Stoneleigh Medical Group

Gastroenterology & Internal Medicine located in Carmel, NY, Brewster, NY, Pawling, NY, & Jefferson Valley, NY

Hemorrhoids are an uncomfortable condition that develops when blood vessels swell up in and around the anus and lower rectum. While hemorrhoids usually improve on their own with home remedies and care, sometimes they are severe enough to need medical intervention. The team at Westchester Putnam Gastroenterology offers a variety of treatments for hemorrhoids at offices in Carmel, New York. To schedule an appointment, use the online scheduling tool or call the office today.

Hemorrhoids Q&A

What are hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids, sometimes called piles, are swollen blood vessels in the anus and lower rectum. Sometimes this is the result of straining on the toilet or from the pressure created by pregnancy, but many people have hemorrhoids for no clear reason.

Hemorrhoids are very common and can be uncomfortable, but fortunately, there are multiple effective options for treating them.

What are the symptoms of hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoid symptoms are different depending on their location, but general signs you have hemorrhoids include:

  • Bright red blood in your stool
  • Itching or irritation around the anus
  • Pain, discomfort, and swelling around the anus

Internal hemorrhoids occur inside the rectum, and therefore, people rarely see or feel them. However, continuing to strain with an internal hemorrhoid can cause it to prolapse, or protrude from the anus, which can be very painful.

External hemorrhoids are under the skin around the anus and may bleed when irritated. In some cases, a complication called a thrombosed hemorrhoid can cause a painful lump to appear near your anus.

How are hemorrhoids treated?

While hemorrhoids can be painful and unpleasant, you have an array of effective treatment options. Most people can treat their hemorrhoids with simple home remedies like:

  • Topical treatments, over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams
  • Hydrocortisone suppositories
  • High-fiber foods, like vegetables and whole grains
  • Refraining from straining on the toilet
  • Soaking in a warm bath for 10-15 minutes at a time
  • Oral pain relievers like ibuprofen
  • Avoiding dry toilet paper in favor of wet toilettes

If your hemorrhoids are more recurrent or severe, your provider may recommend one of several treatments to relieve them. One common technique they use is rubber band ligation, or hemorrhoid banding, where a band is used to ease symptoms by stopping blood flow to the hemorrhoid.

If your hemorrhoids are too severe for home remedies, call Westchester Putnam Gastroenterology today or make an appointment online.