HEMORRHOIDS – TREATING A SENSITIVE BUT COMMON PROBLEM
As a Gastroenterologist, I often deal with a variety of issues that are difficult to discuss, even to health care providers. One area that seems particularly sensitive for patients,
often due to fear of embarrassment, is Hemorrhoid Disease. It is important to me that my patients understand a few facts about Hemorrhoid Disease:• IT IS COMMON; 75% of people will have symptoms in their lifetime.• It occurs most often in people age 45-65 years old.• It rarely occurs under the age of 20; patients in this age group with symptoms should be evaluated for other causes.
RISK FACTORS FOR HEMORRHOID DISEASE INCLUDE:• Constipation and excessive straining on the commode.• Inadequate fi ber and fl uid intake, which can contribute to constipation.• Behavioral factors such as a sedentary lifestyle or prolonged sitting, which increases pressure on your bottom. • Increased abdominal pressure, which occurs most commonly during pregnancy.
SYMPTOMS: • ANAL ITCHING • RECTAL BLEEDING (this can be caused by internal hemorrhoids but should be evaluated to rule out other, more serious, conditions)• SWELLING• PROLAPSE OF HEMORRHOIDS (hemorrhoids that extend through the anus)• SOILING
If you are seeking relief from possible hemorrhoid symptoms, I recommend first trying conservative therapy which includes increasing water and fiber intake to 25 gm daily. In addition, I counsel my patients on behavioral changes such as avoiding straining during bowel movements. While topical therapies are often used, studies do not show they are consistently effective. There are many non-surgical treatments that can be offered by Gastroenterologists and only in very rare circumstances is surgery required. At Maryland Digestive Disease Center, we offer both infrared coagulation (IRC) and hemorrhoid band ligation, two procedures that can treat and eradicate hemorrhoids and hemorrhoid symptoms. In fact, the reoccurrence rate of symptoms after hemorrhoid band ligation is only 5% at two years. These procedures do not require a bowel preparation or sedation and can be performed in the office setting. Visit us at one of our three locations in Laurel, Ellicott City or Tacoma Park to learn more.
Priti Bijpuria, M.D.Gastroenterologist
A graduate of University of Maryland School of Medicine, Priti Bijpuria, MD completed her residency in internal medicine at Boston University and fellowship in gastroenterology at Drexel University College of Medicine. Dr. Bijpuria sees patients in the Ellicott City, Laurel and Takoma Park offices of Capital Digestive Care.
Capital Digestive Care-Maryland Digestive Disease Center-Offices in Ellicott City, Laurel and Takoma Park OFFICE: 301-498-5500 www.capitaldigestivecare.com/mdd
