Hemorrhoids in Illinois
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Find a ProviderWhat are hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids, also called piles, are swollen veins around the lower anus or rectum. The condition frequently occurs in the event that the vein walls in the anus or rectum grow so thin that the veins protrude or bulge. Hemorrhoids can manifest internally (within the rectum) or externally (on the anus).
Hemorrhoids are not uncommon. In fact, almost three out of four adults will experience piles occasionally. In some occurrences, a blood clot will grow within the hemorrhoid (referred to as a thrombosed hemorrhoid) and can result in pain or discomfort. The board-certified GI specialists at GI Alliance of Illinois are experts in treating this common concern as well as other gastrointestinal (GI) concerns. To locate treatment for hemorrhoids in Chicago, IL, or Bloomington, IL, please reach out to our team at your earliest convenience.
What causes hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids may be caused by an array of things. Causes of a hemorrhoid can include:
- Obesity
- Being pregnant
- Ongoing diarrhea
- Excessive strain when performing a physical activity (like lifting weights)
- Straining during bowel movements
- Chronic constipation
- Sitting or standing for long periods of time
- Family history of hemorrhoids
- Aging
To receive proper treatment for your hemorrhoid, request an appointment with our team at GI Alliance in Chicago, IL, or Bloomington, IL, at GI Alliance of Illinois.
What are the symptoms of hemorrhoids?
Presentation of piles in Illinois patients can be varied because of the area affected by the hemorrhoids, but typically include:
- Discomfort during the passing of stool
- Bright red blood in one's stool
- Purple, pink, or blue raised lesions that protrude near the anus
- Discomfort and/or swelling around the anus
- Discomfort near the anus while conducting physical activities
- Itching around the anus
If you believe you've experienced symptoms related to a hemorrhoid, contact our GI providers today. You can request an appointment in our GI Alliance of Illinois location today.
How are hemorrhoids treated?
Sometimes, lesser hemorrhoids can resolve on their own after a few days. Your GI Alliance of Illinois provider may prescribe medications or suggest at-home remedies to relieve the uncomfortable symptoms of hemorrhoids. When larger hemorrhoids present, however, medical involvement is available in Illinois and might be needed to excise or treat the hemorrhoid. Common hemorrhoid treatment includes:
- Ice packs for reduction of anal inflammation
- Applying topical ointment
- Treatment of constipation or the cause of the hemorrhoids
- Good hygiene, specifically in the anal region
- Surgical Intervention
- Tub baths multiple times daily in warm water
- Avoidance of use of dry toilet paper
- A high fiber diet
- Draining of a clot (thrombosis)
- Hemorrhoid stapling
- Rubber band ligation
- Sclerotherapy
- Coagulation
Hemorrhoids FAQs
Are hemorrhoids preventable?
There are certain things you can do to help prevent hemorrhoids — or at minimum, lessen their impact. This might include lifestyle changes like:
- Consume foods that are high in fiber: This includes fresh vegetables and fruits, whole grains, and more. If you find it difficult to eat enough fiber, a fiber supplement may be something to consider.
- Exercise regularly
- Consume adequate amounts of water
- Avoid sitting for prolonged periods of time
- Go to the restroom as soon as you have the urge rather than waiting for another time
Are there certain foods you should not eat if you have hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids commonly result from issues like ongoing constipation, so implementing certain changes to your diet could be recommended if you suffer from this GI concern. Our Illinois gastrointestinal doctors may suggest that you avoid food items that have little to no fiber. This includes products such as cheese, chips, ice cream, processed foods, and fast food. During your appointment, we can provide further details on food items to stay away from if you've been diagnosed with hemorrhoids.
Can a nonprescription cream address hemorrhoids?
Over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams can be a good option to decrease common hemorrhoid symptoms like itching and inflammation. In some cases, they may even help address small hemorrhoids. But they typically do not provide the most successful treatment approach. Since over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams fail to actually treat the underlying cause of hemorrhoids, the condition will likely recur without professional treatment.
How long do hemorrhoids persist?
The severity and variation of hemorrhoid that has developed will help dictate the length of time it will remain. When hemorrhoids are internal, smaller cases usually clear up over the course of a week or so. Larger hemorrhoids, on the contrary, could take a few weeks to improve or require professional medical treatment. External hemorrhoids must generally be addressed by a healthcare provider. Such treatment options may include nutritional and lifestyle modifications, over-the-counter medications, a procedure like hemorrhoid banding, a surgical procedure, or a different form of care.
Prompt treatment of hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids most often do not progress to serious health problems, but they can certainly be irritating and wreak havoc on your quality of life. If you find yourself in need of hemorrhoid treatment in Illinois, our providers are trained to assist. We encourage you to reach out to GI Alliance of Illinois to schedule a consultation with a gastroenterology physician.
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