If you are searching “Katy TX hemorrhoid doctor near me,” then you should reach out to the clinic of Dr. James Maher. He is a highly experienced gastroenterologist. With more than 30 years of experience, Dr. Maher has an extensive background with conditions associated with the digestive system.
Gastroenterology is the study of conditions associated with the digestive system or gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This system within the body includes a variety of organs that work together to perform a few different jobs. The GI tract includes the stomach, esophagus, liver, gallbladder, small intestine, large intestine (colon), rectum, and more. Together, these organs work together to perform three jobs: break down food, absorb nutrients, and remove waste from the body.
Dr. Maher has an extensive educational background in the field of gastroenterology. He started his medical education at the University of Michigan. After his time there, he moved to Virginia for warmer weather and an accelerated program at the Medical College of Virginia. After Dr. Maher was complete with his program, he moved to the west coast.
In California, Dr. Maher attended the University of California-Irvine for his Internal Medicine residency. Once he was complete with his residency, he went to the University of Southern California for a one-year fellowship in hepatology. Finally, he returned to the University of California-Irvine for a two-year fellowship in gastroenterology.
Once his education was complete, Dr. Maher became a board-certified gastroenterologist. Since then, he has cared for his patients in the best way he can. Dr. Maher believes he patient education is one of the most important aspects of his job. Furthermore, he considers all treatment options, so he is able to provide the best care possible.
What are hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are swollen and inflamed veins in the rectum or around the anus. This condition is common among American adults. In fact, three of four adults will experience hemorrhoids at least once in their lifetime. With that said, many may not realize they have experienced hemorrhoids because they can be extremely mild.
The symptoms you experience with hemorrhoids will be determined by the type you have. There are two primary types of hemorrhoids: internal and external.
Internal
Internal hemorrhoids occur within the lower rectum. There are very few nerve endings in this part of the body, so pain and discomfort are very rare. Nonetheless, you can expect a couple of symptoms. The most common symptom is blood in the stool. You may also experience blood while wiping.
Another symptom you may experience is a prolapsed hemorrhoid. This occurs when a hemorrhoid makes its way through the anus opening. Prolapsed hemorrhoids are painful and can easily become irritated.
External
External hemorrhoids present more symptoms than the internal type. These types of external hemorrhoids appear around the anus. Symptoms include the following:
- bleeding
- swelling
- itchiness or irritation
- pain
Another type of hemorrhoid is known as a thrombosed hemorrhoid. This occurs when an external hemorrhoids pools with blood from a blood clot. You can expect more severe pain, inflammation, and a hard lump around the anus with this condition. Thrombosed hemorrhoids are more painful, but do not pose a higher health risk.
Causes of Hemorrhoids
There are several causes of hemorrhoids, but the most common cause is an increase in pressure in the lower rectum. The veins become stretched and irritated, which can cause inflammation. Increase pressure in the lower rectum may be caused by:
- straining during bowel movements
- sitting for long periods of time (specifically the toilet)
- chronic diarrhea or constipation
- obesity
- pregnancy
- aging
- anal intercourse
- low-fiber diet
- frequent heavy lifting
As we get older, the tissues within our rectum become weak and stretch. This increases the chance of hemorrhoids in older adults. Furthermore, pregnancy acts in a similar way. Up to 50 percent of pregnant women will experience hemorrhoids. This is due to the baby putting pressure on the anal area.
Potential Complications
Hemorrhoids are a mild condition and rarely involve complications. In the case your hemorrhoids do create complications, they are relatively minor compared to other conditions. Chronic hemorrhoids have been leaked to anemia, which is when there are not enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to the rest of the body.
Another complication you may experience is a blood clot. A clot is what forms a thrombosed hemorrhoid. Blood clots in this area are not dangerous, but they can cause extreme pain. Treatment includes the clot being drained.
Finally, you may experience a strangled hemorrhoid, which is when an internal hemorrhoid’s blood circulation is cut off or “strangled.” This condition can cause severe pain, similar to the thrombosed hemorrhoid.
Treatment Options
Typically, hemorrhoids go away on their own. However, there are cases where hemorrhoids can become chronic. This is rare, but home remedies and preventative methods are the most effective.
One of the best treatment options you can do is to eat high-fiber foods. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes (nuts and seeds) are great examples. Eating these foods on a regular basis will help create a solid stool, which is easier to pass. At the same time, you should drink plenty of water. Water helps pass stool better and softens it up, so it isn’t too hard to pass.
The recommended amount of fiber in your diet is 20 to 30 grams. This can be difficult to achieve as many are unable to eat such high-fiber foods. So, fiber supplements are a potential alternative. Most importantly, drink plenty of water or fluids with fiber supplements. Without enough fluids, fiber supplements can worsen or cause constipation.
Katy TX Hemorrhoid Doctor Near Me
Hemorrhoids are minor conditions but can cause fear in some patients. With that said, Dr. Maher is here to help you treat your condition. If you are experiencing chronic hemorrhoids, then call his clinic today. You can call at (281) 945-5190. His team will help schedule an appointment with at his Katy, Texas, office. From there, you can receive professional services from Dr. James Maher. He has more than 30 years of experience in the field, so he can help you. Now, stop searching, “Katy TX hemorrhoid doctor near me.”
Fun Facts about Katy
- Katy has several museums that honor the city’s history, heritage, and the country’s veterans.
- Katy was originally named Cane Island, after the creek that runs through it.
- Though a hurricane destroyed Katy in 1900, many historical buildings were preserved, and you can take a tour downtown to see them.
- Find more facts about Katy here.