How are hemorrhoids treated?

Dr. Carl Jones and the team at Nacogdoches Gastroenterology now offer the CRH O’Regan System^®. A simple, painless and effective way to treat hemorrhoids!

At-home Treatments
Simple diet and lifestyle changes often reduce the swelling of hemorrhoids and relieve hemorrhoid symptoms. Eating a high-fiber diet can make stools softer and easier to pass, reducing the pressure on hemorrhoids caused by straining. Dr. Jones may also suggest taking a bulk stool softener or a fiber supplement such as psyllium (Metamucil) or methylcellulose (Citrucel).

Other changes that may help relieve hemorrhoid symptoms include

• Drinking six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water or other nonalcoholic fluids each day
• Sitting in a tub of warm water for 10 minutes several times a day
• Exercising to prevent constipation
• Not straining during bowel movements

Over-the-counter creams and suppositories may temporarily relieve the pain and itching of hemorrhoids. These treatments should only be used for a short time because long-term use can damage the skin.

Medical Treatment
If at-home treatments do not relieve symptoms, medical treatments may be needed. Outpatient treatments can be performed in a doctor’s office or a hospital. Outpatient treatments for internal hemorrhoids include the following:

• Rubber band ligation. The doctor places a special rubber band around the base of the hemorrhoid. The band cuts off circulation, causing the hemorrhoid to shrink. This procedure should be performed only by a doctor.
• Sclerotherapy. The doctor injects a chemical solution into the blood vessel to shrink the hemorrhoid.
• Infrared coagulation. The doctor uses heat to shrink the hemorrhoid tissue.

Large external hemorrhoids or internal hemorrhoids that do not respond to other treatments can be surgically removed.