Hemorrhoids Treatment

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What You Need to Know

Hemorrhoids are very common in both men and women. At age 50, half of the population suffer from hemorrhoids. Pregnant women are also prone to hemorrhoids. It is caused by the enlargement of the blood vessels due to the pressure of the fetus in the abdomen, as well as hormonal changes. Likewise, they are placed under severe pressure during childbirth. However, hemorrhoids caused by pregnancy are temporary for most women.

Hemorrhoids happen when the veins around the anus or lower rectum become swollen and inflamed resulting from straining to move stool. Several factors like pregnancy, aging, chronic constipation or diarrhea, and anal intercourse may contribute to the appearance of hemorrhoids. Despite having similar symptoms, anorectal problems like fissures, fistulae, abscesses or irritation and itching are not hemorrhoids. They are not life threatening or dangerous.
Hemorrhoids are either inside the anus (internal) or under the skin around the anus (external).

Some people with hemorrhoids do not experience symptoms. The most common symptom of internal hemorrhoids include bright red blood covering the stool, on toilet paper, or in the toilet bowl.
There are two kinds of hemorrhoids. A protruding hemorrhoid protrudes through the anus thereby causing irritation and painfulness. A thrombosed external hemorrhoid includes painful swelling or a hard lump around the anus that results when a blood clot forms.

Excessive straining, rubbing, or cleaning around the anus also causes irritation with bleeding and/or itching, which may produce a vicious cycle of symptoms. Itching may also be caused by draining mucus.

It is important that doctors thoroughly evaluate and diagnose when there is bleeding from the rectum or blood in the stool since the blood in the rectum may also be a symptom of other digestive diseases, including colorectal cancer.

Using a device called anoscope, a closer evaluation of the rectum for hemorrhoids can be determined. A proctoscope is useful for more completely examining the entire rectum.

Several methods may be used to remove or reduce the size of internal hemorrhoids. These techniques include

• Rubber band ligation. When placed around the base of the hemorrhoid inside the rectum, circulation is cut off by a rubber band and the hemorrhoid shrinks in a few days.

• Sclerotherapy. Injecting a chemical solution around the blood vessel shrinks the hemorrhoid.

• Infrared coagulation. This method uses a special device to burn tissues that cause hemorrhoids.

• Hemorrhoidectomy. This method is the occasional removal by surgery of extensive or severe internal or external hemorrhoids.

Prevention of hemorrhoids can be done by ensuring that stools are always soft so that they pass easily. After the urge occurs, empty bowels as soon as possible. Taking a regular exercise, including walking, and eating an increased fiber diet eases constipation and also helps reduce hemorrhoids.

Hemroids