Hemorrhoidal tissue is a normal part of your anatomy. When it becomes enlarged, inflamed, or prolapsed, that's a hemorrhoid problem, and those symptoms can return after treatment if the underlying causes continue. The good news: the patient has more control over recurrence than they often realize.
Hemorrhoids are a common condition, particularly in people between the ages of 45 and 65, though they affect roughly half of adults at some point. A hemorrhoid is tissue containing enlarged veins, either inside the rectum (internal) or outside the anal opening (external).
They may cause pain, itching, bleeding, and irritation, but for the most part, they are not dangerous. Severity ranges from mild to moderate to severe, and the right treatment depends on where on that range you fall.
Sitz baths, topical creams, stool softeners, and over-the-counter medications relieve most mild symptoms.
Rubber band ligation, infrared coagulation, or sclerotherapy. Each takes minutes, requires no anesthesia, and has minimal recovery.
Surgical removal for the most severe cases that haven't responded to less invasive approaches.
Regardless of the treatment pursued, the patient has the most control over whether hemorrhoids return. The habits that created the original problem, namely straining, constipation, low fiber, and prolonged sitting, are the same habits that bring symptoms back. Dietary and lifestyle changes make the real difference.
Adherence to these changes makes the biggest difference in whether hemorrhoids come back.
Whether a hemorrhoid grows back or recurs, the symptoms and pain are the same. If at-home treatments haven't worked, an in-office evaluation usually leads to a quick, simple fix.
Dr. Chung can determine what kind of hemorrhoid you have, how advanced it is, and which treatment will give you the best shot at not needing another one.
Book a consultation Call (714) 988-8690