Hemorrhoids, commonly called piles, are swollen, inflamed veins around the anus or the lower part of the rectum (the terminal part of the large bowel). They may be felt as tiny lumps in and around the anus. Hemorrhoids may often get better on their own within a few days, but some may need medications and even surgery to go away.
Both gastroenterologists and proctologists can provide you treatment for hemorrhoids. Whether you should visit a gastroenterologist or proctologist depends on the type and severity of hemorrhoids you have. Hemorrhoids are of two main types:
- External hemorrhoids: They form under the skin around the anus.
- Internal hemorrhoids: They form in the lining of the anus and lower rectum.
Talk to a general physician to understand which doctor you need for hemorrhoid management.
A gastroenterologist is a doctor trained in the branch of internal medicine that focuses on the disorders of the gut, gallbladder, liver, bile ducts, and pancreas. A gastroenterologist can diagnose hemorrhoids, provide medications, and advise lifestyle modifications. They can also do certain procedures, such as endoscopy (insertion of a flexible tube with a camera into the gut) and hemorrhoid banding (the doctor places a special rubber band around the base of hemorrhoid to cut off the blood supply).
A proctologist or colorectal surgeon, however, is a specialist medical doctor trained in the branch of medicine dealing with the structure and diseases of the anus, rectum, and sigmoid colon (proctology). Thus, a proctologist can diagnose and treat hemorrhoids. Unlike the gastroenterologist, a proctologist can also provide surgical treatment for hemorrhoids. If you have severe hemorrhoids, the proctologist may advise a hemorrhoidectomy, which is a surgical procedure to remove large external hemorrhoids and prolapsing internal hemorrhoids (hemorrhoids that bulge out of the anus). Alternatively, they may perform hemorrhoid stapling in which the surgeon uses a special stapling tool to remove internal hemorrhoids and pull a prolapsing internal hemorrhoid back into the anus.
What training does a proctologist have?
To become a proctologist, you must first become a general surgeon. This includes 5 years of surgical residency after medical school. During their training, the general surgeons learn to perform different types of surgeries, such as hernia surgery, hemorrhoidal surgery, gallbladder surgery, breast surgery, and even vascular surgery. Thereafter, they do an extra year of specialized surgical training in surgeries on the colon, rectum, and anus to practice as a proctologist.
When should you visit a doctor for hemorrhoid treatment?
Hemorrhoids may be managed by lifestyle modifications, such as drinking plenty of fluids, having a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and maintaining a healthy weight. This is especially true in the case of small and uncomplicated hemorrhoids in people with good general health. Sitz baths with warm water and potassium permanganate will also help. If you have the following symptoms you must take the doctor’s help right away:
- Hard, tender lumps felt at the bottom (anus)
- Anal pain, especially while sitting
- Bleeding from the rectum observed as bright red blood in the stool, on toilet paper, or in the toilet bowl after a bowel movement
- A bulging or swelling may be felt through the anus in case of a prolapsed hemorrhoid (hemorrhoid that has bulged or fallen through the anal opening)
- You have tried over the counter medications for more than a week, but there is no relief of symptoms
QUESTION
What percentage of the human body is water? See AnswerGeisinger Health. When to See Your Doctor About Your Hemorrhoids. February 2, 2021. https://www.geisinger.org/health-and-wellness/wellness-articles/2017/03/23/16/13/when-to-see-your-doctor-about-your-hemmorrhoids
Top Who to See for Hemorrhoids? Related Articles
Common Medical Abbreviations & Terms
Doctors, pharmacists, and other health-care professionals use abbreviations, acronyms, and other terminology for instructions and information in regard to a patient's health condition, prescription drugs they are to take, or medical procedures that have been ordered. There is no approved this list of common medical abbreviations, acronyms, and terminology used by doctors and other health- care professionals. You can use this list of medical abbreviations and acronyms written by our doctors the next time you can't understand what is on your prescription package, blood test results, or medical procedure orders. Examples include:
- ANED: Alive no evidence of disease. The patient arrived in the ER alive with no evidence of disease.
- ARF: Acute renal (kidney) failure
- cap: Capsule.
- CPAP: Continuous positive airway pressure. A treatment for sleep apnea.
- DJD: Degenerative joint disease. Another term for osteoarthritis.
- DM: Diabetes mellitus. Type 1 and type 2 diabetes
- HA: Headache
- IBD: Inflammatory bowel disease. A name for two disorders of the gastrointestinal (BI) tract, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
- JT: Joint
- N/V: Nausea or vomiting.
- p.o.: By mouth. From the Latin terminology per os.
- q.i.d.: Four times daily. As in taking a medicine four times daily.
- RA: Rheumatoid arthritis
- SOB: Shortness of breath.
- T: Temperature. Temperature is recorded as part of the physical examination. It is one of the "vital signs."
Do I Have Hemorrhoids or Rectal Prolapse?
Learn more about the major differences between hemorrhoids and rectal prolapse and the kinds of treatment available.
Does Pushing a Hemorrhoid Back in Help?
Hemorrhoids are very common and appear when the veins under the lining of the rectum and anus become swollen and bulge. Yes, you can push a hemorrhoid back in.
How to Ease Pain When Going to the Bathroom With Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are a sort of cushion in the anus that protects your anal skin from stool that passes through. Ease pain when going to the bathroom with hemorrhoids by using over-the-counter medications, avoiding straining, and taking sitz baths.
Hemorrhoid Picture
A dilated (enlarged) vein in the walls of the anus and sometimes around the rectum, usually caused by untreated constipation but occasionally associated with chronic diarrhea. See a picture of Hemorrhoid and learn more about the health topic.
Hemorrhoids (Internal and External)
Hemorrhoids (piles) are swollen veins in the rectum and anus. Causes include pregnancy, obesity, diarrhea, low-fiber diet, and prolonged sitting on the toilet. Treatment varies depending upon the severity of the hemorrhoids. Some treatment options include over-the-counter creams and suppositories, stool softeners, warm sitz baths, and hemorrhoidectomies.
How to Get Rid of Hemorrhoids: Types, Causes, and Treatments
Learn how to get rid of hemorrhoids, the difference between internal hemorrhoids and external hemorrhoids, what causes hemorrhoids, how long hemorrhoids last, and hemorrhoids treatment.
Hemorrhoids Quiz
Does everyone have hemorrhoids? Test your knowledge of this and many other facts about Hemorrhoids.
How Long Do Thrombosed External Hemorrhoids Last?
Many thrombosed external hemorrhoids may go away within a few weeks. Pain may improve within 7-10 days without surgery and may disappear within 2-3 weeks.
How Should You Sleep With Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids happen when pressure causes veins in your rectum and anus to stretch, swell, and bulge. Sleep with hemorrhoids by pushing them back in, taking a sitz bath before bed, using topical creams and using other strategies.
Recovery From Hemorrhoid Banding
Hemorrhoids and band will dry up and fall off within one to two weeks after the procedure. However, some bleeding will be seen with the stool passage for a few days.What Happens If You Leave a Hemorrhoid Untreated?
If you have mild hemorrhoids, leaving them alone can be fine. The swelling and discomfort will usually go away within a few days. Occasionally, though, there may be complications related to hemorrhoids.What Should You Not Do if You Have Hemorrhoids?
Swollen veins located in or around the anal canal are known as hemorrhoids. If you have hemorrhoids avoid foods that are fatty or low in fiber; don't pick at hemorrhoids; avoid lifting heavy objects; avoid stress and anxiety; and avoid overusing laxatives.