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Hemorrhoid Treatment Blog

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The Pain May Not be Hemorrhoids

“Do I Have Hemorrhoids? Or Something Else?” Find Answers to This Common Questions Below

The symptoms of hemorrhoids include an itching or burning sensation, mild to severe pain, anal leakage of fecal matter, bright red blood in the bowl or on the paper after wiping, and a feeling of being full, even after a bowel movement. While these symptoms are common to internal and external hemorrhoid disease, they can also be signs of other serious gastrointestinal concerns.

Hemorrhoids and anal fissures cause similar painful symptoms

Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are a common affliction, affecting 75% of people in their lifetime, and while they are uncomfortable, they can usually be quickly treated, especially if caught early. An anal fissure is a small cut or tear in the anal lining, and often presents with hemorrhoid-like symptoms.

While hemorrhoids and anal fissures are common, there are more serious medical conditions that can present with the same symptoms, including colorectal cancer, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), colitis, diverticulitis, polyps or tumors in the digestive tract, and other conditions that may require medical intervention.

Understanding your painful symptoms

If you are experiencing the symptoms of hemorrhoids, or suspect another gastrointestinal condition, it’s important to have a medical professional investigate as soon as possible. Hemorrhoids rarely go away on their own, and without effective treatment, can become more complicated, requiring invasive surgery to treat the afflicted area. Only a medical professional can determine if the symptoms you’re experiencing are due to hemorrhoids or a more serious condition.

Once your medical professional has determined that you are suffering from hemorrhoids, they may recommend a course of treatment. Rubber band ligation, such as the CRH O’Regan System, is a popular treatment option due to its high rate of success (99% effective), speed (typically takes about one minute), minimal downtime (many patients can return to work on the same day), and substantially reduced complications (less than 1% of patients experience substantial pain or bleeding after treatment.)

For more information about hemorrhoids and pain – call the CRH O’Regan Physician nearest you