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Internal Hemorrhoids
At GastroDoxs in Houston, board-certified gastroenterologist Dr. Nghia Nguyen provides expert internal hemorrhoid care. He combines gentle exams, dietary guidance and minimally invasive outpatient treatments, such as banding or sclerotherapy, to relieve bleeding, itching and discomfort and improve bowel health.
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Straining during bowel movements
Chronic constipation or diarrhea
Prolonged sitting (e.g., desk jobs, long drives)
Pregnancy and childbirth
Overweight or heavy lifting
Age over 50
Signs and Symptoms
Bright red bleeding with bowel movements
Sensation of incomplete evacuation
Mucus on stool or anal itching
A soft bulge inside the rectum that may retract on its own
How Dr. Nghia Nguyen Diagnoses This Condition?
Dr. Nguyen uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Symptom Review
He reviews your bowel habits, straining, bleeding episodes, itching, and any associated pain.
Physical Exam and Digital Rectal Exam
A gentle rectal exam helps identify swollen veins, assess for bulges, and rule out external issues.
Anoscopic Evaluation
Using an anoscope, Dr. Nguyen directly visualizes internal hemorrhoids to determine their size and grade.
Additional Testing (if needed)
Proctoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy to inspect the lower rectum and colon.
Colonoscopy if bleeding is unexplained or there's concern for other colorectal conditions.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for internal hemorrhoids.
1. Lifestyle and Diet Modifications
Increase fiber intake with fruits, vegetables and whole grains
Drink 8-10 glasses of water daily to soften stools
Avoid delaying bathroom visits to reduce straining
Incorporate regular light exercise such as walking
2. Medications
Over-the-counter creams or suppositories for symptom relief
Stool softeners to ease bowel movements
Pain relievers for short-term discomfort control
3. Office or Outpatient Procedures
Rubber band ligation to cut off blood supply to the hemorrhoid
Sclerotherapy injections to shrink enlarged veins
Infrared coagulation therapy to seal the hemorrhoidal vessels
Hemorrhoidectomy surgery for persistent or severe cases
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do internal hemorrhoids go away on their own?
Mild cases often improve with increased fiber, hydration, and lifestyle changes. If symptoms persist, in-office treatments can help.
Can internal hemorrhoids cause constipation?
No. However, straining from constipation can worsen hemorrhoids, so stool softeners and fiber are recommended.
How are internal and external hemorrhoids different?
Internal hemorrhoids form inside the rectum and usually aren't painful, while external hemorrhoids develop under the skin around the anus and can be painful or itchy.
When should I see a doctor?
See a physician if you experience bright red bleeding, pain, or no improvement after one to two weeks of home care.
Are there non-surgical treatments?
Yes. We offer office-based procedures like rubber band ligation, sclerotherapy injections, and infrared coagulation.
What is the ICD-10 code for internal hemorrhoids?
The code is K64.0. It's used for medical records and insurance billing.
