Choosing A Hemorrhoids Doctor

Proctologists most commonly are consulted regarding issues about problematic hemorrhoids. Common conditions associated with hemorrhoids can sometimes be an indicator of other serious illnesses or health problems, which is why it is important to see a doctor for your hemorrhoids if the problem persists for more than a week with treatment, if a lump inside the anus becomes larger or more painful, if the pain or swelling is severe, or if tissue from inside the body still protrudes from the anus after 3-7 days of home treatment.

If you are under the age of 50 and have minimal rectal bleeding from hemorrhoids, you can try home treatments for one to two weeks if you are absolutely certain that this discomfort is caused by straining to pass stool or injury to the anal area. Usually, bleeding will cease after 2-3 days; however, if bleeding lasts for one than one week, stops and then starts again, or occurs for an unknown reason, see your healthcare professional immediately. If you are over 50 years of age and have a family history of colon cancer, it is wise to talk to your hemorrhoids doctor if any time you encounter new rectal bleeding, notice blood on your stools, have a sudden change in bowel habits, or suffer from anal pain.

At any age, you should call your doctor if stools are black and tarry, there is a lump near the anal opening that is not tender and does not go away, you have a fever accompanied by bloody stools or what you think might be hemorrhoids, rectal bleeding that does not occur from trying to pass stool, stool becomes narrow and pencil thin, if you cannot pass stool, or have diarrhea with abdominal bloating.

Hemorrhoids are a common condition affecting millions of people across the globe. No matter how common the condition is and no matter how we all may eventually suffer from hemorrhoids, it is still an embarrassing issue that many fear talking to their doctors about. While initially, you may only see your personal care physician about your hemorrhoid issue, if the problem persists, or you require immediate help from a specialist, you will be referred to a proctologist who is a hemorrhoids doctor to say the least.

Unfortunately, diet and exercise play a large role in the prevention of hemorrhoidal development and America's poor diet and exercise habits contribute greatly to this ailment, but age, pregnancy, heredity, and anal sex can also affect the probability of hemorrhoid development. Your doctor may recommend you take fiber supplements or stool softeners to help ease your hemorrhoidal pain. Hemorrhoidal creams, suppositories, or witch hazel pads may be useful in easing the suffering as well. A ten minute soak in warm water is also soothing.

The easiest way to avoid seeing the doctor about hemorrhoids is to avoid getting them in the first place. Eat plenty of whole foods, drink lots of water daily (6-8 glasses), and exercise. As noted before, it is important to see the doctor about your hemorrhoids if you fall into one of the above categories or have never suffered from hemorrhoids before.