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Constipation & Hemorrhoid Treatment Specialist

Gastro Center of Maryland -  - Gastroenterologist

Gastro Center of Maryland

If you’re suffering from constipation or hemorrhoids, board-certified gastroenterologists at the Gastro Center of Maryland provide personalized treatment options. Gastro Center of Maryland offers services to patients who live in the greater DMV area. To schedule a consultation, call 410-290-6677 or book an appointment online today! 

Constipation & Hemorrhoid Treatment Q & A

What is a hemorrhoid?

Hemorrhoids—also known as piles— are swollen veins located in or near the opening of the anus. They can be extremely uncomfortable and may itch. If they are sensitive enough, they bleed when a hard bowel movement is passed.  Hemorrhoids are common in patients with constipation or hard stools. They commonly appear during pregnancy and many will go away on their own without treatment. Hemorrhoids that grow large can be uncomfortable and cause pain and/or itching. The larger a hemorrhoid grows the less likely it will recede on its own. Hemorrhoids are not dangerous in most situations and are not linked to polyps or colon cancer.

What is hemorrhoid banding?

Hemorrhoid banding is a form of treatment in which a rubber band is placed on the protruding section of a hemorrhoid. The small rubber band is usually attached to the hemorrhoid closest to the anal opening. It will cut off the flow of blood to the vein, causing the vein to shrink and eventually drop off. The rubber band will also drop off at this time. The procedure may be slightly uncomfortable, but most tolerate it well.  Hemorrhoid banding is a non-surgical way of treating hemorrhoids.  There will be no open wound or scar tissue left behind.

Do hemorrhoids indicate cancer?

Hemorrhoids are not the same as a polyp and do not cause colon cancer. A hemorrhoid is simply a vein that lies along the surface of the rectal wall and eventually becomes engorged and protrudes outward. Polyps, on the other hand, are growths that result from abnormal cells along the inside of the large intestine or colon. While hemorrhoids have been linked to rectal bleeding, the bleeding is secondary to the vein being irritated and not from a cancerous lesion.

What is constipation?

Many people believe that constipation is the inability to have a bowel movement, however, this is incorrect. Constipation occurs when a person has difficulty moving their bowels. Some people produce very few stools while others may have to strain excessively to eliminate the waste. Both are considered types of constipation. When a person is constipated, their stools are often hard and dry. They may be difficult or painful to pass, exacerbating hemorrhoids and leading to rectal bleeding. Constipation usually occurs because there is a lack of fiber in the diet leading to less water in the stool. Constipation can also be a side effect of certain types of medication.

What is the main cause of constipation?

One of the main causes of constipation is the lack of fluid in the digestive tract. Fiber absorbs fluid as it moves through the digestive tract. The fluid makes the stools softer and much easier to pass through the rectum and anus. When the stool is the right consistency, the person doesn’t have to excessively strain to have a bowel movement. Constipation is often a medication side effect.

What is diverticulitis?

Diverticulitis is a health condition that affects the colon. The colon is made up of sections that move in a wave to help the wastes from the digestive processes move towards the rectum for elimination. Over time, small pouches can form along the walls of the colon. If the waste becomes lodged in the pockets and they eventually become inflamed or infected, diverticulitis is the result. The condition may cause abdominal pain, fevers, chills, and diarrhea. Increasing fiber in the diet may be beneficial to those who have had diverticulitis as a lack of fiber makes it difficult for the waste to travel through the colon smoothly.

Custom testimonials


  • "Everyone at the office is wonderful"

    —Anne S.

  • "The Annapolis office was a delight to visit. Everyone answered my questions and calmed my fears. I have no problem with my doctor conducting my procedure in a few weeks."

    —GRETCHEN H.

  • "I have been happy with the staff and care I've received here so far satisfied with my overall experience"

    —BONNIE K.

  • "Highly recommend Dr. Rosenbloom. I went to see him with some concerns and had a ton of anxiety and fear. "

    —BRETT C.

  • "All of the staff are really nice and helpful. Colleen Abell is so easy to talk to, she listens to what you have to say and is determined to help with the any concerns ..."

    —CRISTINA R

  • "Dr. Rosenbloom is the best . He takes the time to listen and after suffering for 3 yrs going back and forth to my primary. Dr . Rosenbloom figured out exactly what I ..."

    —MICHELLE P

  • "Very friendly each and everyone is ready to help you at every step. I love going there."

    —ASHVIN S.

  • "Been a patient for about a year now. Dr. Castillo is fantastic, along with Colleen. She was very attentive to my concerns and showed a lot of compassion. Would highly ..."

    —ANGELA O.

  • "Friendly physician and nursing staff with great bedside manner. Couldn't be more pleased with the experience."

    —Dennis K.

  • "Great Staff awesome experience."

    —Mel S.

  • "From first contact when setting up the appointment to the appointment itself, I was welcomed with nothing less than professionalism, kindness, and had my mind put at ease in being able to trust the staff. The front desk was nice and friendly, the assistant who took my vitals and initial information was attentive, and Dr. Rosenbloom was amazing. He actually took his time to listen to my problems, conducted the start of a game plan with concerns and safety in mind at the front of everything, and was very easy to talk to. He made an effort to ensure I understood (I'm not a doctor, nor do I pretend to be when given medical terminology or information outside of what the average person would know), and he not only got that, but was respectful in his responses to the point where I felt like he was making sure we were on the same page without being condescending. I never once felt rushed during my appointment, and felt really great walking out. A good doctor in any field is hard to find these days, so don't pass one up when you find one. Dr. Rosenbloom is still one of the "good ones." I highly recommend him as a doctor and his office."

    —Courtney C.

  • "The doctor and nurses were very friendly and nice! I would totally recommend anyone to use their services!! ♥️ s/o to nurse Johanna* for her incredibly human treatment towards me since I was very nervous and afraid"

    —Jimena C.

  • "Wonderful from the Dr to the staff perfect."

    —Jackie G.

  • "I was very pleased with the services. You were all very nice. The office was so easy to get to and it is nice and clean."

    —Ann R.

  • "Dr. Prakash was great! Extremely knowledgeable and took her time to share information and answer questions. Nurses, office personnel, and staff were very kind and knowledgeable as well.."

    —Mary T.

  • "I loved it there. Everyone was very friendly and professional the most pleasant experienced I’ve ever had."

    —Copeland S.

  • "A carrying staff that search for way to solve your health problems. You are treated as a family member not as just another patient. They are incredible at seeing you at your appointment time."

    —Larry G.

  • "I was very satisfied with the help that I received, the kind people, personalities and service from Gastro Center Of Maryland!"

    —Stanley H.

 OUR LOCATIONS

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Annapolis

1419 Forest Drive, Suite 105, Annapolis, MD 21403

410-290-6677

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Columbia

7120 Minstrel Way, Suite #100 & #211, Columbia, MD 21045

7130 Minstrel Way, Suite #217, Columbia, MD 21045

410-290-6677

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Gaithersburg

501 N Frederick Ave, Suite 204, Gaithersburg, MD 20877

410-290-6677

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Olney

3407 Olandwood Court, Suite #102, Olney, MD 20832

410-290-6677

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Riverdale

6502 Kenilworth Avenue, Suite #100, Riverdale, MD 20737

410-290-6677

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Timonium / Lutherville

1212 York Rd, Suite B201, Lutherville, MD 21093

410-290-6677

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