Are hemorrhoids dangerous?

Hemorrhoids themselves are not dangerous, but rectal bleeding can also come from other conditions, including polyps and cancer. Bleeding should always be assessed rather than assumed to be hemorrhoids.

Can hemorrhoids go away on their own?

Mild symptoms often settle within a few days with more fibre, more fluids, avoiding straining and warm baths. Symptoms that keep coming back, or hemorrhoids that prolapse, usually need treatment.

What is Laser Hemorrhoidoplasty (LHP)?

A thin laser fibre is used to shrink the swollen hemorrhoidal tissue from inside, without cutting away tissue. Because there is no large open wound, it is generally more comfortable than conventional excision surgery.

Is hemorrhoid treatment painful?

Discomfort varies with the technique used and the grade of the hemorrhoids. Pain relief and what to expect afterwards are discussed with you before any treatment is planned.

How do I know which treatment is right for me?

That is decided after an examination. The choice depends on the type and grade of the hemorrhoids, your symptoms and your general health.

Hemorrhoids Treatment in Beirut, Lebanon

Name: Hemorrhoids Treatment in Beirut, Lebanon | Dr. Samer Deeba
Creator: Dr. Samer Deeba

What are hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids, also called piles, are swollen and inflamed veins around the anus or in the lower part of the rectum. There are two types:

External hemorrhoids, which form under the skin around the anus
Internal hemorrhoids, which form in the lining of the anus and lower rectum

What causes hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids happen when there is too much pressure on the veins around the anus. This can be caused by:

Straining during bowel movements
Sitting on the toilet for long periods of time
Chronic constipation or diarrhea
A low-fibre diet
Weakening of the supporting tissues in the anus and rectum, which can happen with ageing and pregnancy
Frequently lifting heavy objects

Symptoms

The symptoms depend on which type you have.

With external hemorrhoids, you may have:

Anal itching
One or more hard, tender lumps near the anus
Anal pain, especially when sitting

Too much straining, rubbing or cleaning around the anus may make symptoms worse. For many people, the symptoms of external hemorrhoids settle within a few days.

With internal hemorrhoids, you may have:

Bleeding from the rectum — bright red blood in the stool, on toilet paper or in the toilet bowl after a bowel movement
Prolapse, where a hemorrhoid falls through the anal opening

Internal hemorrhoids are usually not painful unless they prolapse. Prolapsed internal hemorrhoids may cause pain and discomfort.

Care at home

Most hemorrhoids can be managed at home by:

Eating foods that are high in fibre
Taking a stool softener or a fibre supplement
Drinking enough fluids every day
Not straining during bowel movements
Not sitting on the toilet for long periods of time
Taking over-the-counter pain relievers
Taking warm baths, or a sitz bath, several times a day to relieve pain
Using over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams, ointments or suppositories for mild pain, swelling and itching of external hemorrhoids

When to see a doctor

You should be seen if you:

Still have symptoms after about a week of home care
Have bleeding from the rectum. Hemorrhoids are a common cause of bleeding, but other conditions can also cause it — including Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, colorectal cancer and anal cancer. Bleeding should always be assessed so the cause can be identified.

Seek care promptly for heavy or repeated bleeding, feeling dizzy or faint, severe anal pain, or a persistent change in bowel habits.

How hemorrhoids are diagnosed

To find out whether you have hemorrhoids, a doctor:

Asks about your medical history and bowel habits
Performs a physical examination — external hemorrhoids can often be diagnosed by looking at the area around the anus
Performs a digital rectal examination to check for internal hemorrhoids
May perform a procedure such as anoscopy to look inside the anal canal, or a flexible sigmoidoscopy when other causes of bleeding need to be ruled out

Treatments

If home treatment does not help, a medical procedure may be needed. Several office-based procedures use different techniques to create scar tissue in the hemorrhoid, cutting off its blood supply so it shrinks. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

Which option is appropriate depends entirely on the individual case and is decided after an examination and discussion.

Can hemorrhoids be prevented?

You can help prevent hemorrhoids by:

Eating foods that are high in fibre
Taking a stool softener or a fibre supplement
Drinking enough fluids every day
Not straining during bowel movements
Not sitting on the toilet for long periods of time

Hemorrhoid consultations in Beirut, Lebanon

Dr. Samer Deeba is a colorectal surgeon based in Beirut, Lebanon, and Clinical Associate Professor of Surgery at the American University of Beirut. If you have symptoms such as anal itching, discomfort or rectal bleeding, you can request a consultation to have them examined and discussed. Depending on the findings, the treatment options discussed may include office-based procedures and Laser Hemorrhoidoplasty (LHP). Appointment requests are made through WhatsApp; please keep medical details for the consultation itself.

Sources

This page summarises general patient information from MedlinePlus — Hemorrhoids (U.S. National Library of Medicine, with content from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases). It is for education only and is not a substitute for a medical consultation.

Hemorrhoid treatment — Laser Hemorrhoidoplasty (LHP)