Since piles are often the result of lifestyle changes, many people are discovering a real post-holiday bummer: new or worsening hemorrhoid symptoms. Also referred to as piles, hemorrhoids are lumps (caused by bulging blood vessels) that form in or outside your anus. And, because so much of common holiday behavior can increase your risk for developing hemorrhoids, many spend the first few weeks of the New Year suffering. Here’s what to watch for.

What Causes Hemorrhoids?

Several lifestyle factors increase your risk for piles. These include constipation; straining when trying to pass a bowel movement; sitting for too long, especially when sitting on the toilet; lifting heavy objects, and pregnancy. Now, these risk factors are present all year round. But some get much worse over the holidays.

Why is that the case? You see, during the festive months between Thanksgiving and New Years, we tend to overeat, filling up on foods such as meat, cheese, sweets and alcohol that take a toll on our bowels. At the same time, we tend to eat less fruits and veggies, magnifying the digestive turmoil. Plus, many of us spend hours sitting in cars or on airplanes, traveling to see loved ones for the holidays.

In turn, many suffer from dehydration, constipation and straining, leading to new or recurring cases of hemorrhoids. In fact, the number of patients seeking relief from hemorrhoid symptoms rises by as much as 30 percent in the first few weeks of the New Year. Concerned that you might be among the new sufferers? Look out for the following symptoms.

Hemorrhoid Symptoms That Indicate a Problem

Some of the first signs of hemorrhoids include an itchy anus, pain around the anus, or lumps in the area. If your hemorrhoids are internal, meaning they’ve formed inside the anus, you may notice bright red blood on the toilet paper or in the toilet after having a bowel movement.  Even after passing a bowel movement, it may still feel like you need to go. And, even if you don’t notice bleeding, you may see mucus on the toilet paper or in your underwear after using the bathroom.

Treating Hemorrhoid Symptoms for Lasting Relief

For some people, hemorrhoids can be a temporary problem. You may find relief with topical creams and with lifestyle changes, such as increasing fluid intake, consuming more fiber, and avoiding straining when you need to use the restroom.

For other patients, however, treatment will be the only way to find relief from persistent hemorrhoid symptoms. So, if you need help for itching, bleeding and other painful symptoms of internal hemorrhoids, click here to request an appointment[/ga-app-link]at the Georgia Hemorrhoid Institute, now offering minimally invasive treatment options.

Dealing with hemorrhoids is uncomfortable enough, but when back pain joins the mix, it can feel overwhelming. While there isn’t a direct link between hemorrhoids and back pain, the two can be intertwined due to lifestyle adjustments that come with managing hemorrhoid symptoms.

Additionally, some underlying conditions may trigger both issues simultaneously. Understanding this complex relationship is crucial for finding the right treatment and relief.

Why Does My Lower Back Hurt With Hemorrhoids?

If you’re dealing with the stinging pain of hemorrhoids, the last thing you need is the added burden of back pain. While hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels that cause  localized pain and itching in the rectal area, you might be surprised to learn they can also influence how your back feels. But how?

Lifestyle habits are often to blame for both issues. For example, hemorrhoids may form from the pressure of straining to pass bowel movements. That pressure can ripple through your body, leading to excess tension in your lower back. What’s more, prolonged sitting and a sedentary lifestyle are other common risk factors that exacerbate hemorrhoids and back pain.

If you have chronic constipation, a risk factor for hemorrhoids, it can alter the way you walk or sit, making it more likely that these risk factors for hemorrhoids can make your back hurt.  When you understanding how these factors interact, you can take effective steps to alleviate discomfort in both areas and get much-needed relief.

Can Lower Back Pain Cause Hemorrhoids?

While lower back pain may not directly lead to the development of piles, it’s important to recognize that both issues can stem from the similar risk factors mentioned above.

By addressing these shared risk factors, you can find relief from back pain and reduce your chances of developing hemorrhoids.

How to Treat Back Pain and Hemorrhoids?

When you’re struggling with the combined discomfort of hemorrhoids and back pain, finding reliable and lasting relief feel urgent.

Start by addressing any constipation and straining during bowel movements (BMs)—these simple changes can make a big difference:

• Drink more water to soften stools and reduce the need to strain.
• Add more fiber-rich foods into your diet to help stools them move through the colon more quickly and minimize hemorrhoidal bleeding.
• Incorporate regular exercise to ease back pain and support weight loss.

If you’re suffering with severe hemorrhoids (grade 4), various treatments or surgical options might be necessary. However, for those with grade 2 or 3 hemorrhoids, Georgia Hemorrhoid Institute offers a minimally invasive Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization (HAE). This procedure effectively reduces your hemorrhoids without major incisions, allowing for a quicker recovery so you can feel better, faster.

If you’d like more information or would like to find out if HAE is right for you, contact our team of interventional radiologists. We’re ready to help you feel better.

If you’re dealing with hemorrhoids—swollen blood vessels in and around the anus—you may experience discomfort, itching, or even bleeding during bowel movements. These symptoms can be distressing, and it’s natural to wonder if hemorrhoids could also contribute to bloating and gas.

In this blog, we’ll address common questions, such as:

• Do hemorrhoids cause bloating and gas?
• Can passing gas cause hemorrhoids?
• Can hemorrhoids block gas?

It will also share how to safely pass gas with hemorrhoids and manage other hemorrhoids symptoms.

Do Hemorrhoids Cause Bloating?

Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, don’t directly cause bloating or gas. However, internal hemorrhoids can make passing gas or stool more difficult. This can lead to a gas buildup in your body, contributing to bloating and discomfort. Additionally, because stool may stay in your bowels for longer periods of time, hemorrhoids may contribute to smelly gas once it is eventually passed.

How to Relieve Gas With Hemorrhoids

If you want relief from hemorrhoid-related gas buildup, add more fiber to your diet. This lifestyle change may help relieve bloating, constipation, and gas associated with hemorrhoids.

Also, when eating or drinking, avoid talking as both habits can contribute to gas development. You may also want to eliminate foods that can increase gas production, including:

• Chewing gum
• High fructose corn syrup
• Sorbitol, erythritol and other synthetic sweeteners
• Dairy
• Beans, chickpeas and other legumes
• Whole grains
• Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and other cruciferous vegetables.

For temporary relief, consider over-the-counter gas relief medications, such as simethicone, to break up gas bubbles and make it easier to pass gas.

Can Hemorrhoids Block Gas?

Inflamed internal hemorrhoids can make it harder to release gas, because they can interfere with normal bowel movement. This combination can lead to abdominal pain and bloating, causing you to retain gas for extended periods of time.  

How to Treat Hemorrhoid Symptoms

While hemorrhoids do cause gas and bloating, they can also lead to anal itching and discomfort. You may notice bright red blood in your stool, or experience bleeding after passing a bowel movement. Some internal hemorrhoids can prolapse out of the anus. Depending on the severity of your hemorrhoids, the prolapsed hemorrhoid may or may not be able to be repositioned manually.

To alleviate these symptoms, it’s important to pursue treatment options. When symptoms are mild, you could find relief with simple lifestyle changes such as:

• Adding water and fiber to your diet.
• Spending less time sitting and more time exercising.
• Soaking in a sitz bath.
• Using an over-the-counter hemorrhoid cream.

Changing your bathroom habits may also be helpful.

• Avoid vigorous wiping after passing stool, gently pat yourself clean instead.
•  Use medicated wipes instead of toilet paper to alleviate discomfort and reduce symptom burden when hemorrhoids are flaring, especially for grade 1 (mild) hemorrhoids.

Patients with grade 2 or 3 internal hemorrhoids will likely need to pursue hemorrhoid removal to find symptom relief. You can eliminate swollen blood vessels in the anus with a procedure called hemorrhoid artery embolization (HAE)—a minimally invasive treatment option that causes your hemorrhoids to shrink after cutting off blood flow to the affected vessels.

If you’re struggling with hemorrhoid pain and want to find out if you’re a candidate for HAE, request a consultation with the interventional radiologists at the Georgia Hemorrhoid Institute.

While swollen vessels in your anal region can be uncomfortable, you may wonder “Are hemorrhoids dangerous?” Fortunately, most cases of hemorrhoids are uncomfortable rather than life-threatening. However, if left untreated, hemorrhoid symptoms can worsen and interfere greatly with quality of life.

Are Hemorrhoids Dangerous?

Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are typically itchy and uncomfortable. If left untreated, your hemorrhoid symptoms may include bleeding. Sometimes, your hemorrhoid may become thrombosed (when the vessels develop internal blood clots) or even burst. Prolapsing hemorrhoids may become strangulated if your anal muscles tighten around them. However, in almost every instance, these complications are not dangerous. Still, if you consistently bleed heavily dure to hemorrhoids, you could become anemic, and that condition could pose serious risks to your health if not treated promptly and properly.

What Happens to Untreated Hemorrhoids?

If left untreated, mild hemorrhoids could progress, causing worsening symptoms and reducing your quality of life. With moderate to severe—Grade III or Grade IV—hemorrhoids, you could have difficulties sitting or walking comfortably. Your digestion could be impacted and it could become more challenging to maintain proper hygiene after passing bowel movements. Moreover, Grade IV hemorrhoids may not respond to minimally invasive treatment options. As such, seeking early intervention for symptomatic piles is always preferable.

Are Hemorrhoids Dangerous if You Don’t See a Doctor?

If your hemorrhoids are mild, you may not need to see a doctor. For many patients, symptoms will resolve with home care, including the use of over-the-counter products and making changes to your fiet and lifestyle to reduce constipation and time spent sitting on the toilet. However, if you have symptomatic internal hemorrhoids that are Grade II or III in severity, it’s time to see our specialists at the Georgia Hemorrhoid Institute. When you come into the office, we can explore HAE, a minimally invasive  hemorrhoids treatment that shrinks your hemorrhoids to relieve your symptom burden. You can learn more about this treatment option by requesting a consultation with our interventional radiologists.

Did you know that you can get hemorrhoids from lifting weights if your load is too heavy or your form is incorrect? Also, if you already have hemorrhoids, lifting weights can worsen your condition if you don’t take proper care. So, if you want to engage in strength training without developing swollen veins in or around your rectum, follow the precautions highlighted in this post and speak to a healthcare professional before starting any new exercise routine.

How Could You Get Hemorrhoids from Lifting Weights?

Several common mistakes that weightlifters make could cause hemorrhoids to develop or worsen. But what are those mistakes?

Choosing weights that are too heavy

You can get hemorrhoids from lifting if you choose weights that are so heavy, you have to strain when picking them up. That straining can put pressure on the abdomen and rectum. In turn, there will be addition strain on the blood vessels in those areas, which could cause them to swell, leading to new or worsening hemorrhoids (also known as piles.)

Messing up on form

In lifting, your form describes the technique you use to get weights off the ground. Proper form can help prevent hemorrhoid formation by keep stress off your lower abdomen and rectum. To stay safe, make sure to bend the knees before taking weights off the ground. Keep your back flat and don’t round your shoulders during the lift. Move smoothly, avoiding any jerking motions when possible. And throughout the movement, make sure to breathe steadily, since holding your breath increases the amount of pressure hitting your lower body, thereby increasing your risk for hemorrhoid formation.  

Stay Safe when Lifting Weights with These Hemorrhoid Prevention Tips

Whether you’re new to weight lifting or simply trying to increase the load you’re working with, slow progress is key to preventing hemorrhoids. Don’t lift the heaviest weight you can handle on your very first training session, and limit yourself to 12 repetitions in each set to avoid straining yourself. Be sure to engage in other forms of exercise to help strengthen muscles that can support your weight lifting. And always make sure you’re drinking lots of fluids after any exercise session, since dehydration can lead to constipation, another risk factor for hemorrhoids.

Living with Hemorrhoids: When to Seek Medical Attention

Even if you get hemorrhoids from lifting weights, these swollen veins don’t typically pose a serious threat to your health. However, your hemorrhoid symptoms could include itching, pain or bleeding with bowel movements, interfering with your quality of life and causing discomfort as you try to make it through your daily activities.

Luckily, you don’t have to live with these hemorrhoid symptoms, and you no longer need to seek out surgery in order to find lasting relief. Here at the Georgia Hemorrhoid Institute, we can treat your piles with Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization (HAE), shrinking them by cutting off their blood supply using minimally invasive interventional radiology techniques.  You can request a consultation today to learn more about this treatment option.

if you have hemorrhoids, that means you've developed merely swollen, inflamed vessels either in or around your anal opening. Typically, this is not a major medical concern. At the same time, anal cancer and other diseases share common symptoms with hemorrhoids. For that reason, some people worry that their hemorrhoids mean cancer has developed. Luckily, we can help you differentiate between each concern with the information highlighted in this post.

Hemorrhoid Symptoms

Hemorrhoids can form outside of your anus (external hemorrhoids), and that may lead to itching, discomfort, and/or swelling.  They can also form inside the anus, causing less pain but leading to other hemorrhoid symptoms such as rectal bleeding, leaking mucus, itching and protruding vessels.

Anal Cancer Symptoms

Though having hemorrhoids doesn't mean you have cancer, these conditions do have overlapping symptoms. The American Cancer Society notes that anal cancer symptoms can include anal bleeding and abnormal discharge as well as itching around your rectum. Now, while these concerns could also be signs of hemorrhoids, there are additional cancer symptoms that are separate and distinct. These include :

• A lump or mass that forms at the anal opening
• Feelings of fullness or pain in the anal region
• Loss of control over or changes to bowel movements
• Lymph node swelling in the groin or anus

Symptoms of Hemorrhoids & Cancer: When to Seek Intervention

if you're dealing with mild hemorrhoid symptoms, you can probably find relief at home by making simple changes. Try to drink more fluid and eat more fiber to alleviate any constipation and pass bowel movements with greater ease. Even if you are constipated, don't sit on the toilet for too long, and try not to strain when you pass a bowel movement.

Are your symptoms persisting or worsening, even with these lifestyle changes to manage hemorrhoids? Are your experiencing any kind of rectal bleeding? If you answered yes to either question, you should see a doctor right away, to make sure you are dealing with hemorrhoids and not cancer symptoms. Then, if you are diagnosed with internal hemorrhoids you can request a consultation with the Georgia Hemorrhoid Institute to discuss your treatment options.

Hemorrhoids, also referred to as piles, develop due to swelling in the blood vessels and tissue around and in your anus. They can leave you experiencing discomfort, itching or bleeding with bowel movements. But is there a connection between your hemorrhoids and gas or bloating? Keep reading to find out.

Can hemorrhoids cause gas?

You won't develop gas as a direct result of having hemorrhoids. But internal hemorrhoids can make it harder for you to pass stool or gas comfortably. So gas may build up over time, and you could become painfully bloated.

Addressing hemorrhoids and gas

When you have hemorrhoids and gas, you could relieve bloating and constipation by adding more fiber to your diet. Avoiding gum chewing can also reduce gas buildup, as can eating and drinking slowly and mindfully, without talking while you chew or swallow. And you can relieve gas and other hemorrhoid symptoms with dietary changes.

Start by eliminating foods that trigger gas buildup, such as:

• High fructose corn syrup
• Sorbitol, erythritol and other sweeteners ending in 'ol'
• Products containing dairy
• Chickpeas, beans and other legumes
• Whole grains
• Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and other cruciferous veggies

Managing other hemorrhoid symptoms

Common, direct symptoms of hemorrhoids include:

• Pain
• Itching
• Passing stools with bright red blood

People with internal hemorrhoids may experience protrusion from the anus, a condition referred to as prolapsing. Some prolapsed hemorrhoids can be manually repositioned inside the anus, but others will only be resolved through medical intervention.

Hemorrhoid treatment options

Mild hemorrhoids can be addressed with home care and lifestyle changes. Many patients can find relief from a diet to help hemorrhoids. You should also reduce time spent sitting, particularly in the bathroom. You may also benefit from soaking in warm, shallow water or applying over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams to areas of inflammation.

After having a bowel movement, avoid vigorous wiping and try instead to gently pat yourself clean. You could also ditch the TP in favor of medicated wipes. (Just be sure they're flushable to avoid plumbing concerns.)

Finally, if you need to relieve grade 2 or 3 internal hemorrhoids, it may be time to explore a medical procedure for symptom relief. Here at the Georgia Hemorrhoid Institute, we perform hemorrhoid artery embolization (HAE), a minimally invasive procedure to shrink hemorrhoids without surgery, simply by limiting blood supply to the swollen vessels. Simply [tx-appt-link] request a consultation [/tx-appt-link] and we'll work together to decided if you’re a candidate for HAE.

Millions of people around the world are impacted by internal and external hemorrhoids. And the internal hemorrhoids are harder to treat since they affect a blood vessel network called the corpus cavernosum recti (CCR). In the past, this fact made it much harder to find lasting relief for internal hemorrhoids. However, today, there is a procedure called hemorrhoid artery embolization (HAE) that delivers lasting relief from painful and disruptive symptoms such as prolapsing or chronic bleeding.

What is hemorrhoid artery embolization?

HAE is an internal hemorrhoid treatment that provides relief by reducing blood flow to the affected vessels. To do this, doctors make a small incision and insert a catheter to your vessels, guiding it to the ones that feed the hemorrhoids. From there, they can deposit embolic material to reduce blood, shrinking the hemorrhoids without damaging surrounding tissue. In turn, you experience relief from hemorrhoids symptoms. But you can avoid side effects such as anal incontinence and rectal wounds. But how long does hemorrhoid artery embolization last when it comes to relief?

How long does hemorrhoid artery embolization last?

HAE has a 95% technical success rate, offering the best results for people who have grade 2 or 3 internal hemorrhoids. However, if you have grade 4 hemorrhoids, you may need to seek hemorrhoid removal surgery or other, more invasive, procedures.

Of course, HAE is still a newer internal hemorrhoid treatment option. So there isn't a lot of information on its long term results. However, with the data available now, it's clear that as many as 75% of patients report ongoing, significant symptom relief at the 12-month post-procedure follow-up. Furthermore, as a minimally-invasive, non-surgical procedure, you can undergo HAE multiple times, still avoiding general anesthesia and overnight hospital stays. Plus, because it’s the least invasive treatment available for grade three internal hemorrhoids, it offers the promise of lasting relief for those who choose to or must avoid surgical procedures.

HAE Procedure in Georgia

Our Georgia interventional radiologists offer HAE treatment to patients with grade 2 and 3 internal hemorrhoids, allowing for less pain; shorter recovery periods; and minimal post-procedural discomfort. But are you a candidate for hemorrhoid embolization? Click here to request a consultation at the Georgia Hemorrhoid Institute, where you can explore your treatment options.

In order to get rid of hemorrhoids, you'll need to explore your treatment options. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you may be able to find relief at home. If, however, you're experiencing more severe symptoms, such as itching, pain or bleeding, a medical procedure may be your best hope for relief. But how can you decide on your best treatment option? Here's what you need to know.

Get Rid of Hemorrhoids: 3 Treatment Options

When you have mild to moderate hemorrhoid symptoms, you may be able to treat your condition from the comfort of home. Try following this special diet for hemorrhoids, to see if you can ease constipation, and relieve your symptoms naturally.

Need a bit more help for hemorrhoids? Over-the-counter topical creams can help with swelling and itching, as long as your condition has not progressed too far.

But if you've been diagnosed with stage 2 or 3 hemorrhoids, you are unlikely to find relief at home or in the drugstore. Instead, consider Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization (HAE) in Georgia, a minimally invasive medical procedure that treats internal hemorrhoids without surgery.

Medical Support to Get Rid of Hemorrhoids

Thanks to advances in our practice of interventional radiology, we can now relieve the symptoms of stage 2 and 3 internal hemorrhoids without surgery. Instead, we can perform the HAE procedure, reducing the flow of blood to the hemorrhoids with embolic materials deposited to the arteries via catheter and guided by x-ray imaging. With this procedure, you can get rid of hemorrhoids while avoiding general anesthesia, surgical incisions and overnight stays in the hospital. Even better? When compared to surgery, HAE causes fewer complications and is associated with a faster recovery period. Want to see if you're a candidate for this procedure? Click here to request an appointment at the Georgia Hemorrhoid Institute. We can help determine if this procedure is your best treatment option.

Are you interested in using cream for hemorrhoids for symptom relief? Well, if you have a mild case of hemorrhoids, you may get what you're looking for from these over-the-counter products. But in some cases, your story could turn out quite differently. In fact, one woman in California recently died after purchasing and using a topical hemorrhoid ointment over the internet.

What was Dangerous about the Cream for Hemorrhoids?

If you have hemorrhoids, you may be seeking relief from creams such as Recticare or Preparation H with lidocaine. However, the woman in California went in a different direction, pursuing 'natural' treatments online. As such, she purchased an herb-based Vietnamese ointment called Cao Boi Tri Cay Thau Dau. Or so she thought,

Tragically, the woman died shortly after using the ointment. After her passing, authorities tested the product and discovered it was laced with toxic lead levels. As such, her decision to seek hemorrhoid symptom relief ultimately led to her death by lead poisoning.

Longer Lasting Symptom Relief

Clearly, such a tragic story is rare. Typically, patients who purchase brand name cream for hemorrhoids, from reputable drug stores will remain unharmed. But if you have a moderate to severe condition, you are unlikely to find relief from topical treatment options.

Are you suffering from symptoms such as itching, bleeding when passing bowel movements, and discomfort? Would you like to find symptom relief but prefer to avoid surgery? Well, you can, if you choose to undergo Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization (HAE). This medical procedure effectively treats stage 2 and 3 internal hemorrhoids without the need for invasive surgery or an overnight hospital stay. Want to learn more? Click here to request an appointmentat the Georgia Hemorrhoid Institute.