cutting off blood supply) or hemorrhoidectomy (surgical removal).
Don’t let your hemorrhoids interfere with your daily routine. Call the office of Stephen Steele, MD, or book an appointment online today.