The number of Americans searching online for hemorrhoids and how to treat them has skyrocketed since 2008. Information gathered from Google searches suggests that searches have doubled from 2008 to 2013. Let’s take a closer look. The term “hemorrhoids” was searched about 40,000 times weekly between 2004 and 2008, but this number started to rise during mid-2008, crept up to about 80,000 weekly searches in 2010, and reached nearly 120,000 during some weeks in 2013.
If you’re one of many searching the Internet for information on symptoms and treatment options for hemorrhoids, remember our experienced surgeons at the Hemorrhoid Center of Excellence can help. Our doctors can teach you how to prevent hemorrhoids and treat hemorrhoids in Los Angeles, so schedule your appointment today!
What This Trend Really Means About Hemorrhoids
It is an indication that hemorrhoids are a common condition. One in three American adults have reported going online to try to figure out what medical condition they or someone else might have, according to a national survey conducted earlier this year by Pew Research Center.
It may be possible that conditions, such as hemorrhoids, might be among the most searched-for online because people may be embarrassed to talk about them with a doctor. However, hemorrhoids are an extremely common condition. Statistics shows that about half of all people have had hemorrhoids by age 50, according to the National Institutes of Health. Hemorrhoids are an uncomfortable, yet common health problem that many folks have to endure.
What Are Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are actually a normal part of the human anatomy and serve a purpose. These little blood vessels act like water balloons inside the lower rectum, and help people control bowel movements. But sometimes, hemorrhoids can become swollen or inflamed, causing symptoms such as bleeding or pain.
There are internal hemorrhoids, which are located inside the rectum, and external hemorrhoids, which are found under the skin around the anus. Symptoms include anal itching, pain during bowel movements, anal ache or pain, and bright red blood found on the stool, toilet paper or in the toilet bowl.
Hemorrhoids can stem from straining during bowel movements, having constipation, or sitting for too long are often the causes.
How Can Our Los Angeles Colorectal Surgeons Help
You can visit our Hemorrhoid Center of Excellence website for detailed information on symptoms, causes and treatment options or call our office to make an appointment.
Here are some frequently asked questions:
Q: Are OTC hemorrhoid treatments effective?
A: Over-the-counter hemorrhoid treatments like creams and ointments can be effective in treating mild cases of external hemorrhoids by relieving the pain and itching associated with the condition.
Q: How soon should my hemorrhoids begin to improve?
A: Your hemorrhoids should heal in about a week. If hemorrhoids last longer, you may need to seek professional medical assistance.
Q: When should I seek professional treatment for hemorrhoids?
A: You may need to see a colorectal surgeon or GI specialist for hemorrhoids lasting longer than a week or any severe rectal bleeding or pain.
Q: What if my problem isn’t caused by hemorrhoids?
A: The board-certified doctors at the Hemorrhoid Center of Excellence are experts at diagnosing various colorectal problems. If your symptoms are not caused by hemorrhoids, our surgeons may want to perform a colonoscopy or another screening test to determine the source.
Contact Our Los Angeles Hemorrhoid Specialists Today
The good news is there are several ways to treat hemorrhoids and ease the pain, itching and other unpleasant symptoms. The Hemorrhoid Center of Excellence in Los Angeles offers minimally invasive, state-of-the art procedures to treat hemorrhoids. Contact our Beverly Hills office for a consultation at 888-742-2032.