What are hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are swollen, protruding veins in the lower bowel and rectum. They occur when veins near the anus become engorged, and they can result in pain, itching, or burning.

Internal hemorrhoids often go unnoticed as they don’t cause pain, but they can become larger through continued straining and pressure. This can force them out of the anus and cause considerable discomfort.

External hemorrhoids occur under the skin around the anus and can cause severe itching, burning, or bleeding.

What causes hemorrhoids?

Unfortunately, hemorrhoids are a common occurrence: three out of four adults will experience hemorrhoids at some point in their life. Hemorrhoids can come on suddenly due to many factors, including:

• Straining during a bowel movement
• Sitting for long periods
• Chronic diarrhea
• Obesity
• Pregnancy
• Low-fiber diet

Having the type and severity of your hemorrhoids diagnosed by a trained gastroenterologist like Dr. Kaushik is the first step in determining the best course of action to get rid of them.

How are hemorrhoids treated?

If you have hemorrhoids, and home remedies aren’t relieving the discomfort, or you notice blood every time you have a bowel movement, it’s time to seek the help of a specialist like Dr. Kaushik. He offers several in-office treatment options for hemorrhoids, including:

Rubber band ligation
Dr. Kaushik offers rubber band ligation to remove hemorrhoids that have prolapsed outside the anus. Using a specially designed tool, he places a small rubber band around the top of the hemorrhoid. It constricts the blood flow, causing the hemorrhoid to dry up and fall off in about a week.

If hemorrhoids are affecting your life, call or book an appointment online with Dr. Kaushik today.