Early hemorrhoid treatment is important to prevent worsening of the condition or the occurrence of serious complications.
Hemorrhoids or hemorrhoid are veins that have enlarged located in the anus or rectum, usually on the lower part. They may become swollen due to the increased in the pressure in the area. Pressure may be brought about by straining when moving stools or during pregnancy because of the uterus becoming enlarged.
There are two types of hemorrhoids, internal and external hemorrhoids. Determining the type is important because hemorrhoid treatment may sometimes depend on the type. Internal hemorrhoid is a type of hemorrhoid that is located inside the rectum’s lining and cannot be felt. This type is usually painless and manifests symptoms such as bleeding during bowel movement. Internal hemorrhoids may sometimes protrude or prolapsed through the anus.
On the other hand, external hemorrhoid is a type of hemorrhoid the surrounds the anus, underneath the skin. They may cause pain or itching during bowel movement and it can be felt when they are swollen. Bleeding may occur. Thrombosis may also occur in external hemorrhoids. This occurs when clotting happens with the veins. Thrombosis usually results to significant pain and requires prompt hemorrhoid treatment.
Hemorrhoid Causes
The most common cause of hemorrhoids is too much or an increase in pressure on the veins in the rectal and pelvic area. Normally, blood fills up the tissues inside the anus to aid in controlling bowel movements. Straining when moving stools increases the pressure in the tissue causing the veins to stretch and swelling, this then leads to hemorrhoids.
Constipation and diarrhea also leads to straining which results to an increase in the pressure on the veins in the pelvic or anal area. During the second trimester of pregnancy, pregnant women are also prone to develop hemorrhoids. This is because pregnancy increases the pressure on the pelvic area’s blood vessels. The strain brought by the baby during delivery may also lead to hemorrhoids. Obese individuals are also most likely to get hemorrhoids.
Identifying the cause of hemorrhoids is important as hemorrhoid treatment is more likely to depend on the cause.
Hemorrhoid Symptoms
Painless bleeding is the most common sign and symptom of hemorrhoids. The bleeding is commonly self-limiting. Bleeding is usually manifested through bright red blood dripping into the toilet, toilet paper, or surrounding the stools.
Bleeding during bowel movement is a sign that something is wrong and requires prompt hemorrhoids treatment. Although the most common cause of bleeding when passing stools, other diseases or conditions may cause bleeding, this includes: tumors, infection, and inflammatory bowel disease.
An individual with a prolapsed internal hemorrhoid may feel a lump located outside the anus. The protruding hemorrhoid may be pushed back into the anus. This resolves the problem of a prolapsed hemorrhoid; however, the hemorrhoid itself is not yet treated. In some cases, the hemorrhoid may swell and become enlarged, and can’t be pushed back into the anus. When it becomes entrapped, immediate medical attention is required. Individuals with hemorrhoids may also feel the need to move bowels constantly and itching around the anus.
A thrombosed external hemorrhoid often manifests severe pain, inflammation and swelling. As the clot develops the pain also increases. The pain usually becomes worse when sitting and moving bowels. Prompt medical treatment is important for thrombosed external hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoid Treatment and Management
Hemorrhoids treatment usually involves treatment of the symptoms itself. For inflammation, a warm sitz bath may help decrease it. This is done through sitting on warm water, at least a few inches away from it. This is done for at least 15-20 minutes, at least three times a day. To minimize irritation in the anus, it is important to dry the anal area off after a hot sitz bath. To decrease pressure on the anus and rectum and decrease risk for constipation, it is recommended that patients with hemorrhoids are to increase dietary fiber as well as fluid intake in the diet. This also helps minimize the risk for bleeding, discomfort, swelling, and bulks up the stools.
The use of stool softeners for patients with hemorrhoids may also be effective; however, liquid or watery stools may also result to infection and inflammation of the anus. Furthermore, people with hemorrhoids should also avoid sitting for long periods of time. The use of rubber or air donut as a sitting equipment also helps. To further relieve constipation, the physician may recommend patients to exercise as well as move bowels as the urge arises.
Over-the-counter medications for hemorrhoids are also available in the market. They may come in suppositories, ointments, or creams. They often use these medications to provide the patient comfort and relieve symptoms. These medications often contain corticosteroids for inflammation and numbing medications.
If other procedures aren’t successful, hemorrhoid treatment may require surgery. Surgery may involve the removal of hemorrhoid known as hemorrhoidectomy. During this procedure, the surgeon removes the excess tissue that causes bleeding.
Other Digestive System Diseases, Symptoms and Diagnosis
