What You Need to Know About Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids—defined as distended veins in the rectum and anus, if you suffer from this GI problem, it is important that you find a solution to alleviate pain and give you back your life. At Digestive Diseases Consultants of Kankakee in New Lenox and Bourbonnais, IL, our nine gastroenterologists fix hemorrhoids through minimally-invasive treatment that really works.

What are hemorrhoids?

HealthDay reports that half of all Americans age 50 and older have experienced the pain, swelling, and burning typical of hemorrhoids. Distended veins located in or around the anus and rectum, hemorrhoids can be extremely uncomfortable, leading to bleeding and torturous sitting, standing, and bowel movements.

While age and heredity play significant roles in these varicose veins of the lower GI tract, pregnancy, obesity, and constipation factor into the situation as well.

Symptoms include:

• Frank bleeding as noticed on toilet tissue and/or underwear
• Mucous production
• Itching
• A purplish bulge at the anus
• Anal fissures, or cracks, in the rectum

Diagnosing and treating hemorrhoids

At Digestive Diseases Consultants in New Lenox and Bourbonnais, IL, your GI physicians are the must-see experts on hemorrhoids. Usually, over-the-counter creams and suppositories only provide minor symptomatic relief. However, at our offices, you will receive an accurate digital rectal exam and visual inspection with a lighted scope as needed. These procedures give your gastroenterologist the right information to formulate a truly effective care plan.

One of our most innovative treatments is the CRH O'Regan System. This in-office treatment gently stretches each hemorrhoid and places a rubber band, or ligature, around it. This band constricts the blood flow and effectively sloughs off hemorrhoid comfortably within a few days. Symptoms stop, and you get your life back!

Preventing hemorrhoids

Keep those hemorrhoids away by practicing good bowel habits:

1. When you have to go, go! Don't hold onto bowel movements.
2. Use baby wipes or soft bathroom tissue to wipe yourself gently.
3. Drink plenty of water to soften stool and facilitate transit.
4. Eat fiber in the form of fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain cereals/bread.
5. Get your exercise. Walk, swim, run—whatever you like, do it, and stop sitting so much.

Conquer this problem

Hemorrhoids aren't fatal, but they are extremely bothersome. Get proper treatment at Digestive Diseases Consultants. We have offices in New Lenox and Bourbonnais, IL, and they are both reachable at (815) 937-5200. Call us today!