About 1 in 20 Americans develops hemorrhoids at some point, and adults over 50 are especially at risk. Ren Yu Zhang, MD, offers several in-office treatments for painful hemorrhoids. Dr. Zhang can ease itching and discomfort with over-the-counter creams. He can also perform minimally invasive procedures like rubber band ligation or a hemorrhoidectomy to destroy painful hemorrhoids. Call the office in Las Vegas, Nevada, today to schedule a diagnostic evaluation for hemorrhoids or book a consultation online.
Hemorrhoids are enlarged veins in your lower rectum (internal hemorrhoids) or anus (external hemorrhoids).
You can develop hemorrhoids if you strain during bowel movements or sit too long on the toilet. Hemorrhoids can also develop because of:
Pregnant women may also be at increased risk for hemorrhoids due to the increased pressure on the lower rectum that causes the veins to enlarge.
You should schedule a diagnostic evaluation at the office of Ren Yu Zhang, MD, if you have bothersome symptoms of hemorrhoids.
Internal hemorrhoids can cause bleeding during bowel movements. You may also have anal irritation and pain if the hemorrhoid pushes through the anal opening.
External hemorrhoids can cause:
If a blood clot forms in an external hemorrhoid, a condition known as thrombosed hemorrhoid, you may experience severe pain and swelling, and develop a hard lump near your anus.
Dr. Zhang can confirm your symptoms relate to a hemorrhoid during a rectal exam. He also might recommend performing a colonoscopy to check for signs of colorectal cancer or other conditions that can cause similar symptoms.
To treat mild symptoms of hemorrhoids, Dr. Zhang may recommend over-the-counter creams, suppositories, or pads that relieve pain and itching.
If you have more severe symptoms of hemorrhoids, Dr. Zhang may treat the veins with:
Rubber band ligation is a simple procedure where Dr. Zhang places small rubber bands around the base of the hemorrhoid to cut off blood flow to the vein. This causes the hemorrhoid to shrink and fall off within a week.
Sclerotherapy involves an injection of a chemical agent into the vein to close it off. The tissue shrinks and eventually the hemorrhoid falls off.
Hemorrhoid-removal surgery may be necessary if other therapies don’t work or if you have large hemorrhoids. Dr. Zhang can remove excess tissue during a hemorrhoidectomy.
You also receive guidance to prevent new hemorrhoids from forming. Dr. Zhang can recommend a high-fiber diet that can help you avoid straining during bowel movements. You should also drink plenty of fluids to keep stool soft and prevent constipation.
If you need treatment for painful hemorrhoids, call the office of Ren Yu Zhang, MD, today or book an appointment online.