By AFC Urgent Care Coppell
Hemorrhoids are one of the most common and uncomfortable conditions affecting millions of Americans every year — yet they’re rarely talked about. If you’ve ever experienced rectal itching, burning, or bleeding during bowel movements, you may be dealing with hemorrhoids. The good news? Relief is closer than you think.
At AFC Urgent Care Coppell, we treat patients across Coppell, Lewisville, Flower Mound, Valley Ranch, Irving, Las Colinas, and Carrollton for a wide range of digestive and gastrointestinal complaints — including hemorrhoids. Our medical team provides fast, compassionate care to help you feel better without the embarrassment or long waits of a hospital setting.
In this blog, we’ll cover:
- What hemorrhoids are and what causes them
- Different types of hemorrhoids
- Common symptoms and warning signs
- How they’re diagnosed and treated
- When to visit urgent care
- Prevention tips to avoid future flare-ups
What Are Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swollen veins in the lower rectum or anus, similar to varicose veins. They can occur inside the rectum (internal hemorrhoids) or under the skin around the anus (external hemorrhoids). Hemorrhoids are very common — over 75% of adults will experience them at some point.
While hemorrhoids are usually not dangerous, they can cause pain, discomfort, and rectal bleeding, especially if left untreated.
What Causes Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are caused by increased pressure in the lower rectum, which leads to swollen blood vessels. This pressure can be the result of:
💩 Straining During Bowel Movements
Chronic constipation or diarrhea increases pressure on rectal veins.
📉 Low-Fiber Diet
Lack of fiber leads to harder stools and more straining.
🪑 Prolonged Sitting
Sitting for long periods — especially on the toilet — restricts blood flow and puts pressure on veins.
🤰 Pregnancy
The growing uterus increases abdominal pressure, and hormonal changes make blood vessels more prone to swelling.
🏋️ Heavy Lifting
Frequent or improper lifting can strain the lower body and rectal area.
🎂 Aging
Tissues supporting the veins in your rectum and anus can weaken and stretch with age.
🚽 Delaying Bowel Movements
Holding it in can lead to dry, hard stools and increased rectal pressure.
Types of Hemorrhoids
There are two primary types of hemorrhoids, each with distinct symptoms:
1. Internal Hemorrhoids
- Located inside the rectum
- Usually painless
- May cause bright red bleeding during bowel movements
- Can protrude outside the anus (prolapsed) and become painful
2. External Hemorrhoids
- Found under the skin around the anus
- Often painful and itchy
- Can cause swelling and lumps near the anal opening
- May develop blood clots (thrombosed hemorrhoids), which can be extremely painful and require urgent care
Symptoms of Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoid symptoms vary based on type and severity but commonly include:
- Rectal itching or irritation
- Pain or discomfort, especially while sitting
- Bright red blood on toilet paper or in the toilet
- Swelling or lumps around the anus
- Mucus discharge
- A feeling of fullness or pressure in the rectum
- Throbbing pain (especially with thrombosed hemorrhoids)
If you live in Grapevine, Irving, or Las Colinas and are experiencing any of these symptoms, a visit to AFC Urgent Care Coppell can help determine the cause and get you fast relief.
When Should You Visit Urgent Care for Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids don’t always require medical treatment, but you should not ignore certain symptoms, especially if they worsen or persist.
Visit AFC Urgent Care Coppell if:
- You notice rectal bleeding
- Pain is severe or interferes with daily life
- Over-the-counter treatments aren’t working
- You suspect a thrombosed hemorrhoid (sudden, sharp pain and hard lump)
- A hemorrhoid has prolapsed and won’t go back inside
- There’s a risk of infection or abscess
- You are pregnant and experiencing rectal pain
Rectal bleeding should always be evaluated to rule out other serious conditions like colon polyps or colorectal cancer.
What to Expect During Your Visit to AFC Urgent Care Coppell
Our goal is to make you feel comfortable, respected, and cared for. We understand that hemorrhoids can be a sensitive topic, and our providers treat every patient with professionalism and compassion.
During your visit, we may:
- Review your symptoms and medical history
- Conduct a visual and/or digital rectal exam
- Recommend treatment options based on the type and severity of hemorrhoids
- Rule out other conditions (e.g., anal fissures, infections, colorectal issues)
We provide walk-in access 7 days a week, so you can get care when it fits your schedule — no appointment needed.
Hemorrhoid Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the severity of the hemorrhoids and whether they are internal or external.
🧴 Over-the-Counter Relief:
- Topical creams (e.g., Preparation H, hydrocortisone)
- Witch hazel wipes
- Pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen
- Stool softeners to reduce straining
🛁 Home Remedies:
- Warm sitz baths (10–15 minutes, several times daily)
- Cold compresses to reduce swelling
- Increased fiber and fluid intake
- Avoiding sitting for prolonged periods
- Avoiding straining during bowel movements
💉 In-Clinic Treatments:
At AFC Coppell, we may provide or recommend:
- Prescription creams or suppositories
- Drainage of thrombosed hemorrhoids
- Referrals to specialists for severe or recurrent cases
More advanced options like rubber band ligation, infrared coagulation, or surgical removal (hemorrhoidectomy) are available through specialist referrals.
Can Hemorrhoids Be Prevented?
Yes! The best way to avoid hemorrhoids is to reduce pressure on your rectal veins and maintain healthy bowel habits.
Tips to Prevent Hemorrhoids:
- Eat a high-fiber diet (25–30g per day)
- Drink 6–8 glasses of water daily
- Exercise regularly to prevent constipation
- Use the bathroom as soon as you feel the urge
- Don’t strain or sit on the toilet for long periods
- Avoid lifting heavy objects improperly
- Consider fiber supplements if needed (e.g., Metamucil)
Hemorrhoids in Pregnancy
Pregnancy increases the risk of hemorrhoids due to hormonal changes, increased blood volume, and pressure from the uterus. Many women experience hemorrhoids during the third trimester or after delivery.
Symptoms include itching, discomfort, and bleeding — which may worsen with straining during labor.
At AFC Coppell, we offer safe, pregnancy-friendly relief options for expectant mothers from Lewisville, Valley Ranch, and Coppell experiencing painful hemorrhoids.
What About Hemorrhoids in Children?
While rare, hemorrhoids can occasionally affect older children or teenagers — usually due to:
- Chronic constipation
- Low-fiber diets
- Prolonged straining during bowel movements
- Excessive sitting (gaming, remote school)
We offer gentle pediatric care and guidance for parents in Carrollton, Grapevine, and Las Colinas dealing with digestive concerns in children.
When Is Rectal Bleeding an Emergency?
While hemorrhoids are a common cause of rectal bleeding, other serious conditions can present similarly. Always seek urgent evaluation if you experience:
- Bleeding accompanied by dizziness or fainting
- Large amounts of blood
- Black, tarry, or maroon-colored stool
- Weight loss or fatigue
- Abdominal pain with bleeding
- Rectal bleeding that persists more than a week
These symptoms may indicate conditions like diverticulitis, colon polyps, ulcers, or colorectal cancer. At AFC Urgent Care Coppell, we can evaluate your symptoms and refer you for further screening if needed.
You Don’t Have to Suffer from Hemorrhoids in Silence
While hemorrhoids are common, they shouldn’t be ignored. Whether you’re dealing with pain, itching, swelling, or bleeding, prompt treatment can bring quick relief and prevent complications.
At AFC Urgent Care Coppell, we’re proud to serve patients throughout Coppell, Lewisville, Valley Ranch, Las Colinas, Carrollton, Irving, and Grapevine with same-day, walk-in care. Our compassionate team is here to listen, evaluate your symptoms, and guide you toward healing — with discretion, respect, and expert care.
Visit AFC Urgent Care Coppell Today
📍 Serving Coppell, Lewisville, Flower Mound, Valley Ranch, Las Colinas, Irving, Carrollton & Grapevine
