The Truth About Hemorrhoids

They Could Save Your Life

Everyone has Hemorrhoids
It's a little known but true fact - almost everyone has hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids play a crucial role in normal elimination. Hemorrhoids can sometimes be a serious and troublesome condition when the veins in the rectum or anal area become dilated. Hemorrhoidal discomfort can affect anyone, regardless of age or overall physical condition, from teenagers to the elderly.

Common Causes
Pain and suffering from hemorrhoids can result from a variety of causes. Most typically, pressure causes the condition. A number of other factors can also cause it. For example, a new weight lifting program, pregnancy, constipation, diarrhea, sneezing, coughing or straining to have a bowel movement can all cause hemorrhoidal discomfort. Diet also plays an important role. Spicy foods, peanuts, popcorn, alcohol, beer, chocolate, and certain other foods can also contribute to hemorrhoidal problems.

Different Types of Hemorrhoids
Internal hemorrhoids form inside the rectum. They form in an area where there is no skin, and, therefore, no feeling. Internal hemorrhoids frequently cause bleeding, soreness, discharge, itching, and a sensation of pressure.

External hemorrhoids can be visually detected during an examination. They are present at the anal opening. Because they are covered by skin, they can be much more painful than internal hemorrhoids. This is especially true if a blood clot (lump) develops in the hemorrhoid.

Why Do People Put off Treatment?
The two most common reasons people avoid seeking treatment are fear and embarrassment. When it comes to maintaining good health, these fears must be overcome. Obtaining a thorough exam by a Board Certified proctologist, along with receiving proper treatment, will not only bring relief, it could also save your life.

Simple, Painless In-office Treatment
The fact is that 95 out of 100 patients who visit Dr. Meyerson's office for their hemorrhoids respond to simple, usually painless, office procedures without having to have hospital surgery.

The treatment for internal hemorrhoids involves simple in-office procedures, which are usually painless. One procedure involves placing a tiny rubberband on the internal hemorrhoid. After a few days, the hemorrhoid and rubberband simply fall off during a bowel movement.

Another relatively simple procedure involves infrared treatment. Basically, this technique is a spin-off of state-of-the-art laser beam technology. The bright light from the infrared wand penetrates the hemorrhoid, causing it to shrink. Dr. Meyerson has been using the laser beam since 1984.

These procedures can be performed in the office after the application of a topical numbing cream without the need for heavy sedation.

Danger Signals
Rectal bleeding, a change in bowel habits, and pain are common complaints among people who have colon polyps. Don't be fooled into thinking that your annual physical check-up is adequate if it only includes a digital (finger exam) and testing for hidden blood.

Early Detection Can Save Your Life
An area of main concern is rectal bleeding. It is extremely important to make sure that there is no source of bleeding above the hemorrhoidal area. Polyps are growths or tumors in the rectum and colon. They can grow and develop into colon cancer. Usually, small polyps won't cause symptoms. They can be easily detected by a thin, flexible, fiberoptic tube called a colonoscope. Colonoscopy, as the procedure is known, provides a clear picture of the inside of the colon and reveals the presence of colon polyps.

During the colonoscopy, most polyps can be safely, painlessly and quickly removed. Many polyps that contain cancer can be removed through the scope. This can often provide a total cure. Polyps that remain undetected may grow too large to be removed through the scope. Abdominal surgery, during which a part of the colon is actually removed, may be necessary. Early detection of colon polyps is extremely important because it can prevent cancer and save lives.

Relief from Other Rectal and Bowel Disorders
As a Board Certified Proctologist, Dr. Lowell D. Meyerson also specializes in the treatment of hemorrhoids, rectal pain, rectal itching, fissures (tears) fistulas, colitis, colon polyps, gaseousness, diarrhea, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, anal warts, pilonidal cysts, and other diseases of the rectum and colon. If you're experiencing pain or distress from any of these conditions, Call Dr. Meyerson's office and make an appointment today.

• An area of main concern is rectal bleeding. It is extremely important to make sure that there is no source of bleeding from above the hemorrhoidal area.
• Polyps are growths or tumors in the rectum and colon. They can grow and develop into colon cancer. Usually small polyps will not cause symptoms.
• The fact is that 95 out of 100 patients who visit Dr. Meyerson's office for their hemorrhoids respond to simple, usually painless, office procedures without having to have hospital surgery.

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