Clusters of enlarged blood vessels that occur in the lower rectum and anus are known as hemorrhoids. It might cause swelling due to the dilated blood vessels and might be irritated when the feces leaves the body. Hemorrhoids may be broadly classified into two categories
- Internal hemorrhoids which originate in the rectum, and
- External hemorrhoids which originate in the anus
This condition has been causing pain, discomfort, and irritation for as long as men can remember. Almost everyone is known to suffer from this condition at some point in their life. If you are also someone suffering from a hemorrhoid then you are not alone. Read on to know how to get rid of hemorrhoids.
There are various symptoms that enlarged hemorrhoids may manifest. Some of which are:
- Itchiness
- Mucus discharge
- Burning sensation
- Pain
- Tenderness
- Bleeding
- Swelling
- Difficulty in bowel movement
Internal Hemorrhoids
Internal hemorrhoids are often hard to notice as it does not cause any pain until they become substantially large. They occur in the inner lining of the rectum. You will not be able to see it but you will definitely feel it once it becomes very large. The only symptom that you will experience is bleeding while passing stools.
There are cases where internal hemorrhoids might obtrude out of the anus. Such hemorrhoids are quite painful. Such protrusion might go back to its original position however if it does not then you can push it back into its place very gently.
External Hemorrhoids
External hemorrhoids usually occur outside the anus. They can be easily noticed as when it occurs it manifests various symptoms such as
- Itchiness
- Bleeding during bowel movement
- Pain and discomfort
If the external hemorrhoid prolapses then there are chances that blood clots might form inside it leading to a condition called thrombosis. In such a situation hemorrhoids might look scary as it might turn purple, and cause bleeding. This condition could lead to severe pain.
Although it might look like a serious complication, they are usually not a serious condition. However, the pain it manifests can be unbearable. In such a situation, a health advisor can help you to remove the clotting to relieve you from the pain and any other discomfort associated with it.
As far as treatment of the Hemorrhoids is considered, there are various home remedies, OTC medicines, and surgical treatments to get rid of the hemorrhoids.
Stool Softening Treatments
Stool softening treatments might be helpful but not always. Once the hemorrhoid starts to manifest itself, soft or liquid bowel movements might cause infections as well as inflammation. So before you start using it, you are advised to discuss the viability of this form of treatment on your condition with your health advisor.
Sclerotherapy
This is one of the oldest forms of treatment for addressing hemorrhoids. In this procedure, the health practitioner will inject a liquid at the base of hemorrhoid to make it shrink. You might experience some pain after the procedure which will gradually subside later on. There are possibilities of getting the symptoms of hemorrhoids after a couple of years and further treatment may be required.
Rubber Band Ligation
In this procedure, the base of the hemorrhoid is tight with a rubber band so that the tissue is cut off. As a result, an ulcer might replace the tissue and be healed. It might nevertheless leave behind some scars. This form of treatment is considered to be more effective than sclerotherapy and can be used on mild, moderate, and severe hemorrhoids. The symptoms might recur after some years and can be treated using the same procedure.
Pain, infection, and bleeding are some of the symptoms that you might experience post the litigation treatment.
Surgical treatment for Hemorrhoids
Many individuals prefer to go for non-surgical treatments of hemorrhoids as there are fewer complications, discomfort, and pain associated with it. Also, in most cases, hemorrhoids can be treated using home remedies, otc medications, and other non-surgical procedures if it is noticed early. However, in severe cases such as third or fourth degree hemorrhoids, surgical intervention is required. Following are the surgical procedures available for the treatment of hemorrhoids.
- Excisional Hemorrhoidectomy, and
- Stapled Hemorrhoidectomy
Excisional Hemorrhoidectomy
In this procedure, an incision is made to cut out the internal as well as external hemorrhoid. The wounds may either be left open or stitched to heal. Sometimes, proctoplasty is also performed so that the prolapsed anal lining might also be removed. One of the major symptoms that most patients experience after this procedure is severe pain.
Stapled Hemorrhoidectomy
This procedure is the latest surgical procedure that helps in effectively getting rid of hemorrhoids. In this type of treatment, the tissue supporting the expanded hemorrhoid is removed instead of removing the hemorrhoids, allowing the hemorrhoid to slide downward.
How to Prevent Hemorrhoids?
An improved lifestyle and healthy eating which includes high fiber diets and drinking lots of fluid can be helpful in preventing hemorrhoids. This way it will help you in keeping your stool so that it can be easily passed without any strains. It will also greatly reduce your chances of suffering from constipation which will, in turn, lower the risk of developing hemorrhoids. Following are some of the simplest ways that can help in the prevention of hemorrhoids:
Avoid Delay Going to the Bathroom
Delay in using the bathroom will only lead to hard and dry stool which will be least helpful in your bowel movements. Straining during bowel movements increases the risk of getting hemorrhoids. Therefore it is advised to avoid delaying and to use the bathroom when you need to use it.
The Bathroom is not a Reading Room
When you are in the bathroom concentrate only on your business. Avoid taking your phone, books, magazines, newspapers, etc in the bathroom. Spending more time in the bathroom will increase your chances of straining, thereby, increasing the risk of getting hemorrhoids.
The Fiber in Your Diet is a Must Include
The inclusion of smart diet choices such as fibrous vegetables, fruits, and whole grains will be helpful in your bowel movements. Drinking plenty of fluids is also essential. Lack of fiber is the main culprit in causing constipation which increases the risk of hemorrhoids.
Keep Working Out
Working out regularly will be helpful in alleviating digestive issues and many other bowel-related symptoms. Therefore continue to maintain an active lifestyle to avoid constipation. However, if you are suffering from hemorrhoids, then you are advised to avoid exercises that increase abdominal pressure.