The veins throughout your body can become swollen for any number of reasons.
When the veins within the lower rectum or anus become inflamed, you will be affected by hemorrhoids. If you've recently noticed some pain and discomfort in the area, it's possible that you've developed these swollen veins.
In such an event, it's important that you know about how this issue is caused and the treatment options available through a hemorrhoid doctor in Los Angeles
What Are Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are very similar to varicose veins in that they are swollen and enlarged veins that can create a substantial amount of discomfort. These veins are located within the anus and lower area of the rectum. Hemorrhoids are exceedingly common and occur in around three out of every four adults. While it's possible that you won't experience any symptoms when affected by hemorrhoids, they will usually cause at least a small amount of discomfort along with other symptoms. There are a wide range of treatment solutions that can effectively get rid of hemorrhoids, most of which can be administered by a reputable hemorrhoid doctor in Los Angeles.
Signs and Symptoms of Hemorrhoids
While there are several different types of hemorrhoids that you could suffer from, the primary symptoms associated with hemorrhoids are similar across all three types. If the condition is somewhat severe in nature, you will likely experience a certain amount of bleeding with your bowel movements. In most cases, this bleeding should be entirely painless. Some of the additional symptoms that you could experience while suffering from this condition include pain and discomfort, swelling right around the anus, irritation or itching, and a lump nearby the anus. If you experience any of these symptoms for more than a week, it's highly recommended that you see a hemorrhoid doctor in Los Angeles.
How Hemorrhoids Are Caused
While the exact causes of hemorrhoids aren't fully understood, there are some factors that can contribute to the development of these swollen veins. These veins can stretch when under pressure, which may cause them to become swollen. Increased pressure within your lower rectum can bring about hemorrhoids. Some of the primary factors that play a part in the development of hemorrhoids include pregnancy, a diet that's low in fiber, obesity, straining during your bowel movements, chronic constipation or diarrhea, and sitting for lengthy periods of time.
Treatment Options for Hemorrhoids
There are a wide array of effective treatments that can be used to minimize or get rid of the hemorrhoids that have developed in your body. Some of the home remedies that should relieve your symptoms include keeping the anal area as clean as possible, applying ice packs to reduce swelling, using topical treatments, and eating foods that are high in fiber. A variety of medications may also be prescribed to relieve your pain and facilitate the reduction of the hemorrhoid. Of the various surgical treatments available to you, the minimally-invasive procedures include rubber band litigation, coagulation, and sclerotherapy. More invasive surgical procedures extend to hemorrhoid stapling and hemorrhoid removal. Your hemorrhoid doctor in Los Angeles can advise you on which solution would be best for your situation.