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HEMORRHOIDS EXPERTS
Hemorrhoids Treatment
Itching around the anus, pain during bowel movements, and noticing bright red blood in your stool, toilet paper, or in the bowl are all signs that you may have hemorrhoids. These are common hemorrhoids symptoms that can be uncomfortable to discuss, so many people don’t seek hemorrhoid relief. At AllCare, our dedicated primary and urgent care physicians specialize in diagnosing and providing hemorrhoids treatments, ensuring your comfort at every stage of your journey.
WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO DIAGNOSE AND TREAT HEMORRHOIDS
Our Approach to Hemorrhoids Treatments
Three out of four Americans experience hemorrhoids symptoms. This condition affects people of all sexes, ethnicities, and at any age. However, they’re more common as you get older, affecting more than half of people over 50.
Our team of expert physicians will diagnose your condition and discuss any lifestyle changes and the proper course of hemorrhoids treatment to help relieve your current symptoms and help avoid a recurrence. With urgent and primary care physicians in one convenient location, getting the comprehensive, compassionate care you need for your hemorrhoids is easy.
What Causes Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are sometimes referred to as “piles.” They are swollen veins, like varicose veins, except they are in the lowest part of your rectum and anus. When the walls of these blood vessels stretch too thin, the veins can bulge and become irritated, especially during bowel movements.
Several things can contribute to hemorrhoids, including:
- Straining during bowel movements
- Sitting on the toilet for long periods
- Chronic constipation or diarrhea
- A low-fiber diet
- Weakening of the supporting tissues in the anus and rectum, often due to aging or pregnancy
- Frequently lifting heavy objects
Are There Different Types of Hemorrhoids?
There are two types of hemorrhoids—internal and external—with internal being the most common.
- Internal hemorrhoids are often painless, even if they cause bleeding. They usually disappear on their own, but if they swell, they can cause bleeding and itching, which may be worse after a bowel movement. Constant wiping only aggravates the problem. For internal hemorrhoids treatment, proper diagnosis and hemorrhoids medication may be recommended.
- External hemorrhoids are less common and occur at the opening of the anus. They are small, uncomfortable lumps that protrude just outside the anus. They may make it difficult to clean after a bowel movement. Occasionally, a clot will form, which can cause severe pain and bleeding. In some instances, the clot may burst. If that happens, you need to seek immediate emergency care for potential hemorrhoid removal.
Hemorrhoid Testing and Treatments Offered
Medical Examination and Evaluation
An AllCare primary or urgent care physician will review your symptoms and family history. We may also perform a physical exam of your anus and rectum to look for signs of bleeding, swelling, and inflammation.
Digital Rectal Exam
Our physician will insert a gloved, lubricated finger into your rectum to check for any abnormalities.
Anoscopy or sigmoidoscopy
Our doctor will place a lighted tube with a tiny camera inside your anus and rectum to look for internal hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoids Medications
Your AllCare provider may suggest you try an over-the-counter (OTC) hemorrhoids cream, ointment, or suppository to relieve the itching, burning, and pain. They may also prescribe a stronger version of any of these medications to help you resolve your symptoms quickly. Always follow the instructions on the label and return for a follow-up visit if your doctor recommends it.
Rubber Band Ligation
This is a minimally invasive procedure for hemorrhoids that don’t respond to treatment, a simple outpatient procedure requires local anesthesia and involves placing a rubber band around the hemorrhoid to restrict blood flow.
Sclerotherapy
This is another outpatient procedure that involves inserting a chemical solution into your hemorrhoid to shrink it.
Online Doctor Visits and Telehealth Services
Experience the convenience of telehealth appointments at AllCare. Our telemedicine services are designed to provide you with seamless access to healthcare without the need to leave your home. Whether you need an online doctor’s appointment for immediate or primary care, AllCare’s got you covered. With our online telehealth services currently available to individuals located in Virginia, Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Georgia, you can connect with our experienced urgent and primary care physicians via secure video calls.
At AllCare, we are expanding our virtual healthcare access to all services previously offered in person. This includes:
- Online Primary Care
- Online Urgent Care
- Online Women’s Healthcare
- Online Men’s Healthcare
- Online COIVD-19 Treatment
- Online Behavioral Health
- And more!
How to Help Hemorrhoids: Lifestyle Changes
There are certain lifestyle changes you can make to help manage hemorrhoids or possibly prevent them.
- A healthy diet and exercise can help prevent constipation and promote regular bowel movements. Eating fiber-rich foods and drinking plenty of water can also make stools easier to pass.
- Healthy bowel habits, including not delaying a bowel movement and not straining on the toilet, can reduce your risk for hemorrhoids.
- Avoid prolonged sitting or standing that can put added pressure on your anus and rectum. Be sure to move around regularly to help improve your circulation.
- Proper hygiene, including using a bidet or moistened towelettes, can help with a thorough clean, while dry toilet paper can irritate hemorrhoids.
- Sitz baths are shallow, warm baths that can ease the itching, burning, soreness, and inflammation from hemorrhoids. These are important elements of hemorrhoids self-care.
Who Can Benefit from a Hemorrhoid Treatment?
People of all ages who are experiencing a lump, itching, bleeding, or discomfort in the anal area can benefit from our hemorrhoid treatment services. We know this can feel embarrassing to talk about, but our expert team is here to provide the compassionate care you need to help you recover.
- People over the age of 50.
- Pregnant women.
- Anyone who experiences chronic constipation.
- People with a family history of hemorrhoids.
- Anyone experiencing a lump, pain, itching, or discomfort in the anal region.
- People with persistent anal bleeding.
How to Get Treated for Hemorrhoids at AllCare
While hemorrhoids can be awkward to discuss, the AllCare team makes it easy to get the care you need simply by scheduling an appointment with one of our primary care physicians or seeing one of our doctors at a convenient walk-in visit.
- Schedule Your Appointment: Contact AllCare to schedule your hemorrhoid appointment and provide essential information about your symptoms and medical history.
- Visit AllCare: Follow all instructions for your visit. Once here, our physicians will confirm your medical history and evaluate your symptoms.
- Get Your Personalized Treatment Plan: Our expert will perform any necessary examinations and tests and develop a personalized treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hemorrhoids
01 How Do I Know If I Have Hemorrhoids?
External hemorrhoids are hard to miss. Usually, you can feel a lump or pain around your anus. Internal hemorrhoids often cause itching or bleeding during bowel movements. Bleeding during a bowel movement can be a sign of something more serious, so be sure to consult a physician to determine if the cause is hemorrhoids.
02 What Do External Hemorrhoids Look Like?
External hemorrhoids appear as small, swollen lumps around the anus. They can be skin-colored or slightly darker, and may be painful or itchy. In some cases, they may appear as a purplish color if a blood clot forms within the hemorrhoid (a condition known as a thrombosed hemorrhoid).
03 How Long Does It Take Hemorrhoids to Go Away?
The duration of hemorrhoids can vary depending on the severity and treatment. Mild cases often improve within a few days with self-care measures, however, more severe cases may take a couple of weeks to heal, especially if there’s significant swelling or pain. If symptoms persist for more than a week despite treatment, you should consult a doctor.
04 What Kind of Doctor Treats Hemorrhoids?
Several types of doctors can treat hemorrhoids. You can start with a primary care physician, who can diagnose the condition and recommend initial treatment. If your hemorrhoids are severe or don’t respond to initial treatments, you may be referred to a gastroenterologist or a colorectal surgeon. Gastroenterologists specialize in digestive system disorders, while colorectal surgeons are experts in the surgical and non-surgical treatment of diseases of the colon, rectum, and anus.
05 Can Hemorrhoids Cause Constipation?
Hemorrhoids themselves do not cause constipation, but the discomfort and pain associated with hemorrhoids can make a person reluctant to have a bowel movement. This can lead to straining or delayed bowel movements, which may worsen constipation. Additionally, the fear of pain during bowel movements can create a cycle of avoiding the restroom, leading to harder stools and further straining.
STATES WHERE WE SERVE PRIMARY AND URGENT CARE
Hemorrhoid Exam & Treatment in Georgia, Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C.
At AllCare, we’re proud to deliver exceptional primary and urgent care to residents across Virginia, Maryland, Washington D.C., and Georgia. From bustling city centers to serene suburban neighborhoods, our clinics are strategically placed for your convenience and care. Experience top-tier hemorrhoid treatment in your community with AllCare, where your health is our priority.
Prioritize your health today: schedule your hemorrhoids exam & treatment appointment
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