We all know the feeling of sitting down on a hard surface and getting up to find that our bottom is sore. But what many people don’t realize is that there are two types of hemorrhoids: external hemorrhoids (those outside the body) and internal hemorrhoids. And while external hemorrhoids are curable with creams or sclerotherapy, internal ones usually require surgery and sometimes even blood transfusions. Seeing a doctor right away when you experience the symptoms is crucial. In San Antonio, TX, hemorrhoid specialists are available to offer help. These San Antonio hemorrhoids specialists will examine the nature of the hemorrhoids then provide treatment.
What are Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are inflamed veins around the anus and lower rectum. The vein which becomes swollen is located near the opening of the anus, and it can develop within a few hours of passing large stools or sitting on a hard surface.
What Are Internal Hemorrhoids?
Internal hemorrhoids are found inside the rectum and cannot be seen from outside of the body. These hemorrhoids may protrude through the anus at times, but they pretty much remain within the rectum 24 hours a day.
And unlike external hemorrhoids, internal ones don’t cause any pain because there are no nerve fibers near them to send such signals. However, these hemorrhoids will become itchy and sometimes painful if they become swollen and infected.
What Are External Hemorrhoids?
External hemorrhoids are located outside the anus, and they can be seen when you’re seated because there is a vein below the skin that contains blood. When this vein becomes swollen, it appears as a bulge and sitting, or even walking can be painful.
Is There a Way to Treat Hemorrhoids?
External hemorrhoids are treatable by applying cream to the skin outside the anus if it becomes inflamed, but this treatment won’t cure them since there is no way to reduce the bulge from outside of the body. External hemorrhoids may change in size, becoming either smaller or larger based on your body’s positioning. Creams can also reduce pain and itching, although some people find that they only cause more discomfort.
How do you treat internal hemorrhoids? Since they’re located within the rectum, there is no way to shrink them from outside the body. You can reduce their discomfort through medicines or surgery, but there is no cure for internal hemorrhoids.
Why Visit a Hemorrhoid Specialist?
Even after the home-care remedies, you may find the hemorrhoids not getting better. This is where a hemorrhoid specialist comes in. They offer more advanced treatments such as using steroid cream and better suppository. You can find them using the rubber band ligation method when the condition is severe. Other in-office treatments include infrared treatment and sclerotherapy.
The most important thing is not to ignore symptoms such as;
- Blood on toilet paper or in stool
- Itching and irritation around the anus
- Bright red blood when passing stool or during bowel movement
- Painless bleeding- Rectal pain
- Weakness
- The feeling of fullness or pressure around the rectum
Hemorrhoids, or enlarged veins around the anus and rectum, are common ailments affecting millions of people. Hemorrhoid treatments can be as simple as taking over-the-counter pain relief medication to more advanced procedures like surgery. However, seeing a hemorrhoid specialist is incomparable; hence find the right center for help.
