Top Hemorrhoid Specialist in Jericho, NY

Hemorrhoids can be internal, where they develop inside the rectum, or external, where they develop outside the anus. However, both types of hemorrhoids can cause symptoms that vary in severity, such as:

• A lump or bulge inside or outside the anus
• Anal bleeding
• Anal pain, itching, or burning
• Difficulty passing bowel movements
• Leakage of feces
• Mucus discharge
• Swelling and inflammation

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to speak with a healthcare provider to diagnose and treat the condition promptly and avoid potential complications.

There are several other medical conditions that can cause similar symptoms to hemorrhoids, including:

• Anal Fissure. An anal fissure is a small tear or cut in the lining of the anus that can cause pain and bleeding, just like hemorrhoids. Anal fissures are often caused by trauma or injury, rather than excessive pressure on the veins around the anus.

• Rectal Prolapse. This occurs when the rectum protrudes through the anus, causing uncomfortable symptoms like pain, bleeding, and discomfort. Rectal prolapse can be caused by straining during bowel movements, chronic diarrhea, and weakened pelvic muscles.

• Colon Cancer. In rare cases, hemorrhoid-like symptoms can be a sign of colon cancer. Colon cancer can cause bleeding from the anus, as well as changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue.

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, can also cause symptoms similar to hemorrhoids due to inflammation of the rectum and anus.

• Sexually Transmitted Infections. Certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as herpes and syphilis, can cause genital symptoms that resemble hemorrhoids, including pain, itching, and swelling.

A physical examination is the first step in properly diagnosing hemorrhoids. Your doctor will visually inspect the anus and rectum for external or prolapsed hemorrhoids and will also perform a digital rectal exam (DRE) to check for internal hemorrhoids.

Medical history is also an essential component of this process, and your doctor will ask about your symptoms, including the duration and severity of your pain, discomfort, and bleeding. Your doctor will also investigate your medical history, as certain medical conditions like inflammatory bowel disease or rectal cancer can cause similar symptoms to hemorrhoids.

Diagnostic tests, such as anoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy, may also be used to diagnose hemorrhoids. These tests are more invasive but can detect other possible causes of the symptoms and help classify the hemorrhoid’s severity.

While hemorrhoids are typically considered a benign condition, they can lead to numerous complications if left untreated, including:

• Anal fissures. Hemorrhoids can cause small tears or cracks in the skin around the anus, known as anal fissures. This can lead to severe pain, especially during bowel movements, as well as bleeding and itching.

• Anemia. If hemorrhoids cause significant bleeding, it can result in anemia, a condition characterized by low levels of red blood cells in the body.

• Infection. Prolonged and untreated hemorrhoids can lead to the development of infections, especially in cases where the affected area becomes raw and open to bacterial infections.

• Rectal prolapse. In severe and untreated cases, the pressure caused by hemorrhoids can lead to rectal prolapse, a condition where the rectum protrudes from the anus.

• Strangulation. In severe cases, the blood supply to hemorrhoids can be cut off, leading to strangulation which can cause a significant amount of pain and can lead to the formation of ulcers and infections in the affected area.

• Thrombosis. External hemorrhoids can develop a blood clot, a condition called thrombosis, which can lead to severe pain and discomfort.

If you’re looking for the expertise of a knowledgeable and experienced hemorrhoid specialist, contact us at Digestive Disease Care or book in online to schedule an appointment. We would be happy to answer any questions that you may have about our services so that you can feel comfortable and confident moving forward with your treatment. We have convenient locations to serve you in Jericho NY, Jamaica NY, Melville NY, New Hyde Park NY, Forest Hills NY, Mineola NY, Lake Success NY, Babylon NY, East Setauket NY, Massapequa NY, and BEYOND.