Every year, millions of people suffer from hemorrhoids, and need to seek medical attention. Hemorrhoids are very common, and their symptoms may range from very mild to quite severe. If you are suffering from hemorrhoids, and if the symptoms are moderate to severe, or if they do not respond to simple measures, you should seek medical advice and care. A hemorrhoid treatment doctor will be able to assist you in determining which methods of treatment are right for your individual situation.
Most hemorrhoid treatment doctors will begin by prescribing a topical ointment that can be applied directly to the affected area. If the hemorrhoid is located internally, they may provide you with a suppository instead. These methods help treat the symptoms associated with hemorrhoids, such as itching, irritation and swelling. Most will numb the area, making it easier to continue your normal activities.
In addition to medication, your hemorrhoid treatment doctor may also recommend that you change your toilet paper until the condition clears up. This is due to the fact that even the softest toilet paper can irritate a hemorrhoid, causing it to become inflamed. This increases the risk for infection, as well as increased pain. Soft, moist wipes are usually recommended until the hemorrhoid is gone.
Warm sitz baths may also be recommended by your hemorrhoid treatment doctor, especially if you are experiencing a lot of discomfort. These baths help keep the area clean and the warm water is very soothing. This reduces the overall irritation in the area and can help speed up the healing process.
If these treatments are not successful, your hemorrhoid treatment doctor may recommend alternative therapies. These may include non-invasive procedures, which can be performed in the office or clinic setting. These treatments are very effective and usually associated with minimal discomfort and rapid recovery.
For the most serious cases, a hemorrhoid treatment doctor may recommend an actual excision of the hemorrhoid. This involves completely removing the hemorrhoid and is usually performed in an operating room setting, which requires an anesthetic. This surgery is more complicated and the recovery time is usually longer than with the less invasive measures, and so should be reserved only for the most severe cases.
When you visit your hemorrhoid treatment doctor, it is a good idea to ask them about receiving a colon cancer screening procedure (colonoscopy). If you are over the age of 50, it is recommended that you receive a study every 5 to 10 years. For those that may have a family history of cancer, it may be necessary to receive one on a more frequent basis.
