Hemorrhoids is a condition cause by swollen and inflamed veins in the lower portion of the anal canal (rectum), inside the anus (internal hemorrhoids) and/or just beneath the skin around the anus (external hemorrhoids). This condition is painful. However if properly treated and cared for not serious.
Symptoms of Internal Hemorrhoids:
Bleeding during your bowel movements, this may result in bright red blood on toilet paper, covering stool, or in the toilet bowl. Irritation and pain may occur if an internal hemorrhoid begins to protrude from the anus to the exterior of the body. An internal hemorrhoid that does this is often called a protruding hemorrhoid.
Pain from a protruding hemorrhoid may intensify during bowel movements because of the excess pressure applied to the swollen vein by the anal muscles. You may also notice the draining of mucus from both internal and treating hemorrhoids. Draining mucus can intensify itching. Also, you may find it difficult to clean the anal area due to pain.
Symptoms External Hemorrhoids:
Pain, swelling, or a firm lump in the anus region caused by the formation of a blood clot, referred to as a thrombosed or clotted hemorrhoid. Draining mucus may also intensify itching. It may be difficult to clean the anal area due to pain.
Excessive straining when having a bowel movement, excessive rubbing or cleaning around the anus can cause additional irritation with increased bleeding and itching. This can lengthen the recovery time, making your situation that much more intense.
Methods of Treatment
The treatment of hemorrhoids will vary depending on the severity and type of hemorrhoid in question.
Many cases of internal and external hemorrhoids can be treated in the home. Corticosteriod creams, some of which can be purchased over-the-counter at your local drugstore can help to alleviate pain and reduce swelling. You may also consider purchasing a cream or ointment that contains lidocaine, which has properties that can help to relieve pain.
Witch hazel an extract from the witch hazel plant can be purchased from your local drugstore or supermarket can help to alleviate itching. Cotton undergarments allow for good air flow and have absorbent properties that can also help reduce itching caused by hemorrhoids. You will want to avoid toilet tissue that contains any dyes or perfumes. The dyes and perfumes used in the production of toilet paper can irritate and external hemorrhoid in the area surrounding anus.
Another home technique for relieving some of the symptoms of the hemorrhoid include sitting in a tub of plain warm water for approximately 10 minutes several times a day. You may also consider using a sitz bath to soothe the area, reduce itching, and help with pain.
The use of stool softeners or adding fibber the diet can also help reduce the symptoms of a problematic hemorrhoid. With the stool softened bowel movement will be less a irritating to the hemorrhoids both internal and external, which can lessen the symptoms.
If the hemorrhoids do not respond well to the steps being taken at home for the action may need to be taken by a surgeon or a gastroenterologist. The following are some of the procedures that a healthcare provider may choose to rectify your hemorrhoidal problem:
- Infrared Coagulation: a method of applying heat to shrink internal hemorrhoids, this procedure can help avoid the need for surgery.
- Rubber Band Ligation: A procedure in which bands are placed around the hemorrhoid at the base or around scar tissue to cut off blood circulation. The blood no longer flowing anymore either shrinks or goes away.
- Sclerotherapy: Is a method that requires an injection of a special chemical solution around the affected blood vessel, which will aid in the shrinking of the hemorrhoid.
- Hemorrhoidectomy: Is usually an outpatient surgical procedure reserved for the spheres of cases or those that do not respond to other types of treatment.
Preventive Measures for Hemorrhoids
To help reduce recurring bouts with hemorrhoids, one needs to reduce the amount of pressure and straining associated with constipation. Increasing your daily intake of fiber and water can help to reduce constipation, thereby helping to reduce the chances of a recurring hemorrhoid. The goal is to have softer bulkier stool. This can be achieved by drinking 6 to 8 glasses of water daily, while also ingesting the proper amount of fiber.
To increase your to increase your fiber, you will want to incorporate the following food types into your daily diet:
- Fruits High in Fiber
- Vegetable High in Fiber
- Whole Grains
Your doctor may suggest or you yourself can consider some dietary supplements for additional fiber. Psyllium found in Metamucil or methylcellulose found in Citrucel are two popular forms of fiber supplements.
It may be also suggested to increase physical exercise. Exercising can increase blood circulation overall health. (Always check with your doctor before starting a new exercise regimen.)
