Do you need a Katy TX hemorrhoid specialist? Dr. James Maher is a professional gastroenterologist with more than 30 years of experience. Gastroenterologists diagnose and treat the conditions within the digestive system or gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This system within the body performs three major jobs: breaks down food, absorbs nutrients, and removes waste from the body.
Gastroenterologists, like Dr. Maher, treat conditions within this area of the body. This system features a lot of organs. The digestive system includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, liver, gallbladder, small intestine, colon (large intestine), rectum, and anus. There are a variety of conditions that can affect any number of these organs.
Dr. Maher has more than three decades of experience, but he also has an extensive background in education. Dr. Maher started his career at the University of Michigan. Once he completed his time there, he moved to Virginia for an accelerated program at the Medical College of Virginia.
After his time on the east coast was over, he moved to the west coast. He attended the University of California-Irvine for his Internal Medicine residency. Then, he went to the University of Southern California for a one-year fellowship in hepatology. Finally, he completed his education back at the University of California-Irvine with a two-year fellowship in gastroenterology.
Since then, Dr. Maher has become a board-certified gastroenterologist with numerous experiences with patients and conditions. Located in Katy, Texas, Dr. Maher is able to help patients all over the Greater Houston Area. Residents in Cinco Ranch, The Woodlands, Sugar Land, Stafford, Bellaire, and more can easily visit Dr. Maher’s office.
What are hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are swollen and inflamed veins within the rectum or around the anus. This type of condition is extremely common among adults. In fact, an estimated three out of four adults will experience hemorrhoids once in their life. However, many may not know they have hemorrhoids as the symptoms are often minimal.
The cause of hemorrhoids is the increase of pressure in the lower rectum. The veins become stretched while under pressure and the swell. Pressure rises in the lower rectum for a variety of reasons. It could be due to any of the following reasons:
- straining during bowel movements
- obesity
- pregnancy
- anal intercourse
- long periods of sitting (particularly on the toilet) or standing
- low-fiber diet
- chronic constipation or diarrhea
- frequent heavy lifting
Hemorrhoids are a minor condition that often goes away on their own. Nonetheless, there are times in which hemorrhoids can develop complications. Complications are rare when it comes to hemorrhoids.
When it comes to symptoms, they are dependent on the type of hemorrhoids you have. There are two primary types of hemorrhoids: internal and external.
Internal Hemorrhoids
Internal hemorrhoids are found within the rectum and usually never cause pain or discomfort. This is due to the low number of nerve endings in the area. If you strain while passing stool, you can experience blood within the stool or even a prolapsed hemorrhoid. A prolapsed hemorrhoid is when it is pushed through the anal opening and is protruding. This type of hemorrhoid can cause pain and irritation.
External Hemorrhoids
External hemorrhoids occur outside of the rectum and around the anus. Common symptoms of external hemorrhoids include the following:
- bleeding
- swelling
- irritation around the anus
- pain or discomfort
An external hemorrhoid is capable of becoming a thrombosed hemorrhoid. This occurs when an external hemorrhoid forms a clot, and it pools with blood. This condition can cause severe pain and a hard lump around the anus.
If your hemorrhoids do have not cleared up after a week, then you should see a doctor. Bleeding is common for external hemorrhoids, but it should not be assumed rectal bleeding is caused by your hemorrhoids. If you continue to bleed after a week, then see a doctor.
Treatment Options
Hemorrhoids usually clear up on their own in about a week. Of course, it varies on the severity of your condition. If you continue to experience chronic hemorrhoids, then schedule an appointment with Dr. Maher. In other cases, preventative measures are the best ways to treat hemorrhoids. These preventative steps are easy and can be done from home.
High-Fiber Diet
Fiber helps soak up liquids within the stool and creates a more solid shape. Solid stool is easier to pass and decreases the chance for pressure to build in the rectum. It is recommended adults consume between 20 and 30 grams of fiber every day. Fortunately, there are a plethora of high-fiber foods you can consume.
Fruits: raspberries, strawberries, apples, bananas, avocado, oranges, pears
Vegetables: peas, broccoli, turnip greens, carrots, cauliflower, sweet corn, Brussel sprouts
Whole Grains: whole-wheat bread, rye bread, brown rice, quinoa, oatmeal, barley, whole-wheat pasta
Legumes: almonds, black beans, pistachios, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, lentils, split peas
Drink Water
Drinking water helps keep stool soft enough to pass with ease. If your stool is too hard, then constipation can occur. Plus, drinking water is important when it comes to taking fiber supplements.
Fiber Supplements
Consuming 20 to 30 grams of fiber each day is difficult, so fiber supplements may be the best option. It is important to note that fiber supplements require eight to six glasses of water or liquids. Otherwise, the supplements can cause constipation or worsen it.
Exercise
It is always good to exercise as it promotes a healthy lifestyle. In addition, it helps reduce pressure on your veins. Long periods of standing and sitting can cause problems with the lower rectum. For that reason, you should consider exercising with a lot of different physical activities.
Katy TX Hemorrhoid Specialist
Hemorrhoids are not a serious condition, but they are capable of causing complications. If you are experiencing chronic hemorrhoids or rectal bleeding for more than a week, contact Dr. James Maher’s practice.
You can reach his team by calling (281) 945-5190. Dr. Maher has more than 30 years of experience treating hemorrhoids and other conditions. He can help you at his Katy, Texas, clinic. You can also view his list of services on his website for additional conditions. Regardless, Dr. Maher is the Katy TX hemorrhoid specialist you need.
Fun Facts about Katy
- Many events are hosted at Katy’s VFW Park, including movie nights and community campouts.
- You can take a walking or driving tour of over a dozen historical homes and buildings downtown.
- Katy is only about 30 min./miles from Houston.
- Locate more facts about Katy here.