Hemorrhoid Treatment
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Advanced Gastroenterology
Gastroenterologists located in Union City, TN & Martin, TN
Bleeding during bowel movements is the most common symptom of hemorrhoids. It’s also a symptom that demands medical attention to be sure a more serious problem doesn't cause it. Dr. Kofi Nuako at Advanced Gastroenterology has extensive experience providing hemorrhoid diagnosis and treatment, including quick and well-tolerated procedures such as infrared coagulation. To get relief from your hemorrhoids, call the office in Union City, Tennessee, or book an appointment online.
Hemorrhoid Treatment Q & A
What are hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are inflamed veins in your anus or the lower part of your rectum. There are two types of hemorrhoids:
Internal hemorhoids
Internal hemorrhoids are located in the inner lining of your anus or lower rectum. Internal hemorrhoids seldom cause discomfort, unless they protrude through the anus. Pressure, such as straining during bowel movements, can force internal hemorrhoids through the anal opening.
External hemorrhoids
As the name implies, these hemorrhoids occur outside your rectum, usually under the skin around your anus. They may be itchy or painful and can cause sudden, severe pain if a blood clot develops.
What causes hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are caused by pressure that makes the blood vessels stretch. This type of stress is typically due to:
- Chronic diarrhea or constipation
- Straining during bowel movements
- Sitting for a long time, especially on the toilet
- Pregnancy
- Aging that leads to weak or stretched tissues
What are the symptoms of hemorrhoids?
When your hemorrhoids cause symptoms, you’re likely to experience:
- Itching or irritation around your anus
- Bright red bleeding during a bowel movement
- Pain from an external hemorrhoid or when an internal hemorrhoid protrudes through the anus
- Lump near your anus when an external hemorrhoid forms a blood clot
How are hemorrhoids treated?
If your hemorrhoids are mild, self-care may provide sufficient relief. Lifestyle changes, such as drinking water, eating fiber, and avoiding straining while on the toilet, can help prevent future hemorrhoids.
When your hemorrhoids are more severe, or you have bleeding, pain, or a blood clot, Dr. Nuako can treat your hemorrhoids using several procedures, including:
Infrared coagulation
Infrared coagulation is used to treat internal hemorrhoids.
Dr. Nuako places a small probe just above your hemorrhoid; then the probe emits a few short bursts of infrared light. Heat from the light scars the blood vessels, so they no longer send blood to your hemorrhoid.
Over the next few weeks, your hemorrhoid shrinks and disappears.
Hemorroid banding
Your hemorrhoids can also be treated in the office using rubber band ligation. Dr. Nuako places a tiny rubber band around the base of your internal hemorrhoid. As the rubber band cuts off circulation, your hemorrhoid shrinks and falls off within a week.
Hemorrhoids treated with banding usually don’t recur.
You don’t need to put up with hemorrhoids and their symptoms. To have your hemorrhoids treated, call Advanced Gastroenterology or use online booking to schedule an appointment.
