Our Services / Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids, or what your grandmother may have called piles, are swollen veins in the anus or rectum. Hemorrhoids are a common problem, and the condition usually improves with at-home care. However, if your hemorrhoids don’t get better within a week, the experts at Carolina Digestive Health Associates, PA, can help. They have an effective treatment for hemorrhoids: hemorrhoid banding. To get help for your hemorrhoids, call one of the 13 locations throughout Charlotte, Belmont, Concord, Davidson, Matthews, Monroe, Huntersville, University, and Pineville, North Carolina, or schedule an appointment online today.

What are hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are the varicose veins of the anus and rectum. They are swollen veins that develop when there’s excess pressure on the blood vessels, causing the vessels to swell and stretch. 

There are two types of hemorrhoids:

External hemorrhoids

External hemorrhoids appear as bulges under the sensitive skin around the anus, making them easier to self-diagnose. You may find these hemorrhoids itchy or painful. 

External hemorrhoids may also develop a blood clot — a thrombosed hemorrhoid, creating a hard lump that may cause severe pain.

Internal hemorrhoids

Internal hemorrhoids are swollen veins that occur inside the lower rectum. These hemorrhoids cause no pain, but they may bleed during a bowel movement. 

Most people with internal hemorrhoids aren’t aware of them until the swelling causes recognizable symptoms. These hemorrhoids may leak mucus, which causes irritation and inflammation of the skin around the anus. 

Internal hemorrhoids may also prolapse, which describes when the swollen vein protrudes out through the anal opening, making it visible on the outside.

What causes hemorrhoids?

Internal pressure on the blood vessels in the anus and rectum causes hemorrhoids. The pressure may come from a number of sources, including:

• Pregnancy
• Constipation
• Prolonged sitting on the toilet
• Obesity
• Lifting heavy objects
• Chronic diarrhea

People who eat a low-fiber diet are at greater risk of developing hemorrhoids because they may suffer from constipation or have to strain during a bowel movement.

What are effective hemorrhoid treatments?

Initially, you can treat your hemorrhoids with over-the-counter medications that ease the discomfort. Adding more fiber and fluid to your diet may improve bowel movements, decreasing pressure on the blood vessels to promote healing.

When left untreated, hemorrhoids get worse, and you benefit from a visit with the experts at Carolina Digestive Health Associates, PA. They can provide guidance and treatments to ease your hemorrhoid symptoms.

Carolina Digestive Health Associates' skilled gastroenterologists perform hemorrhoid banding for internal hemorrhoids. 

What is hemorrhoid banding?

Hemorrhoid banding is a nonsurgical treatment for hemorrhoids. Carolina Digestive Health Associates, PA, uses the CRH O’Regan System® for hemorrhoid banding.  

This system provides a fast, safe, easy, and effective method for eliminating internal hemorrhoids. With the CRH O’Regan System, there’s no downtime and a very low risk of recurrence. 

During hemorrhoid banding, your provider uses a small suction device that gently aligns the hemorrhoid. This device wraps a rubber band around the base of your hemorrhoid, which cuts off its blood supply, causing the hemorrhoid to shrink and fall off. 

When your hemorrhoids get worse, it’s time to call Carolina Digestive Health Associates, PA, or schedule an appointment online today.