Hemorrhoids (sometimes called ‘piles’ or ‘hemroids’) is an unfortunately common problem that about half the population will have to deal with by the age of fifty. Hemorrhoids are, essentially, enlarged veins located in the skin of the lower rectum and anus. There are two types of piles: internal and external. Both types cause bleeding during a bowel movement, and can cause itchiness and pain ranging from mild to severe. Luckily, this uncomfortable and often painful condition responds well to treatment. This article will focus on hemorrhoids treatment.
Internal piles are usually painless, but they can swell and distend enough to prolapse (i. E., protrude through the anus). Prolapsed piles can cause discomfort and leave you open to infection, but in most cases, they can be gently pushed back inside the anus. External piles can be felt as bumps under the skin when they are swollen, and can cause itchiness and pain, and if the hemorrhoid is thrombosed (i. E. A blood clot has formed in the vein) the pain can be quite severe.
The good news is that it is possible to give yourself symptomatic hemorrhoids treatment. There are a lot of over-the-counter creams, ointments and suppositories that will help with symptom relief and comfort.
Drinking more liquid and increasing your dietary fiber (roughage) intake will help you avoid constipation and lessen rectal and anal pressure during bowel movements, which will minimize further swelling, discomfort and bleeding.
Use an air, foam or rubber donut (found at most pharmacies) when you have to sit, and try not to sit for long periods of time. Exercise helps to relieve pressure in hemorrhoidal veins as well, and helps ease constipation too. When you feel the need to have a bowel movement, do so as soon as possible.
Sitting in a warm, shallow bath for fifteen to twenty minutes (known as a Sitz bath) three times a day can help to reduce swelling and inflammation. Be sure to gently but thoroughly dry the anal area afterwards, to avoid skin irritation.
While avoiding constipation is a priority, stool softeners should be used with caution – they may help at first, but once piles are present, runny stools may actually cause inflammation and infection. Consult with your pharmacist or other medical professional to discuss what is best for you.
Going to your doctor is always the safest, surest way to handle any physical ailment. If you do, you can expect him or her to examine your medical history and perform a physical examination, which will include a digital rectal exam. In many cases, no further tests are needed before beginning treatment.
Most often, thrombosed piles need to be removed by a doctor – after a local anesthetic is applied, a small incision is made with a scalpel and the clot is removed, providing instant relief. Prolapsed hemorrhoids can swell further and become entrapped. Surgery is often the recourse in this circumstance. In this and other severe cases, there are various surgical options to consider, such as rubber band ligation, sclerotherapy, laser therapy, hemorrhoidectomy and stapled hemorrhoidectomy.
If you suffer from hemorrhoids, you are doing the right thing by finding out as much as you can about the condition and the way to treat hemorrhoids.
Remember, if you are still unsure, or are experiencing some of the more severe symptoms described above, see a medical professional as soon as possible to discuss the hemorrhoids treatment that is best for you.
